Choosing the right wine glass can make a surprising difference to how you experience a wine. The shape and size of the bowl can influence how the wine's aromas are concentrated and how the wine is delivered to your palate, which is why different types of wine glasses have been designed to complement different wines and grape varieties.
With so many wine glass shapes and sizes available, choosing the right wine glasses can be overwhelming. From Bordeaux and Burgundy glasses to specialist shapes for different grape varieties and wine styles, each design has been developed with specific characteristics in mind.
Our beginner's guide explains the different types of wine glasses, what they are designed for and which wines they are best suited to. We'll also look at the differences between red and white wine glasses, Champagne glasses, universal glasses and stemless glasses, helping you choose the right wine glasses for the wines you enjoy.
Why Does the Shape of a Wine Glass Matter?
Wine glasses are designed with more than appearance in mind. The size and shape of the bowl can influence how aromas gather inside the glass and how the wine is delivered when you take a sip.
A larger bowl gives the wine more room to develop and makes it easier to swirl. Swirling increases the wine's contact with the air, helping to release aromatic compounds into the bowl of the glass.
The opening of the glass also plays an important role. A narrower rim can help concentrate aromas towards the nose, while a wider opening allows the wine to reach more of the palate.
This is why wine-glass manufacturers produce different shapes for different grape varieties and wine styles. A glass designed for a delicate, aromatic white wine can look very different from one designed for a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or an aromatic Pinot Noir.
The differences can be subtle, but for wine enthusiasts, choosing a glass designed for a particular wine can be an important part of the drinking experience.
Understanding the Different Parts of a Wine Glass
Wine glasses come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, each designed with particular wines or styles in mind. The most noticeable difference is usually the shape and size of the bowl, which can influence how the wine's aromas develop and how it is delivered to the palate.
Large, rounded bowls are commonly associated with aromatic red wines such as Pinot Noir, while taller bowls with narrower openings are often used for full-bodied reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. White wine glasses tend to have smaller bowls, although fuller-bodied whites such as Chardonnay can benefit from a more generous shape.
This variety is why there is no single "best" wine glass for every wine. Specialist wine glasses are designed to complement particular grape varieties and styles, while universal wine glasses offer a versatile option for enjoying a range of wines.
Rim – The edge of the bowl. Its diameter and thickness can influence how aromas are directed towards the nose and how the wine is delivered to the palate.
Bowl – The main part of the glass that holds the wine. Its size and shape vary considerably depending on the type of wine it is designed for.
Stem – The part you hold when drinking a traditional stemmed wine glass. Holding the stem helps keep your hands away from the bowl, helping to prevent the wine from warming unnecessarily.
Foot or base – The flat bottom of the glass that provides stability.
The proportions of these elements vary between different wine glasses, creating the distinctive shapes designed for different wines.
Red Wine Glasses
Red wine glasses generally have larger bowls than white wine glasses, although there is considerable variation between different styles. Red wines can benefit from a little more room in the glass, allowing their aromas to develop and giving you plenty of space to swirl the wine. Some red wine glasses are designed around broad wine styles, while others are specifically developed for particular grape varieties.
Bordeaux Wine Glasses
Bordeaux-style wine glasses have a large, relatively tall bowl with a slightly narrower opening.
They are particularly well suited to full-bodied red wines such as:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Cabernet Franc
- Petit Verdot
- Bordeaux blends
The larger bowl gives these wines plenty of room to develop their aromas, while the narrower opening helps concentrate those aromas towards the nose. A Bordeaux glass is an excellent choice if you regularly drink full-bodied reds or enjoy wines from Bordeaux and other regions producing Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot-based wines.
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Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot Wine Glasses
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are both full-bodied red grape varieties commonly associated with Bordeaux-style wines, and many specialist wine glass manufacturers group them together in the same glass shape.
These glasses typically have a generous bowl that gives the wine plenty of room to develop its aromas, while the shape is designed to complement the structure, fruit and tannins found in fuller-bodied red wines.
They are particularly well suited to:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Cabernet Franc
- Bordeaux blends
- Other full-bodied, structured red wines
If you enjoy Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, a Cabernet / Merlot wine glass is therefore a versatile choice that can be used for both varieties, as well as many other Bordeaux-style red wines.
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Burgundy & Pinot Noir Wine Glasses
Burgundy-style wine glasses are recognisable by their particularly large and rounded bowls. The bowl is usually considerably wider than that of a Bordeaux glass, with a shape that tapers towards the rim.
They are traditionally associated with aromatic, delicate red wines such as Pinot Noir, particularly wines from Burgundy.
The generous bowl provides plenty of surface area for the wine and allows its aromas to develop.
A Pinot Noir glass can also be enjoyed with other aromatic red wines where you want to give the wine plenty of room to open up.
