Although there's nothing wrong with drinking wine out of a Mason jar (or, hey, straight from the bottle- we won't tell!) there's nothing like having your favorite red, white, sparkling, or dessert wine in a special glass. There are so many to choose from, and it's hard to know what's really a good idea and what's a waste of money. And do you really need different ones for each varietal?
We're here to help! We looked online for the 10 best wine glasses available. Our favorites are Modvera's stemmed wine glasses, because they're a versatile size and shape that makes them good for both reds and whites, and are suitable for daily use. We also created a buying guide reviewed by a wine consultant and sommelier to help you choose the best wine glasses, in case you're feeling lost. So open up a bottle and start reading!
Quick List - Top Wine Glasses
Lisa Lee is a Wine Consultant and Sommelier based in Myrtle Beach, SC. Lisa has been certified through The Wine and Spirits Education Trust earning her WSET Level 3 Award in Wines, with Merit.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
To choose the best wine glasses, we took into consideration the following:
Don't forget to check out our buying guide after the products to make sure you have all the information you need to make a good decision about wine glasses.
Most people think of a thin, clear glass with a stem when they think of wine glasses. While these may be common, there are an increasing variety of options available to enhance your wine-drinking experience. Here are some things to consider before you rush out and buy the first stemware you find.
Did you know that nowadays you can actually buy different wine glasses for each specific varietal? Are you having Merlot? Use this glass. Cabernet sauvignon? That needs a different one!
While there is evidence that the shape of the glass does affect how a wine tastes, most drinkers are not going to go to such extremes. However, there are some basic rules that will make your wines taste their best.
Red wines like pinot noir and zinfandel taste and smell best when they can "breathe." Many people use a decanter not only to remove sediment but to allow air to mix with the wine. This is also the reason to swirl your red wine as you hold it in your hand.
Allowing oxygen to mix in and ethanol to evaporate somewhat means that reds are best served in wider glasses. In addition, a big glass makes swirling easier.
Red wines are typically served in a glass with a wider bowl. This style of glass exposes more of the wine to air, allowing for increased aromatic intensity. They are also easier to swirl, making it easier to oxidize the wine in the glass. Doing this helps bring out aromas and soften high tannins, allowing for a better drinking experience.
The opening of the glass should be more narrow than the base as this helps to focus aromas as they enter your nose, allowing you to pick up floral, fruit, or spicy notes.
White wines - whether you prefer chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, or riesling - want the opposite of reds. Less exposure to the air means that their delicate aromas will be preserved. You don't need to aerate white wines, although you can swirl very gently to release the scent.
White wine glasses typically are smaller; less wine won't warm up before you finish drinking. They are usually more narrow to keep air out and focus the aromas towards your nose.
White wine glasses, overall, tend to be smaller than red wine glasses, enabling your nose to be closer to the wine to detect the delicate aromas. There is some variation within this group, however. The glasses that are smaller work well for delicate wines, while larger bowls work better for oak-aged whites.
Sparkling wines or champagne are similar to whites, but they have the added complication of those lovely soft bubbles. A tall, narrow glass called a flute keeps those bubbles forming as long as possible. The shape also focuses aromas, but it can stifle them too. A tulip-shaped glass is a good happy medium for sparkling wines.
While a tall, narrow glass (a flute) keeps the bubbles forming as long as possible, it is not necessarily the best choice. Champagne flutes are festive, but they restrict the aromatics of the wine.
Tulip-shaped glassware is arguably the best for sparkling wines, but it can be expensive and hard to find. If you are looking for an alternate choice, a white wine glass performs well, allowing the aromatics to shine.
Dessert wines are usually served in small glasses. They can be red like lambrusco or white, or even both, such as ice wine, but all tend to be very sweet. They also have intense flavors and higher alcohol contents, so for these reasons, a smaller glass is best.
However, that doesn't mean these glasses aren't multitaskers; you can use the same ones for cordials or liquor shots, too.
The compact shape of these glasses accentuates the aromas. There are a ton of different shapes and styles, but the most popular tend to be port, sipper or sherry glasses. Dessert wines tend to be sweet, rich, and have high alcohol content, which can be overwhelming to your palate. Because of this, these glasses tend to be much smaller.
