![Two Riedel Veritas New World Pinot Noir Glasses holding red wine](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/KJ1LiVj-ALscDzLDN0eRB1GN6BI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-product-riedel-veritas-pinot-noir-glasses-set-2-16-rkilgore-1145-b5fdfd48504b491c8e7e05389b0bde87.jpeg)
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
When it comes to great glassware, not all stems are created equal—and the variety spans far beyond the traditional red, white, and sparkling glasses. Whether you're tasting a carbonic wine from Beaujolais or a rich California cabernet sauvignon, red wine in particular benefits from the proper glassware. The shape allows those subtly floral notes or tertiary aromas to come through by allowing the correct area for aeration.
We tested popular glassware for red wine, noting aspects like if the bouquet opened up and how comfortable the glass was to hold, all to find the right red wine glass for you.
Best Overall
Riedel Veritas New World Pinot Noir Glass
Elegant design
Lightweight and well-balanced
Versatile for multiple red wines
Unique shape not ideal for storage
Riedel has been producing celebrated glass products for over 200 years, and its name has become synonymous with quality stemware. While its large and diverse product line can be overwhelming, there are several Riedel glasses that perform excellently under a number of applications—and this Veritas New World glass is one of them. Marketed as a Pinot Noir glass, it's a natural for aromatic or lighter-bodied red wines, but it also holds its own with fuller, more assertive reds as well.
Featuring a beaded rim on the base but not on the lip, and sporting elegant teardrop styling, the Veritas New World glass is lightweight and well-balanced in the hand. Where it really shines is in the aromas department: we found that it enhances the bouquets of all types of red wines, especially pretty and aromatic examples, and performs well with nuanced white wines as well. Additionally, the sheer amount of glass used in the gracefully-sloping bowl provides excellent visuals of the wine's legs, or tears.
Sold in packs of two, this is an excellent all-purpose red wine glass that will impress your guests and delight your senses. They might be slightly difficult to store based on their unique shape, but we still think they are a worthy investment.
Material: Crystal | Capacity: 28 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
Best Splurge
Zalto Denk'Art Universal Wine Glass
Top quality
Industry favorite
Works well for all styles of wine
Splurge=expensive
When it comes to high-quality glassware, there’s simply no competition—Zalto is the cream of the crop. Beloved by sommeliers, wine connoisseurs, and novices alike, these world-glass stems are produced from hand-blown crystal in Austria and promise luxury upon first (and every) sip. We found that the Denk'Art's paper-thin lip and luxurious, thin stem made holding the glass a luxurious experience in itself, while also allowing the wine to fully express its aromas and flavors.
While the Denk'Art is a star performer when it comes to red wines, we also found that the "universal" aspect of the glass means that it’s very well adapted to ensure that all wines show their best—the glass is basically a one-size-fits-all model for wine. Jen Saxby, a certified sommelier and sales and event manager at Benchmark Wine Group in Napa, California, notes that Zalto is generally a favorite among many top wine tasters, despite the hefty price tag. “The quality of a wine glass can change the way you experience wine and texture perceptions,” she says, citing this as one of the many reasons why changing glassware is a big part of running a successful beverage program at restaurants.
Material: Crystal | Capacity: 18 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
Concentrates aromatics on all styles of wine
Handcrafted
Comes with gift box
Unique shape might not be appealing to all
For a happy-medium option that can go the limits, check out Gabriel-Glas Austrian Crystal StandArt glasses. We found this glass to be ideal for not just reds, but also white, sparkling, and dessert wines: the classically designed bowl is tall and long, with an impressive capacity, but not so wide that sparkling wines will lose their effervescence. This versatile set of stems is perfect for concentrating aromatics and emphasizing the best that a wine has to offer, no matter what style or variety it’s made from.
The shape is unique—so we do understand if it isn't everyone's cup of tea. However, each one is hand-perfected by skilled craftsmen near Salzburg, Austria, from a base of lead-free crystal. We found the glass to feel sturdy in the hand, with a solid base that didn't make us overly concerned about the vessel's delicacy or potential for breakage. Best of all, this set of gorgeous stems come in a beautiful gift box, perfect for storing neatly in your own home or gifting to your favorite red wine fan.