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Syrah & Shiraz Wine Glasses
Syrah and Shiraz can range from elegant and peppery to rich, full-bodied and fruit-forward, depending on where the wine is produced and how it is made.
Glasses designed for Syrah / Shiraz typically provide enough bowl space for the wine's aromas to develop while directing those aromas towards the nose.
They can also be suitable for other aromatic, medium to full-bodied red wines.
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Other Red Wine Glasses
Not every red wine fits neatly into the Bordeaux, Burgundy or Syrah categories. Specialist wine glasses are also available for varieties and styles such as:
- Sangiovese
- Nebbiolo
- Tempranillo
- Barbera
- Grenache
- Zinfandel
Wine glass manufacturers produce different shapes to complement the characteristics of individual grape varieties, as well as different wine styles. This is why specialist ranges can include such a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
White Wine Glasses
White wine glasses are generally smaller than red wine glasses, although there is still considerable variation between different styles. The smaller bowl can help maintain the wine's temperature while concentrating its aromas towards the nose. Just as with red wine, different white grape varieties can benefit from different glass shapes.
Sauvignon Blanc & Riesling Wine Glasses
Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling are both aromatic white grape varieties known for their freshness, acidity and distinctive aromas. Sauvignon Blanc originates from France, while Riesling is closely associated with Germany, although both varieties are now grown in wine-producing regions around the world.
Sauvignon Blanc & Riesling wine glasses typically have a smaller, more slender bowl than glasses designed for fuller-bodied white wines. The shape helps to concentrate the wines' fresh and delicate aromas towards the nose while preserving their vibrant character.
These glasses are also suitable for a variety of other fresh, aromatic white wines, making them a versatile addition to any wine glass collection.
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Chardonnay Wine Glasses
Chardonnay is particularly interesting when it comes to wine glass shape because the style of the wine can vary considerably.
Fresh, unoaked Chardonnay can work well in a more moderate white wine glass, while richer, fuller-bodied or oak-aged Chardonnay can benefit from a larger bowl.
A larger Chardonnay glass gives the wine room to develop and can help reveal its more complex aromas.
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Rosé Wine Glasses
Rosé wine doesn't necessarily require a completely separate glass shape.
Depending on the style, a good white wine or universal wine glass can be an excellent choice. The smaller bowl can help maintain the wine's freshness while allowing its fruit aromas to develop.
However, specialist rosé wine glasses are also available for those who want a glass designed specifically with rosé in mind.
Champagne & Sparkling Wine Glasses
Champagne and sparkling wine have their own range of specialist glassware, including flutes, tulip-shaped glasses and coupes. Each shape offers a different way to experience the wine's aromas, flavours and bubbles.
For a more detailed look at the different styles and how to choose between them, see our guide:
Which Champagne Glass Is Right for Me? A Guide to Champagne Glass Types
If you're looking for Champagne or sparkling wine glasses, you can also browse our full range of Champagne glasses.
Dessert & Fortified Wine Glasses
Sweet wines, Port, Sherry and other fortified wines are generally served in smaller glasses than table wines.
There are practical reasons for this. These wines are often more concentrated and higher in alcohol, so they are usually enjoyed in smaller quantities.
A smaller bowl also helps to concentrate their aromas.
Specialist glasses are available for wines such as:
- Port
- Sherry
- Sauternes
- Ice Wine
- Other dessert wines
If you regularly enjoy fortified or sweet wines, a dedicated glass can be a useful addition to your collection.
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Universal Wine Glasses
Universal wine glasses are designed to provide a versatile option for people who enjoy a wide range of wines.
Their proportions sit between the more specialist shapes, making them suitable for many different red, white and rosé wines.
They are particularly useful if you entertain regularly, enjoy several different styles of wine or simply prefer to keep your glassware collection relatively simple.
A universal wine glass doesn't replace the specialist shapes available for individual grape varieties, but it can be an excellent everyday option alongside them.
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Find the Right Wine Glass for You
Whether you're buying your first set of wine glasses or building a collection around your favourite grape varieties, there are plenty of shapes to explore.
From Bordeaux and Burgundy glasses to specialist shapes for different grape varieties and wine styles, each design has been developed with specific characteristics in mind.
Explore our collection of wine glasses to find the shapes and styles best suited to the wines you enjoy.
Related Guides You Might Find Helpful
If you're just starting to explore the world of wine, these guides are a great next step:
- How to Clean Wine Glasses - Learn the best techniques and tools to keep your glassware sparkling and streak-free.
- What Are Wine Tasting Glasses? - Understand the unique features of tasting glasses and how they enhance aroma and flavour.
Whether you're setting up your first collection or looking to refine your setup, these guides offer practical advice to get the most out of your glassware.
