Buying wine and sparkling wine glasses: a guide to materials, shapes and occasions

Wine and sparkling wine glasses may look much the same at first glance. But when you’re choosing a set, details such as capacity, shape, care instructions and pack size determine whether it’s suited to everyday use or just a one-off celebration. If you choose based only on colour or brand name, you may overlook practical limitations.

Common pitfalls when buying wine and sparkling wine glasses

1. Decorative details take priority over care

Gold rims, coloured finishes and black stems can complement your table setting. But they’re not necessarily dishwasher-safe. For example, hand-washing is recommended for the MyGift set with a gold-coloured rim to protect its coating. Coloured glasses may also benefit from gentle cleaning rather than intensive dishwasher cycles.

2. Capacity is mistaken for the amount you should pour

A glass with a capacity of 445 or 660 ml shouldn’t be filled to the brim. Wine needs room for its aromas to develop and for the liquid to move around the glass. Sparkling wine and champagne need space for their bubbles, too. So a larger glass isn’t automatically practical for every variety or occasion.

3. ‘Dishwasher-safe’ doesn’t mean maintenance-free

Dishwasher-safe glasses should sit securely in the glassware cycle and be removed carefully afterwards. High temperatures, strong detergents and contact with other items can cause clouding or damage over time. Crystal glasses and those with very delicate stems need extra care, regardless of the manufacturer’s instructions.

Key things to consider

Glass type and material

With crystal and crystal glassware, clarity, light refraction and often a more delicate finish take centre stage. According to its product information, the RIEDEL Veritas Champagne Glass is made from clear crystal glass and is machine-made. The RIEDEL Fatto a Mano Black Tie Chardonnay glass, on the other hand, is described as mouth-blown, lead-free crystal glass with a black crystal base.

Soda-lime glass is widely used for everyday glassware. The transparent Ina wine glass is made from lead-free soda-lime glass and has a tulip-shaped bowl. Hand-washing is recommended for the pink version. According to the product information, both models are designed for cold or room-temperature drinks; avoid hot liquids and sudden changes in temperature.

Choose a shape to suit your drink

• Red wine glasses often have a larger bowl, allowing full-bodied wines to come into contact with the air.
• White wine glasses are usually a little more compact. A smaller capacity can be practical for fresh, chilled wines.
• Sparkling wine glasses and classic flutes are tall and narrow. Their shape makes the bubbles easy to see.
• Champagne glasses with a wider, egg-shaped bowl offer more room for aromas. According to the product description, the RIEDEL Veritas model has a so-called ‘Moussing Point’, designed to encourage bubbles to form.
• Prosecco glasses can be flutes or slightly rounded sparkling wine glasses. What matters is stability, the rim and the capacity.

Capacity, quantity and storage

Two to six glasses are often enough for a household. If you regularly entertain, a set of 12 can give you a matching collection. Before buying, check your cupboard height, the glass diameter and whether you have somewhere safe to store them. Stemmed glasses shouldn’t be stacked inside one another, as this can cause scratches or chips.

Our picks for different shoppers

Ideal for: budget-conscious beginners

Ina Wine Glass – 21 cl, tulip-shaped, transparent

Why it suits this shopper: This 21 cl glass is suitable for red, white and rosé wine. According to the product information, it can be cleaned using the dishwasher’s glassware cycle.

How it avoids this pitfall

The transparent finish avoids delicate coloured coatings. Its compact size also makes it easier to store.

Key benefits and features

Tulip-shaped bowl, 210 ml capacity and, according to the product description, dishwasher-safe.

Ideal for: shoppers with high standards

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

Why it suits this shopper: This single mouth-blown Chardonnay glass is for shoppers looking to make a statement at the table and enjoy a generous capacity for special wines.

How it avoids this pitfall

The product information clearly specifies the material, how it’s made, its height and its capacity. That means you can plan for the extra care it needs before you buy.

Key benefits and features

Lead-free crystal glass, 660 ml capacity and a black crystal base; hand-washing is recommended.

Ideal for: special occasions and frequent use

5Five Set of 12 Cocktail Champagne Glasses, 15 cl

Why it suits this shopper: This set of 12 polystyrene glasses is designed for parties, picnics and events where lightweight glasses that are easy to hand out are a practical choice.

How it avoids this pitfall

The product description clearly states that the glasses are suitable for cold drinks and are not dishwasher-safe, so it’s clear where they can be used.

Key benefits and features

12 per pack, 150 ml per glass and lightweight for use on the go.

Care and safe use

• Before first use, wash glasses with warm water and mild washing-up liquid.
• Don’t twist the stem and bowl against each other.
• Don’t pour boiling liquids into wine or sparkling wine glasses.
• Don’t use glasses with cracks, chips or sharp edges.
• If using a dishwasher, select a glassware cycle and leave plenty of space around the glasses and cutlery.
• Wash gold, coloured and decorative details by hand wherever possible.
• Store glasses upright and protected, rather than stacking them inside one another.

Frequently asked questions about wine and sparkling wine glasses

How many wine and sparkling wine glasses does a household need?

For two people, two wine glasses and two sparkling wine glasses make a practical starting set. If you regularly host dinner parties, a set of four to six glasses is a good choice. For larger celebrations, a set of 12 can make things easier to organise.

Are crystal glasses dishwasher-safe?

It depends on the product. The RIEDEL Veritas Champagne Glass is described as dishwasher-safe, while hand-washing is recommended for the mouth-blown Fatto a Mano glass. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Which glasses are suitable for Prosecco and sparkling wine?

Slim sparkling wine glasses and champagne flutes work well with light, fresh sparkling wines. A wider champagne glass offers more room for aromas. Either shape can work for Prosecco, as long as the capacity, stability and care requirements suit how you plan to use it.