Material: Crystal | Capacity: 8 ounces | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
Best Design
Wine Enthusiast Somm Pinot Noir Wine Glass
Showstopping design
Enough space for good aeration
Great for swirling wine
Wide bowl and flared shape make storage challenging
Sometimes you want the appearance of your glass to make as much of an impression as the red wine that's inside it, and the Somm Pinot Noir Handblown glass from Wine Enthusiast hits that target. Featuring a beaker-like bowl with a flared bottom and a tapered rim, this showstopping glass also boasts a thin stem and great balance. A wide base can sometimes look a little clumsy, but when it matches the width of the bowl (as it does here), the effect is dramatic and attractive.
While it's marketed as a pinot noir glass, we found that this vessel performs well for nearly all reds, even those more heftier than pinot. The large surface area of the wine in the glass makes it a great choice for reds that need a little extra aeration, like fuller-bodied varieties or certain older wines. Best of all, its capacity and its design make it a very easy glass in which to swirl wine—providing additional aeration—without worrying about spillage. (Although it also makes it a bit hard to store safely, but we don't see this as a deal-breaker.)
Material: Lead-free glass | Capacity: 26 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
Best for Pros
Josephinenhütte Josephine No. 3 Red Wine Glass
Hand-blown lead-free crystal
Dramatic and unique design
Great for enhancing wine's aromas
Susceptible to breaking
Expensive
Any wine pro would be proud to be seen with the Josephinenhütte Josephine No. 3 Red Wine Glass in their hand—and not just because of its unique and fascinating design. Crafted from lead-free crystal, and as elegant as it is visually striking, the Josephine No. 3 is also an excellent vessel for tasting and evaluating wines. Reds, in particular, express themselves beautifully in this uniquely contoured glass.
While it feels delicate in the hand, we found that it also feels balanced, and pros can swirl away at their red wines without fear of allowing any drops to escape the No. 3's large capacity. We found the aromas to be rich and fully articulated, and the finely tapered lip felt satisfying to drink from. The whole No. 3 experience feels luxurious—and it should, given the price—but it's luxury with actual tangible performance to back it up.
Material: Lead-free crystal | Capacity: 27 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
Best for Gifting
Made In Red Wine Glasses
Hybrid shape is great for most red wines
Comfortable for sipping
Reasonable per glass price
Slightly hard to hold by the base
For a stemware gift that checks all of our boxes, dive into Made In’s 4-pack of red wine glasses. Produced in Germany, these beautiful yet sturdy glasses are crafted to be a happy medium between classic Bordeaux and Burgundy shapes, making them perfect for almost any red wine and a great go-to gifting option.
Made In's glasses were recently redesigned, and we are exceptionally pleased with the new stemware. The laser-cut lip is the perfect angle and thinness for comfort, and the larger wine bowl allows for great aeration and swirling.
When we tried them out ourselves, a glass allowed a beaujolais to open up beautifully, letting subtle aromatics from the carbonic maceration to come through. We did notice that the glass is slightly unbalanced while holding in one hand, so you might need to put it down while eating your canapés.
Material: Lead-free glass | Capacity: 25 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
The Spruce Eats / Siobhan Wallace
The Spruce Eats / Siobhan Wallace
The Spruce Eats / Siobhan Wallace
The Spruce Eats / Siobhan Wallace
Best Stemless
Riedel O Wine Tumbler Cabernet/Merlot
Large capacity
Nonslip, easy to take on the go
Comfortable to hold
Less refined than stemware
"Stemless wine glasses were created to fit in dishwashers, so that is a practical choice," says Catherine Fallis, a Master Sommelier currently selecting wines for Bright Cellars, stating that one of the main non-negotiables with glassware—stemless or not—is the ability to see the wine without distraction. For those skeptical of glassware without stems, these well-structured, sturdy wine tumblers from Riedel are a solid place to start.
Crafted with cabernet sauvignon and merlot in mind, these well-designed tumblers feel great in the hand, take up minimal space in the cabinet, and are entirely dishwasher-safe. "Wine brings joy, and your glass should also make you happy," she says, describing Riedel as the "gold standard" brand in the category.
