Wine glasses are just like the finest of wines — they just get better over time.
Whether you’re entertaining for a large crowd or preparing to sit down for a romantic dinner with your significant other, having these trusty, elegant glasses will enhance the ambiance tenfold.
So, we rounded up the 15 best wine glasses of 2022. But, not just any glasses that can house your Cabernet or Riesling — we listed the very best, according to a certified sommelier.
“I always encourage my guests and customers to invest in a good set of wine glasses because using a proper wine glassware will enhance the process of tasting wine visually, olfactorily [with your sense of smell], gustatorily, and the entire drinking experience,” Joyce Lin, certified sommelier and NYC-based wine content creator, told the New York Post. Lin is also the founder of Sip with Joyce, a consulting firm and platform that promotes food and wine pairing with a strong focus on Asian cuisines. “You gotta have the right tool to let the wine shine. Trust me, it would be worth it.”
Even better, most of the top-rated wine glasses you’ll find below (which are all recommended by Lin, BTW) are sold on Amazon (who doesn’t love two-day shipping?) With your finest wine delivery service ordered and in transit, too, you’ll be sipping like royalty.
Lin also answers some frequently asked questions about wine glasses for you to reference before shopping the crème de la crème of the essential drinkware.
Click to jump to the best wine glasses:
Which wine glass is best?
The golden question, right? “As long as the wine glass is thin, with a laser-thin rim, either made with high quality glass or crystal, to me, they are good wine glasses,” Lin says. “Of course, the craftsmanship, the design and the shape of the ball should all be considered when making your decision.”
From Lin’s personal tasting purpose, a universal wine glass works best for her, simple because universal wine glasses are designed to enjoy both white and red wines as well as rosé and even sparkling. “Plus, if you have limited storage space, a universal wine glass is ideal,” she adds.
There are a few special universal wine glasses Lin use frequently. “Each of them performs slightly differently but they are my all-time favorites: Gabriel-Glas “StandArt”, Josephine No.2 by Josephinenhütte, and Glas Vin,” she lists.
Why are thin wine glasses better?
Interestingly, there’s a popular debate between thin and thick wine glasses — so Lin gave us the 411.
“A thin wine glass will not only allow you to have a clearer view of the colors of the wine, but also enhance the sensations of the tasting experience,” she notes. “It also makes it easier to take sips without spilling and direct wine into the center of the mouth smoothly.”
What is so special about Riedel wine glasses?
From Lin’s perspective, she believes the brand has inched up in popularity for its rich background. “It’s likely because they are known for the creation and development of varietal-specific stemware as well as the long history (over 250 years) of making good quality stemware,” she offers.
Is Spiegelau a good brand?
Wonderfully, Spiegelau is an easily accessible brand that’s offered on Amazon (and one Lin recommends — bonus!)
“Spiegelau is designed to suit the need of affordable and practical tabletop glassware for everyday use,” she describes. “If you are not ready to invest in a high price tag wine glass, Spiegelau is a wonderful alternative.”
What to look for when buying a wine glass, per a sommelier
Lin has a cheat sheet of top tips to keep in your back pocket when shopping for your next fabulous wine glass:
- Glass quality with a laser thin rim
- Wine glasses made with crystal
- Design and shape of the bowl
- Price
“It’s very similar to buying wine — knowing your producers or importers guarantees the quality of the products,” Lin says. “Most importantly, knowing your needs and the purpose of buying a set of wine glasses and how much you want to spend per glass would help to narrow down the options.”
Best Wine Glasses
With an elegant look and feel, the Josephinenhütte Josephine No. 2 Universal Wine Glass has a modern, unique bowl and fine stem that make it wonderful for any occasion. Though $95 is a bit on the pricier side for a single glass, it’ll last you for years.
Looking for a set of two? The brand’s Josephine No. 2 Universal Wine Glass is a swanky pair (and makes an incredible gift for the couple you know). We adore its universal charm — which is perfect for red and white drinkers alike — and its luxe appeal.
With a rounded bowl and classic look, the Gabriel-Glas Austrian Crystal Wine Glass is the perfect duo set less than $75. Namely, wine enthusiasts love it for bringing out the flavors of wine more richly (thanks to the shape of the glass).
With a rich-looking package, there’s no doubt the Gabriel-Glas Austrian Crystal Wine Glass is a charming selection. Not only does it make a perfect gift (for less than $50!) but it was made by highly skilled European craftsmen with lead-free Austrian crystal.
5. Zwiesel Glas Tritan Crystal Wine Glass (Set of 6), $55, original price: $84
With a stellar price and value, Zwiesel’s Glas Tritan Crystal Wine Glass is the set of six we’ve all been looking for. You’ll love each of its full-bodied glasses that boast sharp, crystal lines for a refined look. Plus, they’re universal — perfect for both red and white wine pairings.
6. Spiegelau Red Wine Glass (Set of 4), $40, original price: $48
If you’re keen on your Cabernet and Pinot Noir, then you’ll adore Spiegelau’s Red Wine Glasses. This set of four is a budget-friendly pick if you’re more interested in the quality of your wine than what you drink it out of (though we think both should be considered).
7. Spiegelau White Wine Glass (Set of 4), $45, original price: $48
On the flip-side, the brand’s White Wine Glasses are just as attractive. With an exaggerated roundness to appreciate while sipping on your Pinot Grigio and Zinfandel, you’ll be ready to host and entertain (perhaps with a charcuterie board).
Now this is the perfect $50 gift. The Libbey Signature Kentfield Estate All-Purpose Wine Glass is a set of four that’s elegant, classy and ready to be used for any occasion. Plus, its curved bowls will help to enhance the flavor of your wine.
9. Riedel Veritas Cabernet/Merlot Glass (Set of 2), $53, original price: $79
If you’re privy to one (maybe two types) of red wine, the Riedel Veritas Cabernet/Merlot Glasses are a fairly priced buy on Amazon. Notably, they’re a great value, have a timeless look and an elongated bowl, should you prefer the design.
Similarly, the brand’s Chardonnay Wine Glasses are a beautiful touch to adorn any dining table or bar. We love its somewhat-modern look (thanks to their super thin stems) and think they’ll certainly be a hit at any evening affair.
You won’t find a better deal than Scott Zwiesel’s Fortissimo Collection. For one, this set of six is on a wonderful discount right now and the glasses lean a bit thicker (but not too think, per Lin’s recommendation). For a bundle set less than $100, this is your winner.
12. Glasvin Universal Wine Glass (Set of 2), $79, original price: $85
Glasvin is a unique direct-to-consumer brand we need to put on your radar. Not only is each glass dishwasher-safe and ultra-light (in short: it’s perfect for any wine), but its elegant and modern appeal is exactly what we look for.
For an elevated buy, you can’t go wrong with the Richard Brendon Jancis Robinson Collection. You can select everything à la carte, from the set-of-two wine glass ($128) to the set-of-two stemless wine glass ($98). Plus, this set even includes a decanter ($225) if you choose to add that to your purchase, or buy it separately.
While we’re all about champagne flutes, we’re equally as excited about Riedel’s Veritas Champagne Wine Glass. This set of four is a must-buy (especially to ring in the New Year with) and it adds a unique touch to your wine collection.
For a stemless collection, consider the Gabriel-Glas six-piece set. It has a unique textured look, is made of fine Austrian crystal and will be a hit the next time you open your wine bottle (perhaps with an electric bottle opener).
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