By Brittany Rowland

You may think that there’s not much to consider when it comes to wine glasses, just as long as they hold wine, but you’d be surprised. We looked at a number of factors as we compiled our list of best 10 wine glasses:

1. Durability
2. Ease of cleaning — is it dishwasher safe?
3. How well it lets the wine breathe or concentrates the aroma.
4. Generous capacity
5. Elegance and classiness
6. Sturdiness and balance
7. Smoothness and thinness of the rim
8. How well it enhances the flavor and aroma of wine
9. Comfortable to hold

Wine Glasses Buying Guide

How Wine Glass Shape and Size Affects the Taste of Wine

You’d be surprised to know that experts have studied how the size and shape of wine glasses affects the taste and smell of wine. There’s a reason that there are a variety of glass shapes for different types of wine—each type enhances that wine’s special qualities.

You’re not only enhancing the taste of wine, but also the visual presentation. The right glass, with clear, brilliant clarity, shows off the rich color of the contents within. You feast as much with your eyes as with your mouth and stomach.

The shape and size of a wine glass determines how much of the surface of the wine is exposed to air. The level of oxidation, or exposure to air, has a subtle but noticeable affect on the chemicals within the wine that determine its taste and aroma. If the bowl of the glass is large enough, you can swirl the wine around to bring out all the flavor and smells.

Whites and Reds

But why are there different glasses for red and white wines? You can find all-purpose glasses that work for either kind of wine. They feature a tulip-shaped bowl that’s large enough for swirling but tapered enough to concentrate the bouquet.

However, wine connoisseurs appreciate a smaller version of the tulip glass for white wines. Whites generally don’t require much exposure to air, and the narrowed openings of white wine glasses keep the bouquet contained within and also help preserve the chill.

Full-bodied red wines benefit from aeration. The large burgundy glass features a large, open bowl that also makes an impressive presentation of these rich wines.

And of course, there’s also the champagne flute that you see at fancy occasions and New Year’s Eve parties. The long, narrow flute preserves the bubbles of champagne and also helps keep the drink chilled.

Rim, Stem, and Thickness

Even subtle qualities of the wine glass enhance the drinking experience. When the rim of the glass is thin and even, it directs wine to the right areas of the tongue for a full appreciation of the flavor. Depending on how wide the opening of the glass, the wine will either emit or retain its bouquet. Remember, reds generally require a glass with a wide opening, and whites taste better when the bouquet is concentrated in the glass.

The stem is also important, and not just for functional purposes. Yes, you hold the glass by the stem, so it should be long enough to be gripped comfortably. Doing so prevents the heat from your hand from altering the taste of the wine (yes, it has an effect).

With a stem firmly attached to both the bowl and the base, the wine glass should be sturdy enough to swirl the wine around. Thick glass is good for durability, but only at a minimum. The thinner the glass, the more you can appreciate the visual presentation of the wine.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Featured Wine Glasses Articles

Tips for Wine Glass Care

Regular wine glasses are designed to stand up to a lot of use. Typically possessing thick glass, they’re easy to throw in the dishwasher with all your other dishware. If you have some fine wine glasses, however, then you want to protect them and keep … [more]

Storing and Serving Red and White Wines

Wine connoisseurs are careful to store wines at specific temperatures depending on the type. Whites are generally chilled more than reds. Here’s a guide for the optimal storage temperatures for various wines … [more]

Proper Storage Temperatures for Wine

Many people buy and serve wine for social occasions: parties, holiday get-togethers, and nice dinners. They’re content just to have a handful of bottles at a time. Other people, though, are serious collectors who enjoy holding onto special bottles … [more]

More Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Wine Coolers

Wine coolers allow collectors to store bottles at just the right temperature so they last longer and are perfectly chilled when served. As we compiled the top 10 wine coolers, we considered several factors that set the top models apart from the … [more]

Regular wine glasses are designed to stand up to a lot of use. Typically possessing thick glass, they’re easy to throw in the dishwasher with all your other dishware.

If you have some fine wine glasses, however, then you want to protect them and keep them looking their brilliant best. Special cleaning and maintenance tips will help your glassware stay clear and prevent them from damage.

• Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Do not use hard or metal utensils to stir the drinks.
• Don’t place glassware in the microwave or freezer. Wash in the dishwasher only if the glasses are designated as dishwasher safe.
• For long-term storage, use bubble wrap or soft cloth rather than paper.
• Always use non-abrasive cleaners. To get rid of a stain on the glass, clean it with a lemon half or vinegar. Distilled water, rather than hard water, is better at preventing stains.