Your wine-drinking habits should be taken into account before you purchase wine glasses. Think about where you drink, how you wash dishes, and where you will keep the glasses when they're not being used.
First of all, do you drink wine indoors or out? If you like a glass with you at your barbecue pit or the poolside, you'll want to avoid glass. Even if you're careful, putting it down on uneven ground or in gusty wind can lead to spilled wine and broken shards everywhere.
If you drink mostly indoors, do you want something elegant for a formal place setting? Or is something cheaper better for you because you have kids and pets running around?
Finally, if you like to take your wine with you to the beach or on a picnic, you may want something with a lid that's insulated and easy to carry.
There are a ton of different options available on the market in different styles, so you can grab one that fits your personality. The insulated cups with lids are perfect for the beach as the wine is kept cold and the lip prevents sand from getting inside.
While these are also awesome for the pool, you can opt for plastic wine glasses that look real! This not only prevents glass breakage but still looks elegant enough to serve to guests.
There are a large variety of shapes, colors, and materials to choose from. You should be able to find the exact thing to suit your needs and taste with a little planning.
Stemware is beautiful, but the stems are fragile. On the other hand, stemless glasses will show fingerprints more easily, and the smell of your hand can affect your experience of the wine, especially if you're wearing scented lotion.
Wine glasses are designed to protect your wine from the temperature of your hand. When you hold the glass by the bowl, your hand can warm up the wine, affecting the tasting experience. Whether you hold the glass closer to the bowl or closer to the base doesn't matter. As long as you are holding it by the stem, you are good to go.
For most wines, bigger glasses are better. You don't fill them all the way. This allows the wine to breathe (in the case of reds) and the narrow rim will hold aromas in. Another benefit of large glasses is that you can swirl the wine without spilling!
The two exceptions are sparkling wine, which will go flat if served in too big a glass, and dessert wines, which you only serve one or two ounces of per guest.
The larger glasses allow more distance between the wine and the consumer. This distance enables some of the ethanol to dissipate on the nose and the alcohol to be oxygenized, softening tannins. The larger bowl also allows the flavors and aromas to open up, making for an overall more enjoyable experience.
You may have seen wine glasses made of a greenish-colored glass. The reason is that iron is a common impurity in the raw materials used in glassmaking. Many people still like these traditional colored glasses.
You can find glassware in virtually any color to match any decor, but remember that the color of the glass will be set next to the color of the wine. Make sure they are a good complement to each other!
While colorful and textured glasses may be fun, they do make it impossible to analyze the wine's depth and color intensity. That being said, if you are hosting a party or gifting a glass for fun, go ahead with the purchase. I would just suggest having a smooth, clear glass for everyday drinking or analyzing.
Overall, these options are great for specific scenarios. However, glass is still the very best option. It is odorless, flavorless, and is the best option for enjoying not only the taste of the wine but how it smells and looks. Plus, the thinner rim on a glass makes it a more enjoyable experience as it creates a smooth transition from glass to mouth.
One of the biggest concerns many people have about their wine glasses (aside from them becoming empty!) is caring for them. Wine glasses can be fragile, it's true. So think about how you'll wash and store them before you buy.
Many people look for wine glasses that can go through the dishwasher safely, and there are many manufacturers who will say that their glasses are dishwasher safe. However, any type of stemware is more likely to break in the dishwasher than if it's washed by hand, and it has little to do with how fragile it is.
Stemware usually has thin and thick parts, and where they join are stress points in the material. In addition, glass does not like thermal shocks. The high heat of a dishwasher will affect the thin parts more quickly than the thicker glass, which can lead to breaking.
So no matter what the manufacturer says or how carefully you load the glasses, any time you put any stemware in a dishwasher, you're taking a chance. The only way to be fairly assured that your stemware won't break is to hand wash. If you must use a dishwasher, consider stemless or non-glass vessels.
Here are some tips as you navigate washing your glasses. Dishwashing gloves can be helpful in a few different ways. The gloves help to protect the oils from your hands from transferring to the glasses while keeping your hands from drying out. The gloves also provide a barrier for your hands in case the glass does break during washing. Finally, the gloves enable you to stick your hand into the glass and wash it without a sponge.
Another tip would be to be sure you change out your sponges. The number of bacteria and grime build-up is not something you want on your glass. Lastly, brushes can be helpful when getting down into tighter glasses where your hand won't fit. This will make it easier for you to clean these types of stemware without the threat of breakage.
