The best wine glasses, according to wine experts

For a vessel that has attributes that work well for both reds and whites, you want a universal wine glass. We like Schott Zwiesel's Pure Tritan glasses because they're sturdy and functional with a sophisticated look. 

Universal glasses have a versatile shape that enhances the taste of all wine. The geometric, angled bowl and long stem give the glass a modern edge while still being versatile enough to hold reds like cabernet sauvignon, Bordeaux, and merlot and whites like chardonnay and viognier. 

The tulip shape of the Style Burgundy glasses from Spiegelau makes it ideal for younger reds that are light and fruity. Durable and made for the top rack of the dishwasher, these glasses are practical for frequent use. At around $10 per glass, they're also fairly affordable. 

If you like wines from Burgundy, such as pinot noir and nebbiolo, you'll appreciate this glass for its wider bowl and narrow opening. These varietals have more intense fruit notes, and the tapered shape helps concentrate and direct those flavors to the nose.

Spiegelau's Style series also comes in white and red varieties, so you can choose which type works best for the wine you drink most.  

Many of the glasses on our list come in sets of two, four, or six, and are convenient choices if you're looking to bolster your collection. But the sets from Schott Zwiesel are a nice mix of durability, versatility, and affordability. 

You can get all-purpose, red, white, and flute glasses, depending on what you need. Because the sets are also available with two, four, or six glasses, you can mix and match to always have the right vessel for whatever you're drinking. 

A red wine glass should have a wider bowl and larger opening, both of which allow for better aeration of tannin-rich wines like cabernet sauvignon and Bordeaux. The shape of the Riedel Vinum makes it well-suited for these types of red.

Riedel is also a brand you'll find in many wine shops and vineyards. "Cakebread Cellars stocks Riedel stemware in a variety of varietal-specific sizes and shapes," said winery event manager Aime Dunstan. "Their elegant yet durable glasses complement our portfolio of wines."

In a white wine glass, look for a smaller bowl and opening and a long stem. These features help keep wines like sauvignon blanc cool and better deliver aromas to the nose. Williams Sonoma's mouth-blown white wine glass is made for such crisp whites and even rosés.

Varietals like sauvignon blanc, Riesling, pinot grigio, viognier, Semillon, and chenin blanc are all excellent options for this glass. However, if you're enjoying a full-bodied white wine like an oaky chardonnay, you'll want a glass with a larger bowl than this one.

Universal wine glasses, which have a bowl and opening that are not too big or small, are all-purpose chameleons that can be used with red, white, and rosé wines. "I suggest beginners get their feet wet by starting with a universal glass and then letting their passion grow from there," suggested Aldo Sohm, wine director at Le Bernardin and Aldo Sohm Wine Bar. Sohm uses a universal glass as his standard tasting glass.

The Universal Wine Glass from Good Trouble checks all the boxes. "I'm personally a big fan of shopping small, and I can't get enough of the stemware from Good Trouble Glass," Sommelier Ronda Fraley said. "They're elegant, stylish, and made from hand-blown glass." 

One of the picks in our guide to the best Champagne glasses, the Fatto A Mano Champagne glass is wider than a traditional flute. That gives you plenty of room to swirl and release your sparkling wine's aromas. But it's not as wide as a coupe glass, so it will preserve some of the bubbles. 

Champagne glasses are unique because you're trying to keep the fizz from disappearing before you drink it. "I'd say, the most important things are looking for a glass that's tulip-shaped with a point to keep the CO2 bubbling, and something that holds 8 to 10 ounces," Patrick Watson, co-owner of Brooklyn wine shop Smith & Vine, told Insider. While Riedel's glasses hold a little more, they're still one of our favorites. 

Shape: The shape of wine glasses are tailored to different varietals. Red wine glasses have wider bowls and openings to let the wine breathe and enhance the aromas. Some white wine glasses are thinner to keep the wine cool, and most feature a narrower opening to focus the expression of lighter aromas and flavors.

Material: Taste-wise, most people probably can't detect a difference between crystal and glass. The real benefit is that the crystal contains traces of minerals like magnesium or zinc that strengthen it, making it both delicate and fairly durable. We recommend both crystal and glass wine glasses.

Stem: The main purpose of the stem is to keep your hand from heating up the wine, and therefore, most sommeliers do not recommend stemless wine glasses. However, if you don't have the space for tall glassware or are concerned about breaking thin stems, stemless wine glasses are easier to store and less fragile. And, as anyone has used a mason jar or water glass knows, you will still enjoy the wine.

Should wine glasses be thick or thin?

Crystal can be much thinner than glass, but for most people, it won't significantly change the drinking experience to use a slightly thicker glass. However, white wine glasses are often slightly thinner to keep wine cooler.

Are wine glasses dishwasher safe?

Many wine glasses are dishwasher safe, but if you prefer to hand wash them, use warm water and a bit of mild, unscented soap. Then, use a lint-free cloth such as a microfiber towel to dry the glass. Air drying may lead to streaking or water spots.

How do you store wine glasses?

Because of the delicate rims, store wine glasses standing up in a secure place like a cabinet. Keep glasses away from dust, grease, and odor. Hanging racks, which store glasses bowl side down, also work, but there's a greater chance of breakage.

Which is better, stem or stemless wine glasses?

"When you hold a stemless wine glass, body heat from your hands will increase the temperature of the wine, and nobody likes a warm glass of wine," said Dunstan. But stemless glasses may be more practical and less mess-prone than stemmed ones.