The best wine glasses: what to look for when choosing?
There is no such thing as the "best" wine glass as an absolute category. What makes the best glass depends on what you are drinking, how you use it, and what you prioritize. Nevertheless, there are a few criteria that every good wine glass shares: the right shape for the type of wine, clear glass without color or patterns, a comfortable stem, and a stable base. A glass that meets these conditions does its job well, whether it’s for an everyday bottle or a special wine at a festive dinner.
Why the shape of the glass matters
The shape of the bowl determines how aromas collect and how the wine hits your tongue. A large, round bowl gives red wine room to breathe; take a look at our red wine glasses for this. A narrower bowl keeps white wine cooler and directs fresh aromas upward more precisely; see the collection of white wine glasses. For sparkling wine, a slimmer or tulip-shaped bowl helps to direct mousse and aroma; there are separate champagne glasses for that.
A glass with enough space in the bowl is also practical: you can swirl the wine without it spilling over the rim. Swirling is not an affectation; it accelerates aeration and releases aromas more effectively.
Crystal glass or regular glass?
Wine glasses come in two main materials: regular glass and crystal glass. Regular glass is thicker, heavier, and less clear. Crystal glass is thinner, lighter, and more transparent. That thin wall makes a noticeable difference while drinking: the rim of the glass feels more refined on the lip, which makes the drinking experience more pleasant.
Traditionally, crystal glass contains lead oxide, which makes the material extra clear and heavy. Modern crystal glasses are lead-free and meet the same standards of clarity and thinness without the drawbacks of lead. At Mémoire, our wine glasses are made of high-quality lead-free crystal glass, which ensures a stable base, an even wall thickness, and a clear appearance suitable for daily use.
The Amore wine glasses from Mémoire
The Amore wine glasses from Mémoire are available in sets of two and six. The bowl is based on a subtle heart-line shape and has a capacity of 450 ml, spacious enough for red wine but also suitable as a universal wine glass. The glass is 24.5 cm high with a diameter of 6.5 cm and weighs 121 grams. This combination of height and weight makes the glass pleasant to hold without feeling heavy.
The glasses are made of high-quality crystal glass and are suitable for daily use. They are available as a set of two for smaller households and as a set of six for those who frequently host guests or want a complete service.
What should you look for when buying wine glasses?
A few practical points to keep in mind. First, the capacity of the bowl: for red wine, a capacity of 400 to 600 ml is standard. For white wine, 300 to 400 ml is sufficient. For champagne and sparkling wine, a flute of 150 to 250 ml is the standard. Second, the stem: a long stem prevents you from warming the bowl with your hand. This is especially relevant for white wine and champagne, which are served chilled. Third, the stability: a wide, flat base prevents tipping, especially on a busy table.
Also, pay attention to the finish of the rim. A polished rim feels more pleasant than a molded rim and gives the glass a more refined appearance. With good wine glasses, the rim is thin and even, with no rough spots or irregularities.
How many wine glasses do you need?
For daily use with two people, a set of four glasses is sufficient. You will always have a clean glass on hand, even if the dishwasher isn't running immediately. If you host guests regularly, a set of six or twelve glasses is more practical. It is also useful to have a separate glass for each type of wine: red wine glasses, white wine glasses, and champagne flutes complement each other without needing to switch for every type of wine. Want to know how many glasses you get from a bottle of wine? Read how many glasses of wine are in a bottle.
How best to store wine glasses?
Preferably store wine glasses upright in a cabinet, with enough space between them so they do not touch. Storing them upside down on a rack protects the rim from dust but increases the risk of breakage if the rack is not stable. Glasses are safer in a cabinet with a soft lining. Make sure the glasses don't click against each other when putting them away, as crystal glass is more brittle than regular glass.
Champagne glasses: separate or as part of a set?
Champagne flutes are a separate category. They are narrower than red or white wine glasses and retain the bubbles longer. For those who drink champagne or prosecco regularly, a separate set of flutes is a sensible addition. In addition to the Amore wine glasses, Mémoire also has champagne glasses in our range. View the complete collection of wine glasses for an overview of all available models and sets.
Combining wine glasses with a carafe
A beautiful wine glass is best showcased in combination with a matching carafe. A carafe helps aerate red wine and gives your table a polished look. Check out the selection of decanters and carafes from Mémoire to see which combinations are possible.
When is a wine glass also beautiful?
Besides functionality, appearance plays a role. A beautiful wine glass typically features clear, colorless glass, a balanced proportion between the bowl, stem, and base, and an evenly thin rim. The line of the bowl also determines much: a round, bulbous shape looks more classic, while a subtle curve or asymmetrical line can feel more modern.
Clear crystal glass also has a practical advantage: you can see the color of the wine without the glass influencing your perception. As a result, clear glass is easy to combine with different table styles and dinnerware.
Wine glasses as part of the table setting
Wine glasses do not stand alone. Together with plates, cutlery, napkins, and possibly a carafe, they form a cohesive whole. A quiet style in transparent glass is widely combinable. Those who want more character can use different bowl shapes as long as the material and finish match.
Wine glasses as a gift
A set of wine glasses is also suitable as a gift for a housewarming, birthday, or anniversary, for example. A set of 2 is compact and personal, while a set of 6 is more practical for someone who regularly receives guests. View the collection of wine glasses for the various models and packaging sizes.
Quick choice: two or six wine glasses?
For two people, the two-piece Amore set of 450 ml crystal wine glasses is versatile for red and white wine. For a table of six, compare the six-piece Amore set, supplied as three packs of two. For champagne, prosecco or cava, consider the Flûte Diamante six-glass set. Choose according to wine style, bowl shape and party size.
Wine glasses for a tasting or a toast
An all-purpose wine glass is a good starting point, but champagne may suit a slender flute or a rounder bowl. Compare the shapes in our flute, tulip and coupe guide. If you are hosting a dinner with several wine rounds, our home wine tasting checklist helps plan pours and glasses.
Which glass suits Chardonnay?
A lighter Chardonnay can work well in a medium-sized white wine glass, while a fuller, more aromatic style may benefit from a larger bowl. Compare Amore with Céleste Grande in our Chardonnay wine glass guide.
Where can you buy the right wine glasses?
When comparing glasses, check the capacity, shape, pack size and product specifications. Our guide to buying wine glasses explains what to look for across different retailers. You can then compare the styles in the Mémoire wine glass collection.
If you prefer a generous bowl, browse our large wine glasses from 600 to 980 ml. Compare bowl shape, capacity and wine style before choosing a set.
