Best Wine Glasses

Glassware plays a more significant role at the dining table than you might think. A wine glass should offer a sense of trust when swirling, sniffing, and sipping, and it should change the way you smell and taste wine. We blind-tasted nearly 100 glasses of wine with the help of experts. The product has a higher aroma intensity than most others in our testing, even if it's inexpensive.

In addition to selecting the right wine, making sure the bottles are stored properly, and pairing it with your favorite foods, finding the right glassware to serve them in is the only thing left to do. In addition to their various aesthetics (some are minimalist, others are statement pieces), wine glasses can also enhance your wine drinking experience.

Due to the wide range of wine glasses available, we spoke to the experts to get their expert view on which features to look for-and whether separate glasses for different wines are really necessary. 

• A great choice: Schott Zwiesel glasses

This all-purpose wine glass from Schott Zwiesel has an average rating of 4.7 stars from more than 2,400 reviews, clearly making it a popular choice both for reds and whites. The dishwasher safe lead-free crystal glass makes them perfect for everyday use. German-made, these glasses are renowned for their durability.

• Pinot Noir Luigi Bormioli Wine Glass

A blend of technology and affordability combined in Luigi Bormioli's Atelier collection. A glassware company in Italy has created a gorgeous, highly brilliant, dishwasher safe glass that boasts cutting-edge features like laser-cut rims, titanium reinforcement, and seam-free stems. The 21-ounce capacity of these glasses makes them a great place to begin when stocking Pinot Noir glasses.

• The ultimate indulgence: Zalto Denk'Art Burgundy Wine Glass

The Denk'Art line is one of Zalto's most popular, according to wine professionals, and is widely loved. This Austrian brand made an important contribution in introducing hand-crafted and mouth-blown functional glasses to the market. Its simplicity, elegant, clean lines, an earthy tilt angle design, and its ability to function in both a fine dining and home setting explains the beauty of these 23-ounce style-specific glasses.

• Great value: Libbey Vineyard Reserve Wine Glass Set

The budget-friendly option is this 12-piece set of wine glasses from Libbey, a manufacturer of restaurant glassware, which Isle describes as a "major player in the restaurant glassware industry." The set comes with six white wine glasses and six red wine glasses. A perfect gift for your guests or a starter set for your first apartment, this set is less than $4 each. Among the shoppers, one commented, "They look wonderful, not cheap-looking."

• Most Unique: Crate and Barrel Camille Long Stem Wine Glass

Known for its large, spherical bowl, this glass is often used for Burgundies--lighter in body and aromas with a delicate touch. This bowl has a wide opening that aerates and amplifies what's in it, while the narrow opening enhances the aroma. We recommend hand-washing these Slovakian-made glasses, because they are durable, great to drink from every day, and they tap into our inner gladiator.

• Best for Reds: Ouverture Red Wine Glasses

Riedel's Ouverture Collection red wine glasses are ideal for everyday use, not as statement pieces as the Zalto wine glass above. The compact design makes them ideal for dishwashers, cabinets, and hanging racks, and they're compatible with most red wines. If you prefer a larger red wine glass, go for 35-ounce Double Magnum bottles instead (one customer appreciates that they prevent overtaking). This size holds about 12 ounces.

• White Wine Glasses: Riedel Veritas Collection

The Riedel varietal-specific wine glasses are perfect for white wines, but if you always prefer a particular type, pick one of Riedel's universal wine glasses. A range of high-quality glasses is offered to help accentuate the flavors of red wines like Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling. Champagne, beer, and many types of red wines are also accommodated. The glasses are perfectly made and lightweight.

• Flute of choice: Waterford Champagne Classic Flute

Isle, a drinking connoisseur, recommends Waterford's gorgeous wine glasses if you're looking for high-quality crystal. "Waterford makes lovely crystal glasses, though they do cost a lot," she says. Stainless steel glasses feature a graceful design that commemorates the brand's Lismore pattern, created in 1952. "These Waterford goblets look beautiful and are great for red wine, but You can also use it with white wine or water. The plates went on our registry to be used on special occasions, and I can't wait to pull them out during the holidays!

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What characteristics should I look for when buying wine glasses?

Wine glasses of good quality have thin lips and high levels of lightness, both of which are important to consider in your purchase. It's best not to avoid those traits in wine glasses.

Is there a shelf life for a bottle of wine? 

You will have to consider the quality of the wine. More costly wines that have a better pedigree with a higher sticker price can age for a long time, while less expensive wines can be enjoyed right away.

What is the best way to store my wine?

For those starting to get serious about wine, getting a wine refrigerator is the best solution. There are plenty of options at many different price points. If not, try keeping your wines in a cool, dark, dry room (such as a closet) and get a rack to store them until you decide to invest.

Why should wine be stored on its side?

A dry cork will allow oxygen into the bottle and dry out the wine. The bottle must be stored on its side for the cork to remain moist. If your wine will be consumed in a few days or weeks, you can drink it upright.

What temperature does wine need to be consumed at?

There are no specific guidelines, however if you have a wine cooler or cellar, it is best to keep the temperature between 55 - 60°.

Do winemakers add flavors to wine? 

Many additives are added to wine to help stabilize, preserve cleanliness, or speed up fermentation. During fermentation, the chemical compounds that make up the flavors and aromas of wine occur naturally. However, most countries, particularly in Europe, do not allow wine producers to tweak ingredients to increase characteristics of their product.