Wineglasses can be problematic to choose for gifts but if you know someone who may enjoy receiving wineglasses consider some of these tips. Riedel, Spiegelau, Stolzle and Schott Zwiesel are renowned wineglass brands. These companies produce different types of wineglasses for different types of wine. These are relatively expensive so if price is no problem consider one of these brands or begin a yearly gift of one or two wineglasses. Consider whether the recipient will be “afraid” to use an expensive wineglass due to possible breakage. When considering other brands of glassware look for glasses with a thin lip and a bowl that allows for easy swirling of the wine. Some wineglasses have a thick rounded rim that creates a barrier between the wine and mouth. However, with careful shopping we have discovered one does not need to pay a premium for a good wineglass. In fact, Target sells Vivant made by Riedel. Many other brands of wineglasses are available that will help create a great wine tasting experience.

Riedel recently produced an Oregon Pinot Noir glass. We were fortunate to visit Oregon last spring and purchased two of these special glasses. Do they make a difference? We were impressed with the difference the wineglasses made when drinking Pinot Noir wines. How much of this is the shape of the glass or the expectation of the taster, we don’t know. If you have the opportunity to taste the difference, give it a try.

While visiting Inniskillin, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, we experienced a Riedel tasting session. Inniskillin calls this the Riedel Stemware Experience. While there is a charge for this tasting, it may well be worth your time. One will learn the difference the right glass can make when drinking wine.

A word of caution though about cleaning wine glasses. Once we cleaned a glass with soap and water and it left a film of soap in the glass. It influenced the taste of the wine; it made it awful. Since that time we wash our glasses in very hot water and dry with a linen cloth.

What type of wineglass do you prefer?