Generally, fine glasses are not meant to be put in the dishwasher. It’s best to hand wash them, and not only because they’re fragile. A dishwasher can erode the fine luster, or brilliance, of the glass. Use a non-abrasive cleaner and warm water to clean the glassware, and dry them with a lint-free cloth.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

More Wine Articles

Storing and Serving Red and White Wines

Wine connoisseurs are careful to store wines at specific temperatures depending on the type. Whites are generally chilled more than reds. Here’s a guide for the optimal storage temperatures for various wines … [more]

Proper Storage Temperatures for Wine

Many people buy and serve wine for social occasions: parties, holiday get-togethers, and nice dinners. They’re content just to have a handful of bottles at a time. Other people, though, are serious collectors who enjoy holding onto special bottles … [more]

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Wine Glasses

You may think that there’s not much to consider when it comes to wine glasses, just as long as they hold wine, but you’d be surprised. We looked at a number of factors as we compiled our list of best 10 wine glasses: 1. Durability, 2. Ease of … [more]

Top 10 Wine Coolers

Wine coolers allow collectors to store bottles at just the right temperature so they last longer and are perfectly chilled when served. As we compiled the top 10 wine coolers, we considered several factors that set the top models apart from the … [more]

By Brittany Rowland

Say you need some inexpensive wine glasses for an office party or large gathering, but you don’t want to worry about having enough glasses for red or white wine. With this 12-pack of all-purpose wine goblets from Libbey, you don’t have to worry anymore. A durable teardrop design guarantees they’ll hold up well, and they still look attractive enough to use for sociable gatherings. And you can’t beat the value: 12 goblets for just $18.95.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

Practical yet aesthetically pleasing, these Bormiolo Rocco white wine glasses are made of lead-free crystal and are durable enough to hold up against regular use. You and your guests will enjoy the sweet, enticing flavor of your favorite white wines with these glasses’ generous bowls, perfect for swirling. Even while they’re the standard type of white wine glasses used in restaurants, they lend a classy, elegant air. Best of all, they’re at a great price: $23.30 for a set of 4.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

If you’re looking for the perfect housewarming gift, or you’re eager to brighten up your own kitchen, then you’ll be pleased with the Tuscana colored wine glasses, which come in a set of four for $20.08. These glasses are tall and come in an assortment of colors: yellow, blue, green, and light purple. Guests are sure to comment on their appealing colors and design. Furthermore, their long stems make them easy to grip. Tuscana recommends handwashing these glasses for best results. We were happy with their sturdy construction and elegance.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

With a tremendous capacity of 21 1/8 ounces, these Riedel O Cabernet tumblers are ideal for parties. The stemless design makes them harder to accidentally knock over or break and emphasizes the gentle round curve of the bowl. Made of lead-free glass so they’re especially clear and consistent in thickness, these 8 glasses go for the price of 6: $75.59.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

An fun and festive set of balloon wine goblets for parties, these Mikasa Cheers glasses are made of delicate crystal and feature unique patterns etched into the bowls: horizontal lines, pinstripes, dots, and swirls. You’ll no longer have trouble telling guests’ glasses apart! The generous-sized bowls, 4 ½ inches across, hold 18 ounces of your favorite wine. The slender stems and thin rims add an air of elegance to the design. For $34.99, you’ll get a set of 4.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

Elegant and classy in design yet durable enough to be used repeatedly for parties and general family use, the Luminarc Nuance 65841 are a great value. For only $27.49, you get a set of twelve, and each glass holds ten and half ounces of wine, either red or white. The stems are sturdy enough that you don’t have to worry about breaking them often. Some consumers report using them for puddings and fruit juices as well—even for their kids. Best of all, they are dishwasher safe, so you can keep them crystal clear easily.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

If you like to party outdoors, then you know it’s risky bringing along your fancy wine goblets. If you’re at a public pool, glass isn’t even allowed. But with the Govino stemless wine glasses, you won’t have to worry about breaking or losing a couple. Made from a special polymer material called PETG, these “glasses” resemble crystal but are actually flexible and shatterproof. A thumb notch makes them easy to grip. You can hand-wash the set of 8 glasses, priced at $25.90, so many times and then eventually recycle them. Yes, they’re disposable, but they’re amazingly clear and look nicer than plastic goblets.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

Elegant, all-purpose red wine goblets, these Riedel Ouverture glasses feature a long, elongated bowl perfect for swirling your Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, or Merlot without splashing yourself. Lightweight and delicate to hold, yet tough enough to withstand the dishwasher, they’re ideal for dinner parties and everyday use. Best of all, this set includes 2 bonus glasses, so you’re getting 8 for the price of 6: $58.95.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

If you’ve ever entertained, then you know that traditional stemmed wine glasses are easy to knock over and difficult to fit in the dishwasher. Cleanup takes longer if you have to wash them by hand. With this 12-piece set of Libbey Vina stemless wine glasses, you won’t have to worry about these problems. Resting on a flat base, these white and red wine glasses are durable and classy in appearance—perfect for elegant company but strong enough to throw in the dishwasher with the rest of the dishware. A set of 12 glasses costs just $23.19.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

A simple, elegant design makes these Libbey Vina red wine goblets a classy choice when serving various red wines. Sturdy and clear, they hold a great capacity: 18 ¼ ounces. The large bowl with the tapered rim allows you to swirl the wine and breathe in its aroma before sipping to maximize the rich experience. A set of 6 costs only $17.95.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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