Where to buy wine glasses? An overview of your options

These days, you can buy wine glasses in many places. From large kitchenware stores and department stores to specialized online wine shops and brands that sell directly to the consumer. The range is wide and the price differences are significant. Where you buy best depends on what you are looking for: everyday glasses for normal use, crystal glasses for special occasions, or a set as a gift.

Buying online: a wide range and easy to compare

Online, the range of wine glasses is the largest. You can easily compare brands and models based on price, material, capacity, and reviews. Most online stores show clear product specifications such as the bowl capacity, weight, height, and material. That makes it easier to make an informed choice than in a physical store where you are dependent on what is on the shelf.

An advantage of buying directly from a brand is that you know exactly what you are getting. You buy directly from the source, without intermediaries driving up the price. Mémoire sells its wine glasses directly via its own webshop. The Amore wine glasses are available in a set of two and a set of six, made from high-quality lead-free crystal glass and designed for everyday use.

Kitchenware stores and department stores

In physical kitchenware stores and department stores, you can see and hold wine glasses in person before you buy. That is an advantage if you want to judge the shape, weight, and sturdiness. The range in physical stores is more limited than online, but large kitchenware stores usually have a good selection across various price ranges.

Department stores often offer cheaper sets that are suitable for daily use but less so for those looking for true quality glass. The prices are low, but the material is thicker and less clear than crystal glass. For those who do not want to spend much and use the glasses mainly on weekdays, that is not a problem. For those who pay more attention to the appearance and drinking wine, the difference from crystal glass is noticeable.

Specialized wine shops

Wine shops sell not just wine, but also wine accessories, including wine glasses. The advantage of a wine shop is the knowledge of the staff. They can provide advice on which glass suits which type of wine and why one bowl shape works better than another. The range is often narrower than at a large kitchenware store, but the quality of the glasses they sell is generally higher.

Wine shops often focus on renowned European glass brands. These are high-quality glasses, but they are also on the more expensive side. For those looking for a set that lasts a long time and looks beautiful, that is a good investment. Do you want to know what to look for when choosing wine glasses? Then read what the best wine glasses are.

Buying second-hand wine glasses

Second-hand wine glasses can be found on marketplaces, at thrift stores, and via online sales platforms. This can be a good way to get crystal glasses for a lower price, especially when it comes to complete sets from a well-known brand. Do pay attention to the condition of the glasses: check for hairline cracks, streaks, grind marks on the rim, or damage to the stem. These are sometimes only visible when you hold the glass up to the light.

A disadvantage of buying second-hand is that you rarely find a complete and undamaged set. Glasses from a set have often been broken and replaced at different times, meaning the sizes and style do not always match. For those who want a uniform set on the table, buying new is the better choice.

Buying wine glasses as a gift

A set of wine glasses is a gift that lasts a long time and is used regularly. When buying online, it is useful to choose a webshop that offers neat packaging, especially if the gift is sent directly to the recipient. Mémoire delivers its glasses in smart packaging, suitable as a gift for a housewarming, birthday, or anniversary.

If you want to combine wine glasses with other wine accessories as a gift, check out Mémoire's collection of accessories for additional options such as wine openers and champagne stoppers.

What should you look for when buying wine glasses?

Regardless of where you buy, there are a few things that are always worth checking. The capacity of the bowl: for red wine, 400 to 600 ml is common; for white wine, 300 to 400 ml. The material: crystal glass is thinner, lighter, and clearer than regular glass. The wall thickness: the thinner the wall, the more refined the glass feels in use. The stem: long enough to hold the glass without warming the bowl. And the base: wide and flat enough to stand stably on the table.

View the collection of wine glasses from Mémoire for an overview of available models and sets, to be ordered directly via the webshop with shipping within 24 hours.

How many wine glasses do you need?

Before you buy, it is useful to know how many glasses you actually need. That depends on your household and how often you host guests. Read more in how many wine glasses you need at home.