Let's Talk About Wine Glasses

Please allow me to share a little wisdom gleaned from years of appreciating fine wines in good company—one truly excellent wine glass is all one really needs.

You see, some people insist on amassing an arsenal of glassware, each piece dedicated to a specific varietal—one for Chablis, another for Riesling, a separate one for Bordeaux, yet another for Pinot Noir. Absolute madness! Unless, of course, you have the storage space of a château and a penchant for spending half your time polishing fragile stems.

A Glass for Red, a Glass for White—Or Just One to Rule Them All

The truly sensible approach, my friend, is to find one perfectly designed universal glass—a single vessel that allows both red and white wines to shine without the need for an entire glassware museum in one’s cupboard.

A proper wine glass should be large enough to allow the wine to breathe, yet not so bulbous that one risks a tragic swirl-and-spill situation. It should have a fine, thin rim—none of those thick, clumsy edges that make every sip feel like drinking from a pub tumbler. And, most importantly, it must be elegantly balanced in the hand, neither too weighty nor so delicate that one lives in constant fear of snapping it mid-toast.

Why the Stem Matters (And Why It Doesn’t)

Ah, and here’s the great debate—stemmed or stemless?

Now, I must confess, I adore the ritual of holding a stemmed glass—it allows one to appreciate the clarity, the swirl, the sheer theatricality of wine drinking. And let’s not forget that keeping one’s warm hands away from the cup preserves the intended temperature of the wine.

However, I do recognize that, in certain lively gatherings—particularly those involving enthusiastic gesticulators, energetic dachshunds, or slightly inebriated uncles—a sturdy stemless glass can be something of a practical blessing.

Ultimately, my dear friend, the best wine glass is the one that allows you to drink without worry—whether that’s a delicate, whisper-thin masterpiece of crystal or a more robust, stemless wonder.

The Sheer Joy of a Well-Designed Glass

Let’s be honest—wine simply tastes better from a good glass. A thin-walled vessel enhances the experience in ways that are difficult to articulate but immediately felt. The way the liquid meets the lips, the way the aromas rise effortlessly, the sheer pleasure of holding something so exquisitely crafted—it all matters.

If you’ve ever had the misfortune of drinking a fine Burgundy from a thick-rimmed, clunky, water goblet, you’ll understand what I mean. The wine feels muffled, trapped, robbed of its full potential.

Thus, my dear fellow, I say: find one good wine glass—one that brings you joy, one that feels just right in your hand- and use it for everything. Red, white, sparkling—it shall serve you well.

A Final Thought 

So, my dear friend, the next time someone insists that you must own a different glass for every varietal, temperature, and moon phase, just smile, pour them a generous glass of something delightful, and remind them that wine is meant to be enjoyed, not overcomplicated.

Now then, shall we put my favorite glass to good use? I have a most agreeable bottle waiting, and I do believe it’s time for a toast.

Cheers!