You’re probably wondering why some people are such sticklers about what kind of wine glass they drink from. Really – what’s the big deal if you prefer your wine out of a crystal stem or Solo cup?
Well, if you’re on a picnic or have clumsy friends – the Solo Cup may be your answer. But if you’re trying to taste ALL of the flavors from your favorite vino – then the proper glass is essential. The right glass can also be profitable for an operator, as great glassware provides measured pouring guidelines. Napa Technology set out to help you navigate your way.
SO HOW DOES A WINE GLASS WORK?
Thanks to our friends and educational partners at Cardinal Glass, here are a few insights about the anatomy of a wine glass and the impact on your drinking experience.
Using Your Sniffer. One of the most enjoyable elements to wine drinking is indulging in the aromas. It’s the same joy as smelling bacon frying or freshly baked pie. With wine, the aromas are released as the alcohol emanates from the surface of the wine. Thus wanting to select glassware that will optimize the surface and ability to releasing aromas while drinking. Ever wonder why people swirl wine? In addition to it just being plain fun – this action also increases the surface area.
Aroma Collectors. The “bowl” or wide part of the wine glass acts a a natural ‘aroma collector.’ Depending on the style of wine, you may want a large bowl or a smaller one. There are no set rules for this logic, however we’ve seen that white wines typically have smaller bowls to maintain their cool temps and delicate aromas, whereas red wines typically have larger bowls to showcase their strong bouquet. The bowl also provides a natural break in the glass to allow for servers to accurately pour the right amount of wine into a glass. Although “filling it to the rim” seems like a great value, you may actually be diminishing your wine drinking experience by “choking” the glass and not allowing the aromas to collect or provide enough surface.
Pucker Up. There are differing opinions on the “lip”of a glass, however the general consensus is that the thinner the lip of the glass, the less ‘in the way’ the glass is to the drinking experience. We’ve seen this in all types of glasses, from water to whiskey.
Hang Tight. The stem of a glass is very important to the wine drinking experience as well. The stem of a glass is like a good pen, it should feel good in your hand and allow for easy, comfortable drinking. As your own body temperature will play a role in how the wine will taste as you continue to imbibe, the stem should provide enough stability so that all 5 fingers do not need to wrapped around the glass.
Wine drinking should be fun and encourage you to explore. The chart here is a helpful guide about what wines go best in each type 
of glass. Have no fear – if a solo cup is the only thing available, don’t sweat it. Wine drinking is a personal experience that should be enjoyed. These are just a few insights to help you make the most of your next Wine Wednesday, Thirsty Thursday, WineDown Weekend…..or when ever you choose to explore the wonderful world of wine.
Want to know a little bit more about the WineStation and how to assure your next wine drinking experience is exactly as the wine maker intended – visit our website or find a WineStation near you!
CHEERS!