Which Wine Glasses Should You Use

Wine isn’t just about what’s in the bottle – it’s about the full experience. And believe it or not, the glass you drink from can make a real difference. The shape, size, and design of a wine glass affect the way aromas develop, how the wine hits your palate, and even how long it stays at the right temperature. Choosing the right glass enhances every sip, whether you’re drinking a bold red, a crisp white, or a celebratory sparkling wine. Let’s break it down:

The basic anatomy of a wine glass

Before diving into specific glasses, here’s a quick look at the key parts of a wine glass and why they matter:

• The bowl – This is where the magic happens. The size and shape influence how aromas gather and how much oxygen interacts with the wine.

• The rim – A thin, tapered rim allows for a smoother sip, directing the wine exactly where it should land on your palate.

• The stem – Holding the stem (rather than the bowl) keeps the wine at the right temperature. Some glasses skip the stem altogether – perfectly fine for casual drinking but not ideal for delicate wines.

• The base – Just keeps everything standing!

Glasses for red wine 🍷

Red wines generally need larger, rounder bowls to allow oxygen to soften the tannins and enhance the aromas.

BORDEAUX GLASS
Best for: Full-bodied reds (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Bordeaux blends)
• Tall with a broad bowl, designed to let bold, tannic wines breathe.
• Directs wine to the back of the palate, balancing fruit, acidity, and tannins.

BURGUNDY GLASS
Best for: Lighter reds (Pinot Noir, Gamay, Nebbiolo)
• Large, wide bowl to capture delicate aromas.
• Helps highlight the softer, nuanced flavours of elegant reds.

STANDARD RED WINE GLASS
Best for: Medium-bodied reds (Shiraz, Chianti, Tempranillo)
• A good all-rounder if you don’t want a separate glass for every grape.

Glasses for white wine

White wines benefit from a narrower bowl to preserve acidity and delicate aromas.

STANDARD WHITE WINE GLASS
Best for: Most whites (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Albariño)
• Medium-sized bowl to keep aromas focused.
• Slightly tapered to maintain crispness and acidity.

CHARDONNAY GLASS
Best for: Oaked whites (Chardonnay, Viognier, White Burgundy)
• Slightly larger bowl than a standard white glass to let richer wines open up.

Glasses for rosé wine

ROSÉ GLASS
Best for: All styles of rosé
• A slightly flared rim directs the wine to the tip of the tongue, enhancing fruitiness.
• Medium-sized bowl to balance freshness and aromatics.

A white wine glass can also work perfectly well for rosé if you don’t have a dedicated glass.

Glasses for sparkling wine 🍾

FLUTE
Best for: Champagne, Prosecco, English Sparkling, Cava
• Tall and narrow to preserve bubbles and enhance aromas.
• Keeps the fizz from dissipating too quickly.

TULIP GLASS
Best for: Vintage Champagne, finer sparkling wines
• Slightly wider than a flute, allowing the wine to develop more complexity.
• Ideal for older, richer sparkling wines that need a little more space to shine.

Note: Traditional coupe glasses may look glamorous, but they allow bubbles to escape too quickly.

Glasses for fortified & dessert wines

PORT GLASS
Best for: Port, Sherry, Madeira
• Smaller bowl to concentrate rich aromas.
• Directs the wine towards the back of the mouth to balance sweetness.

DESSERT WINE GLASS
Best for: Sauternes, Tokaji, Ice wine
• Small and tapered to highlight intense sweetness while maintaining acidity.

Stemless wine glasses – Do they work?

Stemless glasses are modern, casual, and great for everyday drinking. However, they’re not ideal for fine wines as your hands can warm up the wine too quickly. That said, they’re perfect for relaxed settings and informal gatherings.

What about universal wine glasses?

If you don’t want a cupboard full of different glasses, a universal wine glass is a great option. Designed to work well for both reds and whites, these glasses strike a balance between shape and size to give you a good all-round experience. They won’t be perfect for every wine, but they’ll do a great job across the board.

Final thought: The best glass is the one you enjoy drinking from!

While glassware can enhance the experience, don’t stress too much – wine is about enjoyment, not perfection. Whether you’re using a specialist glass or just your favourite tumbler, the most important thing is that you love what’s in it.

Cheers to drinking in style! 🍷🥂