Material: Crystal | Capacity: 21.8 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
![Riedel_Cabernet_HeroHoriz](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/ivHheeOJM9_G1SKOSbOo3Q40cWk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Reidel_Cabernet_HeroHoriz-a72612af43e64301b9c590b26c5c4016.jpg)
The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall
Best for Beaujolais
Lenox Tuscany Classics Beaujolais Wine Glasses
Delicate, yet sturdy
Moderately priced
Great for light-bodied red wines
Made from lead crystal
Fans of indulgently large wine glasses will rejoice with this Lenox set, which is festive enough for a dinner party but convenient for daily use, thanks to being dishwasher-safe. The long stem gives it a refined feel, while the spherical shape of the bowl gives you full access to a red wine’s bouquet. And although the lead crystal isn’t ideal, it’s fully safe for drinking out of occasionally.
Despite being crafted specifically for Beaujolais, we love these glasses for any red wines. The bowl is perfect for swirling without worrying about wine splashing out, and in turn, the nose of even lighter reds, like pinots, is easily discernible. Even though they feel incredibly delicate, these glasses have held up through many cleanings in the dishwasher, and the extra-long stem makes it easy to avoid knocking into the glass when dining at a table with complex place settings.
Material: Lead crystal | Capacity: 24 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
![lenox classics tuscany beaujolais wine glasses](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/k7slxX_h-exOLFZqcSPL8qwUXrk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-product-wine-glasses-ariane-resnick-06-0941eb757e954bc0a2d79ce293ec2011.jpeg)
The Spruce Eats / Ariane Resnick
Best Budget
Schott Zwiesel Forte Wine Glasses
Universal
Sturdy
Comes in a bigger set
Heavy
Although many of the red wine glasses on this list have exquisite shapes and designs, this one is pretty standard and looks exactly like most people expect a wine glass to look. We do not see that as a bad thing at all—in fact, that is one reason we love this option.
This is a heavier option, but this can be seen as a good thing since it means the glass is sturdy and less prone to breaking and/or chipping. The lip is smooth and the bowl is big enough to swirl any type of red, plus whites and sparkling wines, too. The six glasses per set makes each glass a reasonable price, and also gives you enough for a dinner party or a backup or two if any break.
Material: Tritan crystal glass | Capacity: 24.7 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
Final Verdict
Riedel Veritas New World Pinot Noir Glasses are the ideal height, weight, and size for enjoying light to full-bodied reds of all styles. If you're looking to build out your wine glass collection on a budget, a set of six Schott Zwiesel Forte Claret Burgundy Wine Glasses won't break the bank and will work with any red.
![A Riedel Veritas New World Pinot Noir Glass filled with red wine next to a hand](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/Ff-csnExMkf9KefIR_nJ5_hbhHg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-wine-glasses-test-riedel-veritas-pinot-noir-set-2-rkilgore-43-6aac087962a94242afa9b6f7e70c2c45.jpeg)
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
How We Tested Red Wine Glasses
We tested a number of the top red wine glasses with several different bottles of red wine. Each glass was evaluated when empty, checking for attributes such as weight, balance, and feel, and these evaluations were repeated when the glasses had wine in them. We observed how different styles of red wine performed in each glass, with respect to how the aromatics expressed themselves initially, as well as after being swirled. We also washed the glasses, and we evaluated each in terms of ease of storage, durability, and potential for breakage. Finally, we evaluated each glass in terms of overall value, based on its price versus its relative quality.
Other Options We Tested
- The Luigi Bormioli Atelier Pinot Noir Wine Glass was hailed as a sturdy pinot glass with a striking and attractive design. However, it didn't feel terribly elegant, and we also observed that the lip was a bit sharp, which detracted from the tasting experience. The angled profile also makes spillage a distinct possibility.
