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Riedel Wine Glasses-The Best Wine Glasses

This week I had the privilege of attending a wine tasting led by Maximilian Riedel of Riedel, which bills itself as The Wine Glass Company and as promised, I was bowled over by what a difference a glass could make. At the event we tried each of three different American wines, a chardonnay, a pinot noir, and a cabernet sauvignon, in several different glasses, including in the case of the pinot and the cab a plastic cup.

When each wine was served in the glass designed by Riedel for its specific varietal it was aromatic and delightful on the palate. Served in a Riedel glass intended for another type of wine, its aroma was diminished and it was bitter and tannic in the mouth. Sipped from a plastic cup, the reds had virtually no smell and tasted the way you'd expect wine to taste from a plastic cup! Perhaps, as I was before the tasting, you're skeptical but trust me the difference was astonishing.

Maximilian Riedel
Maximilian Riedel

Maximilian Riedel



Maimilian was asked the question you're probably wondering yourself: The average person can't afford to buy a set of glasses for every type of wine so what's recommended as an all-purpose glass. The answer? There is no shape that will do justice to every wine. Chances are you know what kind of wines you like: Perhaps you always serve chardonnay, or zinfandel. Treat yourself to a set of Riedels specifically for your one or two favorites.

Are you thinking that this glassware is probably way too pricey? While there are mouth blown Riedel wine glasses that are certainly far beyond what I for one can afford to spend, you can find the company's very affordable Vivant collection at Target.

If you have a casual lifestyle, consider buying  Riedel O glasses which are stemless (think much less likely to be broken) but still available in shapes to maximize your enjoyment of all your favorite varietals.

Need some wine recommendations? See our test kitchen's suggestions for 6 Delicious Wines to Drink with Fish, Great Gift Wines, or Best Boxed Wines.

When it's time to open a bottle, see what we found were the best corkscrews.

Want  to learn how we put consumer products to the test and keep you safe? Sign up for a tour of the famous Good Housekeeping Research Institute. If you visit, be sure to say hello when you come by the Kitchen Appliances & Technology Lab.


Tell us: Do you think the type of wine glass makes all the difference?

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