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These 8 Outstanding Universal Wine Glasses Can Handle Reds, Whites, and Bubbles

Including glasses from Riedel, Schott Zwiesel, and Zalto.

By
Caroline Schnapp
Caroline Schnapp
Caroline Schnapp
Writer
Caroline Schnapp is a freelance writer and social media manager based in Brooklyn, NY. She has worked in food media for almost 10 years and written for publications including Food & Wine, The Kitchn, and more.  
Learn about Serious Eats' Editorial Process
Updated September 13, 2024
three wine glasses filled with different types of wine

Serious Eats / Russell Kilgore

Straight to the Point

The Riedel VINUM Zinfandel/Riesling/Chianti Glass is our top anytime pick. The VINUM brings out the best in any wine, whether you’re sipping on a bold red or a sparkling white. Prefer a tumbler? The Schott Zwiesel Tritan Forte Universal Tumbler is a solid performer with an elegant appeal.

There are two types of wine glass people: those who know the magic of a perfectly paired glass, and those who just haven’t experienced it yet. The right wine glass will enhance a wine’s flavor and aroma, making each sip a delight. Realizing you need new wine glasses is the easy part, but investing in different styles for enjoying sparkling, white, and red wine at home is overwhelming. That’s where we come in. Consider this guide your foray into the wonderful world of all-purpose universal glassware. We tested 15 universal wine glasses to find the best for any pour.  

The Winners, at a Glance

Riedel’s stunning crystal VINUM glasses easily earned the top title, winning over sommeliers and casual wine drinkers alike. The VINUM captured the nuanced aromas of every type of wine, from reds to bubbles. With their moderately narrow bowls and compact stems, these glasses are as practical as they are elegant, especially in kitchens with limited storage space.

Known for its “Michelin-quality” design, the Zalto offers an exceptional tasting experience that sets it apart from other wine glasses. Its nearly weightless crystal construction encourages the wine to come alive with each swirl, enhancing aromas and flavors. It’s comfortable to drink from, making it a top choice for wine enthusiasts who want to really sit with their pour. 

For a modern take on the classic wine glass, the Schott Zwiesel Tritan Crystal Cabernet Glass is a standout option, especially given its relative affordability. Its sharp angles set it apart from the traditional curved designs, and its taller profile gives it a fresh, contemporary look. 

The Best Universal Wine Glass for White Wine

Glasvin Universal Wine Glasses, Set of 2

Glasvin Universal Wine Glasses, Set of 2
PHOTO: Food52
$50 at Food52 $80 at Wine.com View on Glas.vin

For a classic yet elegant wine glass, the Glasvin stands out as one of the best. Its gentle taper is perfect for aromatic chilled wines, allowing the wine to flow effortlessly to the thin lip. We appreciated how it highlighted the floral notes in each wine we tasted. 

The Gabriel-Glas StandArt Crystal Wine Glass has a wider bowl that forms a striking tulip shape. It’s ideal for concentrating aromas and preserving bubbles, like Champagne or Pét-nat, guiding them directly to your nose. We were pleasantly surprised by its durability, especially given the delicate, thin lip. These glasses were a joy to drink from: well-balanced and excellent at highlighting the distinct characteristics of each wine.

The Libbey is a great budget-friendly option with a straightforward, classic design. While it's similar to the Schott Zwiesel in performance, the Libbey offers a softer design and more affordable price. 

With its sharp-angled bowl and unique indent, the Josephine No. 2 by Kurt Josef Zalto, is a standout modern glass, and a great option for any wine if you can splurge a little. This delicate glass is comfortable to hold and has a design that quickly opens up wine, concentrating its aroma for a richer tasting experience. 

If you’re in the market for a dependable stemless glass that can handle all types of wine, cocktails, or your favorite mocktail, this one from Schott Zwiesel is a winner. It’s elegant but super sturdy, with a size that feels good in just about any hand. The smooth rim was a pleasure to sip from. 

The Tests

A hand pointing to the stem of a Riedel VINUM Zinfandel/Riesling/Chianti Glass filled with white wine

Serious Eats / Russell Kilgore

  • Design Test: We collected a panel of sommeliers and wine professionals for these tests. We evaluated each glass based on its look and style, noting how thick the rim was and what it was made of, as well as its weight. We also tested how comfortable each glass was to drink from, considering the bowl diameter and the stem length. We repeated this test with different styles of wine to see if some glass designs worked better with certain varietals. 
  • Durability Test: At the end of testing, we ran all dishwasher-safe glasses through a cycle, noting if there was any damage.
  • Size Test: We looked at how the size and shape of the glass’s opening affected the wine’s aroma and flavor, noting any improvements or drawbacks. We also evaluated whether the glass was easy and comfortable to hold.  

