Wine glasses

Choosing the right wine glasses

The right wine glass can greatly enhance your wine-drinking experience, as it allows you to fully appreciate the aroma, taste, and texture of the wine. Not only do wine glasses differ in appearance (some minimal, while others make bold statements), but they carry an important role in enhancing your overall wine-drinking experience.

Different types of wine glasses

When it comes to wine glasses, there are a variety of styles to choose from. Each type of wine glass is designed to enhance the flavours and aromas of a specific type of wine. 

Red wine glasses 

Typically features a large bowl and wide opening, which allows the wine to breathe and release its full flavour profile. Red wines are often bolder and richer in flavour than whites, so they need room to open up fully. The wider opening also makes it easier to enjoy the aromas and bouquets of the wine. 

White wine glasses 

White wine glasses tend to have a smaller bowl and narrower opening, to help maintain the wine's crispness and acidity. 

Stemless wine glasses 

A versatile and modern option for enjoying your favourite vintage without the constraints of a traditional stem. Stemless glasses are perfect for casual outdoor events such as barbecues where there's no need for formal settings.

Differences between white wine and red wine glasses

The main difference lies in the shape of the bowl. Red wine glasses typically have a larger bowl than white wine glasses, as red wines tend to be more complex and benefit from greater exposure to air. A larger bowl allows for swirling and aerating, which can help bring out the flavours and aromas of red wine. White wine glasses, on the other hand, generally have smaller bowls to preserve the delicate aromas and flavours of white wines.

It's also worth noting that there are different types of stemware available for specific varieties within each category. For example, Pinot Noir benefits from a wider-bowled Burgundy glass, while Cabernet Sauvignon pairs best with Bordeaux-style stemware.

Other features to consider when choosing wine glasses

Thickness of the rim: affects the way the wine tastes and smells, as well as how it feels in the mouth. A thinner rim allows for a smoother transition of the wine from the glass to the mouth, allowing for a more enjoyable tasting experience. On the other hand, a thicker rim can detract from the experience by making the wine feel clunky and less refined. 

Wine glass sets: think about how often you entertain guests. A pair of wine glasses would be ideally proportioned for a cozy evening with your significant other. If you often throw dinner parties, we recommend you get sets of four or more, depending on your regular party size. 

Our top selling wine glass brands

Ranging from classic Italian hand-crafted glasses to elegant French-made, these are some of the best wine glass brands known for their quality and design:

• Plumm: Proudly Australian, known for their unbreakable polycarbonate range, perfect for outdoor dining or picnics. 
• Krosno: Established in 1923 in Poland, with over 100 years of experience, Krosno glasses are crafted using traditional techniques and timeless designs.
• Royal Doulton: Offer a range of the finest crystal wine glasses and champagne glasses.
• Luigi Bormioli: Founded in 1946, crafted in Italy with decades of quality wine glass making.
• Spiegelau: Made in Germany with more than five centuries of experience in high-quality glass-making, Spiegelau meet the highest standards of functionality and aesthetics.
• Reidel: Established in 1756, Riedel are known globally for designing and creating top-notch glasses and decanters specifically designed for wine and spirits.
• Bormioli Rocco: Founded in 1825 in Italy, Bormioli Rocco glasses are Australia’s preferred choice for fashionable and reliable glasses for any setting.
• Tempa: Chic and affordable glassware! Tempa will suit the modern home and make a great addition for fun cocktail parties. 
• Villeroy & Boch: One of the world's best known brands for high quality tableware. Villeroy and Boch adds elegance and sophistication to any table setting. 
• Maxwell & Williams: A globally recognised brand known for their exceptional quality and affordability. Maxwell & Williams wine glasses are perfect for entertaining or make great statement pieces for the table.
• Ritzenhoff: Made in Germany, Ritzenhoff are known for offering a visually appealing glasses with a range of quirky prints and illustrations.  
• Stolzle: Made in Germany, Stolzle offer a blend of functionality and sophistication, gaining recognition for high-quality lead-free crystal wine and bar glasses for commercial use in Europe.
• Cristal D'arques: Founded in 1968 in Paris, Cristal D'arques are known as the pioneer of machine-produced crystal stemware.

Additional accessories to complement your wine glasses

• Wine Aerators
• Wine Coolers
• Water Glasses
• Whisky Glasses
• Beer Glasses

FAQs

1. Are wine glasses dishwasher safe?

In general, most high-quality wine glasses are not recommended for dishwashers because they can become damaged or lose their shine over time due to strong detergents and high temperatures. However, some brands, such as Spiegelau, Krosno and Luigi Bormioli are designed with durability in mind, which makes them dishwasher-safe. If you're unsure whether your wine glasses are dishwasher-safe or not, take a look at the packaging or check online with our customer service team before washing them in the machine. Keep in mind that hand-washing will prolong the lifespan of your wine glasses. 

1. Does the shape of the wine glass matter?

Yes, at least to wine connoisseurs! The shape of a wine glass can affect how we experience the aroma and taste of a particular wine. For example, red wines tend to benefit from larger glasses with wider openings as they allow for more oxidation, which can help release complex aromas and flavours. On the other hand, white wines should be served in smaller glasses with narrower openings as this helps preserve their delicate aromas.