Joybuy Insights

Buying wine glasses: how to find the right glasses for wine, everyday use and special occasions

The range of wine glasses runs from simple designs for everyday use to handmade crystal models for formal dinners. But the price alone won’t tell you whether a glass is right for your household, your wine or your dishwasher. The key things to consider are shape, capacity, material, care instructions and number of glasses.

Common mistakes when buying wine glasses

1. Assuming a larger capacity is always better

A wine glass with a capacity of 660 ml, 770 ml or even 950 ml can offer plenty of room for aromas to develop. However, this size isn’t always practical for everyday use: it takes up more storage space, is harder to clean and can look oversized on a small table. For many households, wine glasses with a capacity of 28 cl to 41 cl are more than enough.

2. “Crystal” alone doesn’t tell you how practical a glass is

Crystal wine glasses often stand out for their clarity and delicate appearance. Even so, it’s worth checking whether a glass is machine-made or handmade, and what care the manufacturer recommends. A handmade glass may have individual characteristics and require particularly careful handling.

3. Dishwasher-safe doesn’t mean indestructible

Models described as dishwasher-safe wine glasses can go in the dishwasher. However, this doesn’t automatically protect them from clouding, scratches or stress on the stem. Lower temperatures, a glassware programme and enough space between glasses and other dishes can help extend their life. Even if handmade glasses are dishwasher-safe, washing them by hand is often a sensible choice.

What to check before you buy

Capacity and glass shape

Choose a capacity that suits how you plan to use the glass:

  • 28 cl / 280 ml wine glass: suitable for everyday use, smaller servings and limited storage space.
  • 36 cl / 360 ml wine glass: a versatile choice for white wine, rosé and lighter red wines.
  • 660 ml wine glass: offers more room for full-bodied white wines or complex reds.
  • Large red wine glasses of around 700 ml or more: a good choice if you want to swirl the wine and give its aromas room to develop.

The stated capacity isn’t the same as the recommended pour. Often, only around a third of the glass is filled, leaving room to swirl the wine and space at the top for its aromas.

Material and craftsmanship

Soda-lime glass is widely used for household glassware and offers a clear, practical option. Crystal glass can have thinner walls, greater brilliance and a more delicate look. When choosing, also check the following:

  • Is the glass intended for contact with food?
  • Is it described as machine-made or handmade?
  • Is the stem securely joined to the bowl and base?
  • Are there any warnings about thermal shock or maximum temperature differences?
  • Is it explicitly approved for dishwasher cleaning?

According to product information from various manufacturers, suitable models meet the requirements of EU Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 on materials intended to come into contact with food. Always check the details for the specific product.

Wine type and bowl shape

Pinot Noir glasses often have a larger, rounded bowl for light, aromatic red wines. Cabernet-Merlot glasses and Bordeaux glasses are usually larger, giving full-bodied reds plenty of room. For white wine, Chardonnay glasses with a more generous bowl can be a good choice for richer, oak-aged wines. If you enjoy a range of wines at home, a glass with a versatile shape may be more practical than one designed for a specific grape variety.

Our picks for different needs

Ideal for: budget-conscious beginners
Enric'Eau Wine Glass 28 cl

Enric'Eau Wine Glass 28 cl

Why this product suits this need: This 28 cl glass is made from clear soda-lime glass. It’s a good fit for smaller households, everyday use and a range of red and white wines.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its modest capacity means you don’t have to buy a large specialist glass for everyday occasions. The manufacturer says it’s dishwasher-safe.

Key benefits and strengths

280 ml capacity, clear glass and dishwasher-safe according to the product information.

Ideal for: quality-conscious buyers
Riedel Fatto a Mano Black Tie Chardonnay Crystal Wine Glass 660 ml

Riedel Fatto a Mano Black Tie Chardonnay Crystal Wine Glass, 660 ml

Why this product suits this need: This handmade crystal wine glass combines a generous 660 ml bowl with a hand-crafted stem and a black crystal base.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description clearly states that it’s handmade, so you know that slight variations may be part of the craftsmanship.

Key benefits and strengths

660 ml capacity, lead-free crystal glass according to the product information, and a hand-crafted stem.

Ideal for: specific occasions and frequent use
RIEDEL Performance Cabernet Merlot Wine Glass 834 ml Set of 4

RIEDEL Performance Cabernet/Merlot Wine Glass, 834 ml, set of 4

Why this product suits this need: This set of four is designed for hosts and households that regularly serve full-bodied reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its suitability for Cabernet and Merlot is clearly stated. The set size also means you won’t need to mix and match individual glasses when entertaining a group.

Key benefits and strengths

834 ml capacity, crystal glass, an optical finish and dishwasher-safe according to the manufacturer.

Ideal for: everyday use and mixed wine gatherings
RIEDEL Veritas Riesling Zinfandel Wine Glass Set of 4

RIEDEL Veritas Riesling/Zinfandel Wine Glass, set of 4

Why this product suits this need: With a capacity of 0.4 l, this set is designed for fruity white wines such as Riesling and certain lighter reds.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The description names specific wine types and states the set size, giving you useful guidance rather than a purely decorative product name.

Key benefits and strengths

Four machine-made crystal glasses with a capacity of around 400 ml, and dishwasher-safe according to the product information.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the safety requirements applicable in the EU.

Care and safe use

  • Before first use, wash with warm water and mild washing-up liquid.
  • Don’t stack glasses inside one another if the manufacturer advises against it.
  • When polishing, avoid twisting the bowl and stem against each other.
  • Don’t continue using glasses that are damaged, cracked or chipped.
  • Don’t expose soda-lime or crystal glass to sudden temperature changes.
  • In the dishwasher, choose a glassware programme and leave enough space between glasses and other dishes.

Wine glasses FAQs

Which wine glasses are suitable for red wine?

Larger red wine glasses with a rounded bowl are suitable for full-bodied reds. Cabernet, Merlot and Bordeaux wines often benefit from glasses with a capacity of around 625 to 950 ml. Large bowls can also suit lighter reds such as Pinot Noir, but shape shouldn’t be judged by capacity alone.

Are dishwasher-safe wine glasses really practical for everyday use?

Yes, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Wash dishwasher-safe wine glasses on a gentle programme and avoid placing them too close to other dishes. Even when approved for dishwasher use, handmade models may benefit from careful hand-washing.

How many wine glasses should a household buy?

Four glasses are often enough for two people. A set of four wine glasses is practical for smaller households and intimate gatherings. If you regularly entertain or serve different types of wine at the same time, having eight or more matching glasses can make setting the table and storing them easier.