- The 21.5cl ISO tasting glass is internationally recognised as the standard design for wine tasting.
- A quality tasting glass should provide ample space to swirl and nose the wine effectively.
- There are also grape-specific glasses available, tailored to highlight the unique characteristics of particular varietals.
Wine enthusiasts, sommeliers and wine merchants often stress how fundamental the right glass is to enjoying wine. As wine writer Victoria Moore once put it, "It would be like buying a state-of-the-art sound system and fitting it with cheap speakers." Investing in a good bottle but overlooking proper glassware undermines the full experience.
That said, others believe that the glass shape only makes subtle differences, and for the casual drinker, such details may not be crucial.
At Wineware, we understand how overwhelming it can be to choose wine glasses. With such variety in shape, size, and rim thickness, selecting the right one can feel daunting. That’s why we’ve created this guide, to help you understand how different glasses can enhance your wine and make choosing easier.
This guide will help you make the best choice whether you’re entertaining at home or selecting glassware for your restaurant.
Can the Shape or Size of Your Glass Affect How Wine Tastes?
The short answer is no. Glasses don’t change the wine’s taste, but they can dramatically affect how we perceive its flavours and aromas. A poorly chosen glass won’t make a bad wine taste good, but the right one can elevate a good wine, bringing out its character and bouquet more vividly.
Austrian glassmakers Riedel pioneered functional wine glass design. Claus Riedel developed egg-shaped glasses intended to guide wine to specific areas of the palate. By altering the rim diameter, depth, and bowl shape, he revolutionised glassware, and Riedel continues to produce wine-specific glass shapes today. Their philosophy is “form follows function”, and they believe every grape, style, and region deserves its own glass.
What Wine Tasting Glasses Should I Use?
Choosing the right wine glass depends on the type of wine and your personal preferences.
Experts, sommeliers, winemakers, and keen consumers regularly test glassware to discover which shapes suit particular grapes. Whether you're sipping Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir, the right glass can make a noticeable difference.
Every glass has distinct features, such as shape, rim diameter, wall thickness, and overall finish. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right glass for your wine.
ISO Wine Tasting Glass
The ISO (International Standards Organisation) wine glass is globally recognised as the standard for wine tasting. Its rounded bowl and tapered sides allow for proper aeration and controlled swirling, helping release aromas while avoiding spills.
Available in multiple sizes: 12cl, 21.5cl, 31cl, and 41cl. The 21.5cl version is especially popular for Port and Sherry tastings. Wine clubs, critics, and professionals use it as a reliable all-purpose tasting glass.
Choosing the Right Glass: A Quick Overview:
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Red Wine Glasses |
White Wine Glasses |
| Red wine is usually served in a larger glass. The large bowl allows the aromas and flavours to develop, and the wider opening and width of a red wine tasting glass allow the wine to breathe much quicker. | Usually served in a medium-sized glass so that the fresh, sweet characteristics are concentrated at the top of the glass. A narrow rimmed glass allows the white wine to hit the tip of your tongue, highlighting the sweetness. The glass rim can also be adapted to minimise the acidity of a wine, known as the “acidity bumper”. |
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Sparkling Wine / Champagne Glasses |
Fortified Wine Glasses |
| Best served in a flute-style glass. These glasses have a wide, tapered bowl, perfect for holding the bubbles and fizz of sparkling wine. They have been specially designed to retain champagne’s carbonation, creating a wonderful bubble texture in your mouth. | Fortified wine is usually served in a small-capacity glass. These glasses tend to emphasise the fruit characteristics of the drink rather than the alcohol content. As with most glassware, the glass should still be large enough to allow swirling. |
The key reason to select purpose-built glassware is its ability to capture and highlight a wine’s aroma and flavour profile.
“I Use the Same Glass for Everything”
That’s perfectly fine! The best way to learn about wine glasses is to experiment. Try the same wine in different glasses and record your observations. You’ll soon notice how shape influences aroma and taste.
To support your exploration, Wineware offers a companion guide: How to Taste Wine – A Complete Guide. Like wine tasting itself, choosing the right glass is ultimately a matter of personal preference.
When should I use wine tasting glasses?
Tasting glasses are ideal for both home and commercial use. They elevate the wine experience, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or serving guests in a professional setting.
Quick Wine Tasting Tips
- The relationship between wine and its vessel is essential to overall enjoyment.
- Choose a bowl shape that allows for easy swirling.
- High-quality lead crystal is often best; thinner glass usually signals better craftsmanship.
- Match the glass to the occasion as well as the wine.
- There are many excellent glassware ranges available; find one that suits your style and needs.
- Premium glassware is often hand-wash only; check the manufacturer's instructions.
- Most importantly, have fun experimenting with different glasses to find what works best for you!
If you need further guidance or recommendations, don’t hesitate to contact Wineware. We’re here to help you find the perfect glass to match your wine and elevate every sip.
