Is selecting the right wine glass almost as difficult for you as selecting the right wine?  Although is it possible to select a different glass for each type of wine you drink, it is not at all practical.

A wine glass can serve an important purpose in helping you enjoy the experience of wine.  Enjoying wine is all about using all of your senses to experience it – that is, sight, smell and taste.   You want to be able to observe the color of the wine, smell its aromas and finally taste it.  The right wine glass can enhance this experience - but no need to get overwhelmed with all the different glass choices out there.

Basics of a Wine Glass

The basic shape of a wine glass is that of a tulip with a wider base that narrows towards the top.  The degree to which the top opens depends on the type of wine for which the glass is meant.  A wine glass can be made of crystal or glass.  Remember that glass can go in the dishwasher and is easier to care for and costs less to purchase than crystal.  My preference for the color of a wine glass is clear since appreciating wine is also about observing its color.  The stem of the glass gives you something to hold onto without touching the bowl of the glass and warming the wine with the heat from your hand.  When pouring wine only fill the glass one-third to half full so as to leave room to swirl the wine and inhale the bouquet.  

White vs Red Wine Glasses

The easiest way to begin understanding the differences in wine glasses is to understand the major difference in the wine that goes into them.  White wines tend to have more delicate aromas and are meant to be enjoyed young.  Whereas red wines have bolder aromas and can benefit from a bit of aeration.  Therefore wine glasses with larger, broader bowls are used for red wine because the larger bowl allows air to reach the wine and also allows the fuller bouquet to be released.  Whereas glasses with a narrower bowl are used to concentrate the more delicate aromas found in a white wine.  A narrow bowl also helps to keep a white wine at cooler temperatures.    

So What Should You Buy

If you enjoy both red and white wines or want options for your guests, then buy one of each, that is, a basic white wine glass and red wine glass.  If space and your budget do not allow for multiple glasses, there are multi-purpose wine glasses.  A multi-purpose glass has a deeper bowl with a more moderate diameter. 

People often wonder what name brand of glass to purchase.  There are many fine wine glass manufacturers such as Riedel or Spiegelau, but it is also possible to find wine glasses in most department stores that mimic these more expensive name brands for a more affordable price.  Again, it depends on your budget. 

So as with all things having to do with wine, have fun choosing the right wine glass for you and remember that wine can even be drank out of a glass tumbler (like they still often do in Italy) because what is most important are the family and friends you share the wine with and conversation you have while drinking the wine.