The 12 Best Wine Glasses For Every Type

For a fresh white, go with stemware that'll complement the wine's brightness and balance out flavors—more often than not, this takes the form of small, simple wine glasses, which are better at maintaining the temperature of the drink.

White wines are often categorized as lighter than red, but they're not incapable of being full-bodied. Take a Chardonnay that's been aged in oak barrels, for example. It deserves a slightly different glass than it's crisp counterpart, one with a large bowl to bring out texture. The diamond-shaped bowl of these Riedel glasses allows space for the aromas to develop.

Your varietal could impact which glass you choose, just like with white wines. If your red has a bigger, more robust flavor, like a Cabernet or Merlot, give it space—a larger bowl will catch the aromas better. The larger the opening of the glass, the smoother the wine will taste.

The shorter, wider bowl is perfect for bolder, intense varietals like Burgundies and Pinot Noirs. This set, made from delicate crystal glass in Germany, might look thin but it uses a formula that includes zirconium and titanium for strength. In other words, you don’t have to be too worried about them smashing.

A dry rosé tastes delicious in a diamond-shaped glass, which heightens the wine’s bouquet and aromas and tempers its acidity. If you're a total oenophile, these particular glasses are designed to highlight the fruitiness of pink wines.

Traditionally, bubbly is poured in tall, skinny glasses to retain the carbonation. We also like these flutes for a different reason: It makes any occasion instantly feel that much more special.

Chances are, any small, interestingly-shaped glasses you've seen are meant for dessert wines. For something like a port, a tulip-shaped glass will help bring out the unique characteristics of the wine without making it taste too alcoholic.

If, for you, picking out barware is as much about style as it is function, you’ll love Departo’s sculptural design. It has the classic shape and size as other glasses, but the bottom flips into a shot glass—so you can use it to measure out cocktails, too.

Each of these Vietri glasses was mouth-blown in Veneto, Italy, a region famous for the craft. Despite this, they're not too delicate: Feel free to pop each one in the dishwasher and even freezer. One thing to note is that because it’s stemless, you run the risk of heating the wine with your hands, so stick to enjoying it on cooler evenings for best results.

Flutes aren’t the only way to pop your favorite bubbly. Coupes offer an elegant alternative, and have a wider shape that’ll allow your champagne to breathe properly. If you don’t like too many bubbles, this is the glassware for you.

Can’t choose just one style? Don’t. Nude Glass’ three-piece set includes a tall-stem glass, a short-stem glass, and a flute, so you’re covered for all occasions.

From its stout silhouette to its ridged sides, Kosta Boda’s Viva glass makes a chic addition to any sort of happy hour spread. It was inspired by classic utility glasses from Småland, Sweden, designed to blend form and function so that it’s not overly delicate. You can even use it to mix cocktails in—truly, a versatile option.