- There's no difference in the taste when using a stemmed glass to a stemless glass.
- Both stemmed glasses and stemless glasses have pros and cons.
- Stemless glasses will warm the wine up from contact with your hand, so you should consider this.
Does the stem affect the taste, quality or overall enjoyment of wine? Should I invest in stemless glasses for my restaurant or home? Are stemmed glasses better for tasting? We cannot answer these questions for you; however, on your behalf, we can suggest the differences between stemmed and stemless glasses and let you decide which glass you prefer.
Stemmed vs Stemless wine glasses
This table explores the differences between stemmed and stemless glasses. We have remained impartial to give both glasses an equal footing.
| Stemmed | Stemless |
|---|---|
| + Stemmed glasses look elegant in a wine cabinet | + They are easy to store in cupboards and small spaces |
| + These glasses are used for a traditional table setting | + Stemless glasses have become a modern and contemporary table setting (although they have been around for years and years!) |
| - Stemmed glasses are prone to breaking at the stem | + Less precarious when placed on the edges of tables and counters |
| + Keeps the contents cool and free from (hand) temperature, unlike stemless glasses |
+ Red wine is heated nicely by your hand (skin temperature) holding the glass. - However, white wine is (mostly) best served chilled |
| - Most stemmed glasses are hand wash only | + Perfect for the dishwasher |
| + Stemmed glassware allows you to analyse the colour of your wine easily | - A stemless glass makes it difficult to analyse the contents, leaving finger marks as well |
| + You can easily swirl your wine, encouraging it to breathe | - You have to be careful when swirling in a stemless glass as it is often tricky when holding it by the bowl |
| + Perfect for formal occasions | + These glasses are perfect for large gatherings or parties where (in most cases) glasses are more likely to get knocked over |
| + Stemmed glasses are dainty and delicate to hold | + These glasses make for a comfortable and easy grip |
| - Stemmed glasses are not as sturdy as the solid-based stemless glasses | + These glasses are suitable for using outdoors |
| + Different designs are available depending on the use | + Available in a variety of materials |
| + Price range differs with brand and 'type of wine glass' | + Sometimes less expensive than stemmed glasses |
| + The stem avoids fingerprints on the glass | - You have to hold the stemless glass at the bowl |
Both stemmed, and stemless glasses are available for engraving, so you can personalise your glassware whether it has a stem or not!
You can compare the on-going debate between stemmed and stemless wine glasses with siblings. They quarrel and argue with one another continuously, but they get on ideally on occasions and can be seen sitting at the dinner table together.
Why would you want a stemless wine glass?
All in all, it is down to personal preference and which glass you prefer and enjoys serving wine or other drinks in. You may choose one type of glass over the other due to the occasion, whether it is a formal or informal event.
Some experts and sommeliers feel stemless wine glasses are a welcome addition to the glassware industry and have received great praise. Simultaneously, others will argue that stemmed glasses are the best choice for enjoying wine to its maximum potential.
Which glass wins your vote?
If you feel passionate about one glass over the other, then please let us know. We are always interested to hear your views; you can contact us straight away via our Twitter page. If you have a reason not mentioned in the table above, let us know, and we might add it.