If you have a special cabinet for all your barware, that's great- you can probably do fine with even the most fragile of glasses. If you plan to keep your wine glasses in the kitchen next to the kids' sippy cups, you'll probably want something sturdier!
There are special wine glass racks that sit on a counter or mount on a wall, under a cabinet or shelf. Most of these utilize the foot of the glass to hang it upside-down, which also has the benefit of keeping dust out. Just make sure to measure your space and your glasses to avoid mismatches.
Wine glass racks make it easier to access your glasses on a daily basis since they are displayed on a counter or side table. The rack is also a great idea for storage because it keeps your glasses safe from damage. As long as you properly measure, your glasses should hang with space in between each one.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Modvera Stemmed Wine Glass | ![]() | Best Wine Glasses for Any Wine, Any Time | |
2 | Riedel Ouverture Wine Glass | ![]() | Best Set That Will Bring out the Characteristics of Your Wines | |
3 | MyGift Modern Brass Stemless Wine Glasses | ![]() | Best Eye-Catching Stemless Wine Glasses | |
4 | Vivocci Stemless Champagne Flutes | ![]() | Best Plastic Champagne Flutes for a Worry-Free Celebration | |
5 | Refresh Glass Recycled Wine Bottle Glassware | ![]() | Best Way to Drink From the Wine Bottle in Style | |
6 | BrüMate Uncork'd XL | ![]() | Best to Keep Your Wine at the Right Temperature Anywhere You Go | |
7 | Godinger Aerating Wine Glasses | ![]() | Best Way to Aerate Your Red Wine Right in the Glass | |
8 | Tossware Stemmed Vino Recyclable Wine Plastic Cup | ![]() | Best Recyclable Stemware for Hosting Parties With Ease | |
9 | Lorenzo/Lorren Home Trends Siena Collection Crystal Cordial Liquor Glass | ![]() | Best to Enjoy Dessert Wines at Your Formal Dinner Table | |
10 | Backyard Bum Premium Solid Stainless Steel Wine Glasses | ![]() | Best Unbreakable Wine Tumbler That's Easy to Care For |
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If you drink a variety of different wines but only want one set of matching glasses, these are perfect for you! They have a slightly shorter stem than some other glasses, making them more stable. The thin rim provides an elegant drinking experience.
Reviewers say they are sturdy enough to go in the dishwasher, but the tall stems make this awkward. The vast majority say these are the perfect sturdy, informal, everyday use glasses.
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Cons:
Riedel claims to be the inventor of varietal-specific glass stemware for wine. This is described by the company as their "entry-level" series, and while they're not cheap, they are a good value for the money according to many buyers.
Their instructions say they're dishwasher safe, but some have complained that glasses broke and recommend hand washing. Most love how they can use these for daily glassware, but that they're fancy enough for elegant dinner parties too.
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Cons:
These flashy metallic and glass beauties will definitely get compliments from your guests! They're suitable for red or white wine, and the diagonal offset of the metal plating really shows off the color of whatever you pour in them. They're not too thick or too thin, but should be hand washed.
They should be hand washed gently with a soft sponge or the plating will start to come off, and some reviewers confirm it's easily scratched or peels. However, most say they look lovely if well-cared for. People love how they feel in their hands and say they are a good size.
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There's nothing that says celebration quite like a glass of bubbly! So who wants to worry about breaking glasses or handwashing after the guests go home? These plastic champagne flutes are tough enough to reuse and look just like real glass.
Buyers say they can't tell they're plastic except that they're lightweight when picked up. But they're not as long-lasting as glass; people say they can turn cloudy after repeated cycles through the dishwasher, and holding them with hands covered in sunscreen can leave permanent marks.
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These are made in the USA from collected wine bottles. Their manufacturing process cleans, cuts, and melts the rims to remove sharp edges, and re-anneals the glass to reduce the likelihood of breakage. All of the glasses have their own character. Don't buy these if you're really particular about your glassware matching!
Buyers say the size, thickness, and, of course, the color can be slightly different than what's shown. But nearly all reviews are positive, praising both the glasses and the company itself. They love the heft, the eco-friendliness, and especially the one-of-a-kind style.