![Zenology Somm Pinot Noir Hand Blown Wine Glasses on a table](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/DNoxTmS6wAd4get2I8ZT0214Ha4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-wine-glasses-test-zenology-somm-pinot-noir-hand-blown-set-2-rkilgore-24-99927434e5d7455c832320f8eaa42ab3.jpeg)
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
What to Look for in Red Wine Glasses
Size and Shape
Catherine Fallis, a Master Sommelier, explains that wine glasses come in a few basic shapes and sizes, each carefully designed with the region and grape variety in mind. "Smaller white and larger red glasses are either in the Burgundian style, with a curvaceous globe shape, or the Bordeaux style, more of a wide column or chimney shape," she says, stating that globe-shaped glasses show off chardonnay and pinot noir (the grapes of Burgundy), whereas the Bordeaux shape flatters grapes grown there (sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and beyond).
Weight
"A glass that has been designed for a specific type of wine will enhance the enjoyment of that wine, but a good wine will taste good in any glass," she says, stemless glassware included. The general rule of thumb? According to Fallis, a thinner, lighter glass will enhance the wine-drinking experience—but make no mistake, an expensive glass will not enhance a mediocre wine to taste better. A thin stem will feel the best and most lightweight in your hand, as well.
Price
Above all, make sure to choose a glass feels good in your hand, that you enjoy drinking out of, and that falls within your desired spending point. Beyond the obvious parameters, Fallis sums it up best. "It really comes down to what you like and what you would like to spend."
![A person sniffing red wine from a Josephine No 2 â Universal Glass](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/LSPsXCEYg4jqInkGk9VTsJWudDE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-wine-glasses-test-josephine-no-2-universal-set-6-rkilgore-37-8796c923b2504426b5d0216dcccaf660.jpeg)
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
FAQs
Why are red and white wine glasses shaped differently?
Red wine glasses are generally larger than white wine glasses, as red wines usually require more oxygen to open up their aromatics.
How does the shape of a wine glass impact the taste of wine?
"Different wine varieties are going to call for different glass shapes," says Saxby, also noting that low-quality glasses will generally boast thicker rims, which, in turn, add an "undesirable texture" to the wine experience.
The shape of a wine glass has the ability to intensify or disperse a wine’s aromas, depending on how big or small it is. Should the glass be too large, too much oxygen will create much less intense aromatics, however, should a glass be too small, it may be challenging to get enough oxygen into the glass (as well as fit your nose in there!)
How do you care for wine glasses?
While most glasses state that they are dishwasher-safe, we recommend cleaning all stemware by hand. Simply use a dash of unscented soap and hot water, and the rest is history. We recommend using your actual hands to rub the shop around the interior and rim, as sponges can end up scuffing or scratching glassware, though a soft, new sponge or rag is a good option.
Does colored glass affect the taste of wine?
No, colored glassware will not affect the taste of the wine. However, it will most certainly alter the look of it through the glass, and in turn, the overall tasting experience as a whole.
![A person swirling wine inside of a Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma Angle Red Wine Glass](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/IiFJlhoUjvo8TxWDSGLavEGGLcY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-wine-glasses-test-open-kitchen-willimas-sonoma-angle-red-set-4-rkilgore-34-cf68cdc4f5bf4421aaedeec7556f941a.jpeg)
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Vicki Denig is a wine, spirits, and travel journalist based between New York and Paris. Her writing regularly appears in major industry publications, including Liquor.com, WineSearcher, Decanter, and beyond. Vicki also works with a prestigious rolodex of monthly clients, including Paris Wine Company, Becky Wasserman & Co, Corkbuzz, Provignage, and beyond. She is a Certified Specialist of Wine. When not writing, Vicki enjoys indoor cycling classes and scoping out dogs to pet in her local parks.
This piece was updated by Jesse Porter, a longtime sommelier and wine writer whose glassware collection has grown substantially in the past decade due to his gradual acquiescence to the idea that the practice of swigging wine directly from the bottle, while perhaps displaying the maximum degree of unbridled devotion to the hedonistic appreciation of the yields of the vine, is less than optimal vis-a-vis the practice of thorough and critical evaluation.
![The Best Red Wine Glasses](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/DT6Pt-P_L7oYcUtjxj8jOY2bO60=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-primary-glassware-rkilgore-1215-0aa436c28ba74d3da71b1ed642b78847.jpeg)
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
Sources
- Catherine Fallis, Master Sommelier
- Jen Saxby, certified sommelier and sales and event manager, Benchmark Wine Group