What We Learned

Shape and Size Made a Difference

Hand holding one of two wine-filled Zalto Denk'Art Universal Hand-Blown Wine Glasses set on sheet of paper on wood table
Universal wine glasses with wider bowls are better for red wine.

Serious Eats / Russell Kilgore

Even with universal glasses, the shape and size of a wine glass play a crucial role in how a wine tastes. Glasses with larger bowls, like the Josephine No 2 let wine breathe and brought out its bouquet and complex flavors. The narrow opening of glasses like the Gabriel-Glas StandArt were best for bubbles, ensuring that they didn’t dissipate too quickly. The Riedel VIMUM was an ideal middle-of-the-road option that performed well with a variety of pours.

Glass Thickness Mattered

Person sniffing red wine from Zalto Denk'Art Universal Hand-Blown Wine Glass while holding it by the stem
The Zalto Denk'Art wine glass was so lightweight, it was like drinking from air.

Serious Eats / Russell Kilgore

The thickness of your wine glass is everything. The Zalto Denk’Art Universal Wine Glass, made from hand-blown crystal, was so light and delicate that it felt like drinking from air. This lets the wine glide over your palate. Thin, beadless rims, like those on the Zalto and Josephine glasses, elevate the sipping experience, proving that quality craftsmanship makes a huge difference between an okay wine glass and an exceptional one.

Balanced Designs Were More Comfortable to Hold

Person sipping white wine from Josephinenhütte Josephine No. 2 Universal Wine Glass
Golidlocks glasses (not too top- or bottom-heavy) were easiest to hold.

Serious Eats / Russell Kilgore

When it comes to shoes and wine glasses, balance and comfort are our non-negotiables. The Josephine No 2 and Gabriel-Glas StandArt nailed it with designs that felt great in hand. The stems provided a secure grip, and the glasses were perfectly balanced for easy swirling. A glass that is too top-heavy can be a chore to use, but our picks blend beauty with practicality. While stemless glasses like the Schott Zwiesel tumbler aren’t the best for chilled wines (your body heat can warm the wine too quickly), they are easy and comfy in hand, making them a good casual option. 

High-Quality Wine Glasses Often Cost More

Hand swirling red wine in Josephinenhütte Josephine No. 2 Universal Wine Glass
The Josephine No. 2 wine glass cost more than many of our picks, but we were impressed with its quality.

Serious Eats / Russell Kilgore

Sometimes splurging is worth it. The hand-blown Zalto Denk’Art glass, though pricey at $80 per glass, offers a wine-drinking experience like few others. Its ability to capture and release aromas justifies the cost for true wine lovers. Budget wine glasses are usually made with thicker glass and have bulky lips, which dulls the drinking experience.

Dishwasher-Safe Wine Glasses Were Ideal

A hand holding a glass from Glasvin Universal Wine Glasses, Set of 2, with red wine in it and a person in background
Hand-washing glasses can result in more breaks and chips than using a dishwasher.

Serious Eats / Russell Kilgore

Most of the glasses we tested are described as dishwasher-safe, and there’s a reason for that. “I think a wine glass's ability to survive a dishwasher is the most important thing,” says Arjav Eziekiel, Co-Owner and Wine Director of Birdie’s in Austin, Texas, “because no one wants to do the dishes.” In fact, running glasses through the dishwasher can be safer than hand-washing, where the glass could knock against a counter or torque and snap.

The Criteria: What to Look for in a Wine Glass

A wine glass on a marble table

Serious Eats / Russell Kilgore

The best wine glasses are made with high-quality glass, like crystal, and have a thin, seamless lip. If you're going to use them for red wine primarily, the glasses should have moderately large bowls that allow aromas to breathe; all glasses should taper slightly toward the top (white wine and Champagne glasses will ideally have a more dramatic taper). And of course, it should be comfortable to hold. (That glass isn’t going to drink itself!)

Our Favorite Wine Glasses

What we liked: The Riedel VINUM stands out as a great universal wine glass for both enthusiasts and casual drinkers. It was a clear favorite among our panel of sommeliers for delivering consistent performance across red, white, and sparkling wines. With its shorter stem and smaller bowl, it’s ideal for tight cabinets. It's dishwasher-safe.

What we didn’t like: Some of our testers noted that the design was too compact, and the opening restrictively tight. 