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You can use this tumbler for hot mulled wine while you watch the kids build snowmen and drink perfectly-chilled white sitting by the pool in summer! They hold almost a half bottle of wine, so you can fill it once and not have to go back inside for refills constantly.
These got good reviews for durability, and people love being able to choose from a variety of colors. Because they're so good at holding the temperature, they liked how they could spend more time just enjoying drinking.
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Forget about decanting and waiting for your wine to breathe, and quickly release the aromas and flavors by gently swirling it in these ridged glasses. Because they're meant to aerate, these have been designed with red wines in mind, but could be used for white if you don't swirl!
Many reviewers say they can really tell the difference after swirling their wine, but a few say they don't notice. If you're in the former group, you would probably enjoy using these as a simple, classy-looking way to enhance the flavor of your favorite reds.
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These are made from the same plastic as water and soda bottles, so should be recyclable in most areas. They have removable stems, and when you take them off the cups can stack together, making them easy to carry and store.
Users say they're nice-looking and comfortable to drink out of in spite of the fact that they're plastic, and they love the safety and convenience. Some do caution that they'll be top-heavy when full, making them easier to knock over. But they love how they can even be hand-washed and reused if you want!
Cons:
There's just something special about that elegant look of thick glass cut with intricate patterns. These glasses provide a beautiful option suitable for fancy dinner parties, but aren't too delicate, either; they can go in the dishwasher after the guests go home. They will hold six ounces of your favorite aperitif, port, sherry, or sweet after-dinner wine.
Some reviewers say that while they seem priced right, they were still disappointed in how they looked, but the large majority were truly impressed. They find them classy and say they sparkle on their tables. They also like how they're a bit hefty and not overly delicate.
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Cons:
Many people use these stainless steel tumblers for outdoor settings where glass would be risky, take them in their RV or pack them in camping gear. They have a weighted base to give them some heft and stability. They can be chilled in the freezer very quickly and are safe to go through the dishwasher.
Some buyers commented that they developed rust spots, so it's probably a good idea to dry them right away. Also, a few have said they made their wine taste a bit metallic, but most reviewers said they didn't notice.
If I were to recommend one glass for consumers, it would be the Gabriel-Glas StandArt Universal Glass. One of the reasons I recommend this glass is that it's quite strong. I have had them knocked over and they have been washed many times with no issues, scratches or chips.
This glass is a one-for-all kind of glass. If you are looking to simplify your glass selection, this one houses both reds and whites beautifully. Whether you are an occasional wine drinker or studying for an exam, this glass is a solid purchase.
The term crystal is a bit of a misnomer, since no glass is crystalline by nature; it's actually an amorphous solid. This term has historical roots, and today it's synonymous with high-quality clear glassware.
Glass is basically silica (sand) with various impurities. Some are unintentional, but others are added purposely to make the glass workable at lower temperatures or add colors. Adding lead to glass gives it great refractive properties, with an exceptional clarity that looks clearer, reflects light cleanly, and can be cut neatly.
Recently, because of safety concerns, lead has been replaced by other materials such as barium, potassium or zinc oxides. While some still prefer lead crystal, other types of glass can sparkle just as beautifully.
One of the benefits of crystal over other glass for stemware is that crystal is stronger and thinner, allowing you to have a more pleasurable experience. Crystal hardly ever scratches, and it also shines beautifully. One advantage to modern crystal glasses that are not made with lead is that they are dishwasher safe. Beautiful and safe for a dishwasher? Yes, please!
In addition to checking our buying guide for accuracy, Lisa took the time to answer some commonly asked questions about wine glasses.
"The best way to hold a wine glass with a stem is with your thumb and forefingers toward the base of the stem. This will keep your hands from affecting the temperature of the wine. Holding the glass in this way will also help stabilize it during use," Lisa says.
She says, "On average, a standard wine glass can hold 12 ounces of liquid. A standard wine pour is five ounces."
Whether you enjoy a glass with dinner or like to host wine tastings with guests, these other items are great choices to add to your home bar.
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Modvera |Stemmed Wine Glass
No. 2: Riedel|Ouverture Wine Glass
No. 3: MyGift|Modern Brass Stemless Wine Glasses
No. 4: Vivocci |Stemless Champagne Flutes
No. 5: Refresh Glass|Recycled Wine Bottle Glassware
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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