Which red wine glasses should I choose?
If you are interested in wine, you will probably already know that there is a big difference between red wine glasses. That is why there is no single answer to what makes a good red wine glass, or what size it should be. Whether you are an experienced wine drinker or just getting started, a practical place to begin is with red wine glasses that you find elegant and inviting.
Red wine glasses can broadly be divided into three parts: base, stem and bowl.
The base and stem mainly affect the look of the glass. They can vary from slim to sturdy and from light to heavier in the hand. They also influence how the glass feels when you hold it. The shape, opening and size of the bowl have a major effect on the tasting experience, which is why different glass designs are suited to different types of wine.
When browsing this category, it often helps to move from the general to the specific. Start by looking at bowl size and shape, then compare the opening and the overall design. That makes it easier to see the differences between the most common styles and choose the glasses that best match the red wines you enjoy most.
Bordeaux glasses
With their tall stem and large bowl, Bordeaux glasses are well suited to powerful, full-bodied red wines made from grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The wide opening allows generous aeration, which helps soften tannins and bring out complex aromas.
If you often serve fuller red wines, this style is a useful reference point when comparing glasses in the category. It gives you a clear idea of what to look for when you want a larger bowl and a more open shape.
Burgundy glasses
Burgundy glasses have an even larger bowl than Bordeaux glasses, but a narrower opening. This shape works well for delicate red wines made from Pinot Noir grapes, as the wide bowl gives the aromas room to develop while the narrower opening directs them towards the nose.
For many shoppers, this is where the category becomes easier to navigate. Once you compare a Burgundy shape with a Bordeaux shape, the role of the bowl and opening becomes much clearer, and that can help narrow down the right choice.
Shiraz glasses
This glass is designed with a slightly taller and narrower bowl than a Bordeaux glass, which makes it well suited to spicy and powerful Shiraz wines. The shape helps concentrate the spicy aromas and present them clearly at the nose.
If you are comparing several styles at once, Shiraz glasses show how even small differences in bowl shape can matter. For most situations, that makes it easier to choose based on the character of the wine you usually prefer.
Many red wine glasses in the range can be used for most types of red wine and still provide a very good experience. If you choose a good standard glass, that will often be enough for the typical wine drinker.
If you would like to explore beyond this category, you can also browse the wider selection of glassware. From there, it is easy to continue to the full range of wine glasses and compare different glasses for different serving styles. You can also look at related options such as white wine glasses and port wine glasses.
The quality of the glass can be noticed in the wine
The quality of the glass your wine is served in plays an important role in the overall tasting experience. A well-designed wine glass can change how a wine is experienced by highlighting its aromas, flavour notes and overall profile.
Among the brands that understand the connection between form and function, Lyngby Glas and Luigi Bormioli stand out. With careful attention to glassmaking and fine details, both brands have developed several wine glass collections.
Lyngby Glas red wine glasses
Red wine glasses from Lyngby Glas are shaped with a heritage rooted in Danish design tradition, bringing together classic elegance and innovation.
Lyngby Glas is known not only for classic, clean lines, but also for introducing coloured glasses that add personality and style to the table setting. With a strong understanding of the character of wine, the brand has created glasses designed to let each nuance come into its own.
When comparing red wine glasses online, this can be helpful if you want to balance visual style with the shape of the bowl. Some shoppers start with the look of the glass and then narrow their choice by comparing size, form and how the glass feels in use.
Luigi Bormioli red wine glasses
Luigi Bormioli red wine glasses are for those who appreciate a more refined glass. The Italian glassworks has a long tradition and has supplied the wine world with quality glasses since 1946.
Red wine glasses from Luigi Bormioli are elegant in appearance, and they are made in different designs with bowls in different sizes, so you can choose the glass that best suits the wines you enjoy serving.
In this category, you may find sizes such as 36.5 cl, 48 cl, 57 cl and 80 cl. Comparing capacity alongside the shape of the bowl can be a practical way to work through the selection and decide which style fits your preferences best.
How to care for your red wine glasses
Good red wine glasses are often something people take special care of, so it helps to know how to clean and store them properly to avoid damage during washing and everyday handling.
Cleaning red wine glasses
The first thing to check is whether your red wine glasses are dishwasher safe. If they are suitable for the dishwasher, you should also make sure they can withstand hot water.
How to clean red wine glasses that are dishwasher safe
For dishwasher-safe red wine glasses, choose a gentle programme so they are cleaned without unnecessary wear. Place them carefully in the dishwasher with enough space between each glass to avoid contact and reduce the risk of chips. If your dishwasher has a glass programme, use that setting.
How to clean red wine glasses that are not dishwasher safe
If your red wine glasses are not dishwasher safe, for example if they have a gold rim, they should be washed by hand to avoid damage. Use warm water and washing-up liquid. Clean the bowl carefully with a soft sponge to reduce the risk of chips. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue, then dry with a tea towel or leave the glass to air dry on a cloth.
How should I store my red wine glasses?
Store your red wine glasses in a cupboard or on a shelf where they stand securely and are not at risk of being knocked over. Glasses should be stored upright to protect the rim, which is the most fragile part of the glass. Storing them with the opening facing upwards also helps reduce the risk of moisture being trapped inside. If you keep them in a place with minimal dust circulation, you may not need to clean them before use.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the right red wine glasses?
A practical way to choose red wine glasses is to start with the bowl size and shape, then compare the opening and overall design. In everyday use, this helps you see which glasses are better suited to the types of red wine you usually drink.
What is the difference between Bordeaux and Burgundy red wine glasses?
Bordeaux glasses usually have a large bowl and a wide opening, which suits powerful, full-bodied red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Burgundy glasses have an even larger bowl but a narrower opening, and in practice this helps delicate wines such as Pinot Noir develop aroma while directing it more clearly towards the nose.
What are Shiraz glasses designed for?
Shiraz glasses are made with a slightly taller and narrower bowl than a Bordeaux glass, which suits spicy and powerful Shiraz wines. This shape helps concentrate the aromas, and in everyday use that makes it easier to notice the wine’s spicier character.
Do I need different red wine glasses for different wines?
No, not always. The category content explains that many red wine glasses can be used for most types of red wine and still give a very good experience, so in practice a good standard glass is often enough for typical everyday use.
Does the quality and shape of the glass affect how red wine tastes?
Yes, the design of the glass can influence how the wine is experienced by highlighting aromas, flavour notes and the overall profile. In practice, this means that the bowl shape and opening can make it easier to notice differences between fuller, more delicate or spicier red wines.
How can I compare red wine glasses more easily when shopping online?
It helps to compare glasses from the general to the specific by looking first at bowl size and shape, then at the opening, capacity and overall design. This makes it easier to work through narrower options and choose a glass that matches both your preferred wine style and the look you want on the table.
How should I clean red wine glasses properly?
First check whether the glasses are dishwasher safe. If they are, use a gentle or glass programme and leave space between each glass; if they are not, wash them by hand in warm water with washing-up liquid and a soft sponge, which helps reduce the risk of chips and unnecessary wear.
What is the best way to store red wine glasses?
Red wine glasses should be stored upright in a secure cupboard or on a stable shelf where they are less likely to be knocked over. In everyday use, this helps protect the rim, reduces the chance of trapped moisture and may also mean less cleaning before use if the storage area stays relatively dust free.