Key Specs

  • Material: Crystal
  • Capacity: 14 ounces
  • Height: 8.25 inches
  • Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Two Riedel VINUM Zinfandel/Riesling/Chianti Glasses on a marble table, one with red wine and one with rose

Serious Eats / Russell Kilgore

What we liked: The Zalto Denk’Art is an upgrade pick, with a combination of beauty and functionality. Almost weightless with a paper-thin, delicate design, it still managed to provide excellent balance and comfort. The moderately wide opening enhanced the complexity and aroma of a variety of wines. While the $80 price tag is steep, the exceptional quality and truly universal design make it a worthy investment for those with a big wine collection but limited space in their drinkware cupboards. 

What we didn’t like: The price is steep. Beyond that? Not a thing.

Key Specs

  • Material: Crystal
  • Capacity: 18 ounces
  • Height: 9.3 inches
  • Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Zalto Denk'Art Universal Hand-Blown Wine Glasses filled with red and rosé wines on marble surface

Serious Eats / Russell Kilgore

What we liked: The Schott Zwiesel glass stands out for its sleek, modern design, making it a great choice for wine drinkers who care about aesthetics. The wider base is helpful when aerating red wines, and the tall bowl is ideal at coaxing out aromas. 

What we didn’t like: The heft (over six ounces) of this glass makes it a heavier option. The tapered mouth makes this glass a better choice for lighter-bodied reds than, say, a big Barolo. 

Key Specs

  • Material: Crystal
  • Capacity: 18 ounces
  • Height: 13.5 inches
  • Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Two Schott Zwiesel Tritan Pure Cabernet Wine Glasses filled with wine on a counter

Serious Eats / Russell Kilgore

The Best Universal Wine Glass for White Wine

Glasvin Universal Wine Glasses, Set of 2

Glasvin Universal Wine Glasses, Set of 2
PHOTO: Food52
$50 at Food52 $80 at Wine.com View on Glas.vin

What we liked: If you’re looking for a pretty, elegant wine glass, check out the Glasvin. Its soft taper and long, lovely stem make it lightweight and refined. The bowl’s gentle curve helps wine flow effortlessly to the lip, making each sip smooth and enjoyable. It handled every wine we tasted beautifully, but the thin glass is especially good for aromatic whites.

What we didn’t like: The tall, thin stem was our biggest issue because it made the glass feel top-heavy.

Key Specs

  • Material: Crystal
  • Capacity: 16.9 ounces
  • Height: 9.25 inches
  • Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Glasvin Universal Wine Glasses, Set of 2, containing white and red wines on table in front of person

Serious Eats / Russell Kilgore

What we liked: With their pronounced tulip shape, these glasses kept bubbles lively, even during intense swirling sessions. The design highlighted the wines’ aromatic notes and preserved their effervescence almost as well as a flute. The price per glass sits a little over $30. 

What we didn’t like: While the lip is thin and delicate, the base was heavy and threw off the balance. We didn’t love the look of the shorter stem. 

Key Specs

  • Material: Crystal
  • Capacity: 16 ounces
  • Height: 9 inches
  • Dishwasher-safe: Yes 
Two glasss from Gabriel-Glas StandArt Crystal Wine Glasses Set holding red and rosé wine on marble counter

Serious Eats / Russell Kilgore

What we liked: The Libbey was a favorite among testers for its timeless appeal. More importantly, it performed outstandingly well with all wine varietals. The design of this glass is soft and subtle. The generously sized bowl is ideal for letting wines breathe (and really getting your nose in there). 

What we didn’t like: Both the bowl and stem are on the long side. If your cabinets are short, you’ll want to measure before investing in a set.

Key Specs

  • Material: Crystal
  • Capacity: 16 ounces
  • Height: 9.5 inches
  • Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Two Libbey Signature Kentfield Estate All-Purpose Wine Glasses containing different wines on a marble counter

Serious Eats / Russell Kilgore

What we liked: The unique design of the Josephine No 2, with its broad, indented bowl, helped wines open up fast and enhanced the more nuanced aromas. The glass is thin and delicate yet remarkably sturdy with excellent balance, second only to the Zalto. For those who appreciate a wine glass that combines modern design with functionality, this is a great pick.

What we didn’t like: At $110 a glass, the price could be a downside for some. While the design was mostly admired, a few testers compared it to Darth Vader’s helmet, which is hard to unsee once you see it.

