We spoke to experts about the many wine glasses available on the market to determine which features are most important and whether separate glasses are necessary for whites and reds.
Joel Gott, the founder of Joel Gott wines, says that aromas play an important role in wine quality. Red wines have a wider top bowl than white wines, while white wines tend to have a smaller top bowl. The wine’s complexity comes into play after that. These include the thickness, curve and stem.
Gott suggests that you fill your cabinet with a long-stem wine glass if you prefer full-bodied red wines. These wines have higher tannins and are more appealing to air exposure. He recommends that white wine lovers choose a smaller bowl, such as a Chardonnay wineglass, to preserve the wine’s flavor.
If you always stock the wine fridge with the exact same wine, it makes sense to purchase red- and white-specific glasses. Experts recommend buying multipurpose wine glasses, which can be used with both reds or whites.
Gott states that universal and all-purpose wine glasses can be a great option if you’re new to wine drinking, don’t have enough space or want to save money. While drinking wine from a specific glass can enhance the flavor and enjoyment of each wine, it is not necessary. Choose a glass that makes wine taste great.
It can be difficult to distinguish between the different types of glasses on Amazon. This is especially true if you don’t know what you’re looking for. We analyzed thousands of reviews and compiled expert tips to help you find the best wine glasses online.
These are the top best wine glasses you can buy in 2021.
Another thing to remember: You might see wine glasses labeled glass or crystal, and wonder what the difference means. Although crystal glass was once a sign that it was made with lead in the past, many companies now offer lead-free crystal wine glasses. Ray Isle, our Executive Wine Editor, says that crystal is more expensive than glass. He says, “It doesn’t matter in terms tasting.”
Continue reading to find out more about the top wine glasses made by top-rated brands such as Riedel, Schott Zwiesel and Zalto.
Best Rated: Schott Zwiesel Pure Collection All-Purpose Wine Glasses
These all-purpose wine glasses by Schott Zwiesel have an average rating of 4.7 stars out of over 2,400 reviews. They are a very popular choice for reds and whites on Amazon. These glasses are made from lead-free crystal glass, and can be washed in the dishwasher. One customer wrote that they are her favorite wine glasses. They are stylish, lightweight, and yet strong and sturdy. The Tritan glass prevents chips and breaks which is why I love them so much.
Best Value: Libbey Vineyard Reserve wine glass set
This set includes 12 wine glasses. It’s the most affordable option. The set includes six glasses for different white wines, and six for different reds. This affordable set of wine glasses is less than $4 per glass and can be used to stock your first apartment, or host a wine tasting party. A shopper said that they are affordable, but not cheap in appearance.
Best Splurge: Zalto Denk’Art Burgundy Wine Glass
The hand-blown Zalto wine glasses are worth the investment, even if you only need them for special occasions or anniversaries. Gott says, “I love Zalto glasses for special occasions.” They are thin and beautiful and make it possible to enjoy a bottle of wine with a special occasion. This glass is made for red wines with more than 13% alcohol, such as Merlot or Bordeaux. However, the brand also produces white wine glasses. James Hall, Patz & Hall’s winemaker, uses this version for sparkling and Chardonnay wines. They are delicate and more expensive, so you will need to take extra care.
Best for Reds: Ouverture Red Wine Glasses
The Zalto wine glass is more of an accent piece than the red wine glasses from Riedel’s Ouverture Collection, but they are great for everyday use. These glasses are compact enough to be used with many red wines and can be stored in cabinets, dishwashers, and hanging racks. They can hold approximately 12 ounces, which one customer appreciated. However, if you want a larger red wine glass, the 35-ounce Double Magnum version is the best choice. A customer said that these are her favorite everyday wine glasses. “I purchase replacements from time-to-time because they are glass and occasionally break. But [they] are pretty sturdy for such an elegant and useful glass.”
Riedel Veritas Wine Glasses are the best for whites
The universal wine glasses are fine for most white wines. However, Riedel’s varietal-specific glasses can be used to enhance the flavors. This collection includes high-quality glasses that enhance the flavors of oaked Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. There are also options for champagne, beer, and many other reds. One customer said that the glasses feel light and airy, and they are very well made. Keep in mind, however, that you don’t necessarily need multiple wine glasses to enjoy your wine. Isle says that it’s not necessary to have different wine glasses for each type of grape.
Waterford Lismore Essence Goblet is the best crystal
Waterford’s stunning wine glasses are a great choice if you want high-quality crystal. Isle states that Waterford produces beautiful crystal glasses even though they are expensive. Each glass features the brand’s iconic Lismore pattern, which has been in use since 1952. One customer said that the Waterford goblets look stunning in person. The large size makes it ideal for red wine but it can also be used with water or white wine. They were added to our registry for special occasions. I cannot wait to pull them out of my holiday dinners!
Best Stemless: Riedel O Wine Tumbler
Riedel ‘s stemless wine glasses are an excellent alternative to traditional glasses and one of Isle’s top choices. They are sturdy, look great even if they have water or soda in them, and they feel comfortable to hold. One reviewer said that they are “beautiful and rugged” but don’t spill as easily as stemmed glasses. They have a slim profile that I love, not thick and heavy like many cheaper glasses.
Jancis Robinson, the Perfect Wine Glass
These wine-expert-recommended glasses have been designed to work with many different wines. The Jancis glasses are my favorite. Isle says that they are a good example of the trend towards universal glasses. These glasses are made from mouth-blown crystal and Isle recommends that they be placed in the dishwasher after each use to avoid excessive pressure. They are a little more expensive than the average glass at $56 per piece, but they are still cheaper than buying different glasses for each grape,” Isle wrote previously.
Best Insulated: Host cooling cups
These top-rated insulated tumblers will be your new favorite plastic wine glasses. For white or rose wine, place the glasses upside-down in the freezer. The cooling gel lining will chill your beverage. The glasses are a “game changer” for wine lovers because they don’t have to dilute the wine with ice cubes in order to keep it chilled. I tend to drink my wine slowly. One person said that their chilled wine was room temperature before they finished it. These cups are great. The wine remains refreshing even after an hour in the house.
The Most Versatile: The One Wine Glass of Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson
The One Wine Glass was designed by Andrea Robinson, a master sommelier. It’s also praised for its versatility. Hall says that if I had to choose one glass for all my wines, it would be Andrea Robinson’s “The One”. It can be used with all whites. There is a larger one for reds, but it’s currently out of stock on Amazon. Hall still considers it the “best glass [for] big samplings”, as it works well with both whites and reds. He says, “This is what i use at parties when there are many wines and it’s impossible to have multiple glasses.”