Because the right glass makes every December sip taste better.
December is here, the month of cosy evenings, festive dinners, and pulling out that special bottle you’ve been saving for the holidays. Whether you’re hosting friends, visiting family, or simply treating yourself, choosing the right wine glass can elevate your wine experience without any extra effort (or complicated jargon).
You don’t need to be a sommelier to understand wine glasses. With just a few simple tips, you’ll know exactly which shape works best for each wine — and why your favourite Malbec, Chardonnay or Prosecco might taste even better in the right glass.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll break down glass shapes by wine type, explain the “why” in plain English, and help you shop confidently during this festive season.
Why Wine Glass Shape Matters
Wine is full of aromas: fruity, floral, spicy, earthy, and your glass is the tool that helps you capture them. Shape influences:
- Aromas: How they gather or escape from the bowl
- Temperature: How quickly your wine warms in your hand
- Taste placement: How the wine flows onto your palate
Think of wine glasses as amplifiers. They don’t change the wine, but they enhance what’s already there.
1. Red Wine Glasses: Bigger, Rounder, More Room to Breathe
Red wines typically benefit from oxygen, which softens tannins and opens up deeper aromas. That’s why red wine glasses have larger bowls.
Bordeaux Wine Glass (Cabernet, Merlot, Malbec)
Tall, broad, elegant. Designed for structured, full-bodied reds.
- This glass is ideal for Malbec, Bordeaux blends, Cabernet Sauvignon
- The reason is the height directs wine to the back of your mouth, balancing tannins and bold flavours.
Burgundy Wine Glass (Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo)
Rounder and wider, almost balloon-like.
- Which is perfect for Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo, lighter styles of red
- The wide bowl in this type of glass emphasises delicate aromas and allows more swirling.
2. White Wine Glasses: Slimmer and Cooler
White wines are often fresher, more aromatic, and temperature-sensitive. The glasses are therefore narrower.
Universal White Wine Glass
Your best starter option: versatile and fuss-free.
- This glass is great for Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, Vermentino, Pinot Grigio
- The shape of this glass helps preserve freshness and fruity aromas.
Chardonnay Wine Glass (Full-Bodied Whites)
Slightly wider bowl with a larger opening.
- Which makes it better for oaky/stronger whites, such as Oaked Chardonnay, Viognier
- The wider bowl shape allows creamy, buttery textures to open up and shine.
3. Sparkling Wine Glasses: Celebrate With Style
Nothing says December festivities like bubbles.
Flute
Tall, narrow, and elegant.
- Works perfectly for Prosecco, Cava, Champagne.
- The flute shape keeps bubbles lively for longer and concentrates delicate aromas.
Tulip Glass (The Insider Favourite)
A flute-like stem with a slightly wider bowl.
- Similarly to he flute, the tulip shaped glass is great for sparkling wines, but ideal for high-quality sparkling wines
- It has more space for aromas, better texture perception, and you will find sommeliers swear by it.
Avoid old-school coupes: They look fabulous for vintage photos, but their wide shape makes bubbles disappear too quickly.
4. Dessert & Fortified Wine Glasses
Small but mighty.
Port, Sherry, Sauternes Glasses
Shorter stem, smaller bowl.
- This shorter glass is perfect for sweet wines such as Port, Sherry, Madeira, sweet late-harvest wines.
- The reason behind this design is that it concentrates richness without overwhelming the palate. Perfect for Christmas desserts.
Do You Really Need All These Glasses?
Not at all! For beginners (and space-limited London flats), here’s the minimal kit:
If you want just ONE wine glass:
✔ Universal wine glass
Works for all reds, whites, and even rosé. Great entry point!
If you want TWO wine glasses:
✔ Universal glass
✔ Flute or tulip glass
(You’ll thank yourself every New Year’s Eve.)
If you want THREE wine glasses:
✔ Universal
✔ Bigger red glass
✔ Flute or tulip
That’s more than enough to enjoy wine confidently without becoming a collector.
How to Choose Quality Without Overspending
December is the perfect moment for glassware gifts or upgrades — retailers offer amazing seasonal deals. When shopping:
- Look for thin rims: Enhances the drinking experience.
- Choose clear glass: Avoid coloured tints that hide wine colour.
- Go for crystal or fine glass when possible: More durable and aromatic-friendly.
- Check dishwasher safety: Especially for everyday glasses.
You don’t need luxury brands, just well-designed shapes.
Final Sip: Let Your Glass Elevate the Festive Season
This holiday season, whether you’re pouring a bold red for Christmas dinner, a crisp white for a seafood night, or bubbles to celebrate the end of the year, the right glass turns every bottle into an experience.
Choosing wine glasses shouldn’t be intimidating, it’s all about matching the shape to the style, understanding the basics, and enjoying the ritual.
So raise your glass (whichever shape you choose) and toast to delicious December moments, good wine, and the joy of discovering something new.
Don’t forget to check out our latest articles for more tips to bringing the best wines and hosting tips to the table: How to Read a Wine Label? and 5 Tips to Hosting a Successful Dinner Party