Key Specs

  • Material: Crystal
  • Capacity: 18.6 ounces
  • Height: 9.45 inches
  • Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Josephinenhütte Josephine No. 2 Universal Wine Glass containing red wine on marble table

Serious Eats / Russell Kilgore

What we liked: This glass took first place in our review of stemless wine glasses. The Schott Zwiesel Tumbler strikes a balance between durability and elegance, with a sleek look and a long, tapered top that worked well for various wines. It captured and released aromas nicely and preserved bubbles. Unsurprisingly, it was very comfortable to hold.

What we didn’t like: While it’s a great all-around glass, it’s not the ideal choice for big, bold reds, but that’s typically the case with universal designs. 

Key Specs

  • Material: Tritan crystal glass
  • Capacity: 19.1 ounces
  • Height: 5 inches
  • Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Schott zwiesel stemless wine glass on black countertop with white backdrop

Serious Eats / Grace Kelly

The Competition

  • AmazonBasics All-Purpose Wine Glasses: Although we disagree on many things in the office, we all confirmed that the AmazonBasics All-Purpose Wine Glasses were bad at best. As one of our sommeliers put it: "Life is too short for this glass." It performed very poorly in nearly every category. As of September 2024, they are currently out of stock.
  • Andrea Wine One Wine Red Wine Glass: While testers liked the shape of this glass, it didn’t score as well as any of our winners. Most agreed that as far as entry-level glasses go, this one’s okay, but it didn’t perform consistently across different red wines, which is basically a must for a red wine glass marketed as “the one” glass you need.
  • Spiegelau Vino Grande Burgundy Glasses: Testers were put off by the very large bowl on the Spiegelau Vino Grande Burgundy Glasses. ("This is a fish bowl," said one.) While some acknowledged that it could be a good glass for red wines, it rated very low for white wine. The sommeliers described this glass as a small decanter and explained that, while the large bowl is ideal for red wine, it struggled to deliver the flavor and aroma of white. It has been out of stock for much of 2024.
  • Mikasa Agena Crystal Wine Glasses: The Mikasa Agena Crystal Wine Glasses scored lower than any other—even below the AmazonBasics glasses—because of their appearance. Decoratively etched crystal is out of vogue. While its narrow shape did relatively well with bubbles, it underperformed in every other way, stifling the aroma of both red and white wines. As of September 2024, they're out of stock.
  • Paksh Novelty Italian Red Wine Glasses: This wine glass felt heavy and clunky, with thick stems. The highest compliment this glass received from a sommelier was that it seemed "totally fine." Not exactly a rave review.
  • Paksh Novelty Italian White Wine Glasses: In addition to the Paksh red wine glass, we also tested the Paksh Novelty Italian White Wine Glasses. We disliked the balance (or lack thereof) of this glass and noted its heaviness and clunky feel in the hand. Though the glass didn't perform terribly with any of the wines, its appearance and feel significantly detracted from its appeal.

FAQs

What is a universal wine glass?

A universal wine glass works well with all types of wine: sparkling, white, and red. It’s designed to bring out the flavors and aromas of any wine, a super useful quality if you don’t want to buy a variety of glasses. 

What are red wine glasses?

Red wine glasses are all about bringing out the best in fuller-bodied reds. Their larger bowls let wine breathe better, while their wider mouths direct the wine to the back of yours.

What are white wine glasses?

White wine glasses are specifically designed to enhance the crisp, fresh aromas of white wines. Their smaller bowls help maintain cooler temperatures, and their narrower mouths concentrate aromas, giving you a more focused tasting experience. 

What is a Champagne flute? 

Narrow, long-stemmed Champagne flutes are perfect for enhancing the bubbly experience of sparkling wines. Their tall, narrow shape helps keep carbonation intact, so your bubbly remains well, bubbly. The slender design helps concentrate the aromas, making for an optimal tasting experience. Plus, they look snazzy.  

Are stemless wine glasses any good? 

Stems help prevent your hand from warming up the wine, which is great for wines that should be enjoyed at a cooler temperature, like whites and sparkling wines. Stemless wine glasses are more casual and durable, but bring a wine up to room temperature faster. 

We’re the Experts

  • We originally published this review in 2019, after working with wine professionals and sommeliers to test a variety of wine glass styles.
  • We revisited the data and refreshed our findings in 2024. We also spoke with Arjav Eziekiel, Co-Owner and Wine Director at Birdie’s in Austin. 
  • Caroline Schnapp is a contributing writer, who previously worked as the social media editor for Food & Wine.
Additional research by
Jesse Raub
headshot of Jesse Raub against a black background
Jesse Raub
Jesse Raub writes about coffee and tea. He's the Commerce Writer for Serious Eats.
Learn about Serious Eats' Editorial Process

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