Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve
Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one stop shop for all things bartending.
I’m your host, KAD, and one of the easiest ways to improve your wine service is understanding wine glassware.
Many new bartenders assume wine is simply served in a wine glass.
The reality is there are several different styles of wine glasses, each designed to enhance the aroma, flavour and overall drinking experience of a particular wine.
Do you need every style behind every bar?
No.
But understanding the differences will make you a better bartender and help you provide a more professional guest experience.
Let’s explore the most common wine glass types you’ll encounter.
Why Wine Glass Shape Matters
Wine glasses are designed to:
- Direct aromas
- Control oxygen exposure
- Enhance flavour perception
- Improve presentation
The shape of the bowl influences how wine interacts with air and how aromas reach the drinker’s nose.
This is why different wines are often served in different glasses.
Parts Of A Wine Glass
Before looking at the different types, it’s helpful to understand the basic components.
Bowl
Holds the wine and influences aroma development.
Rim
The opening where the wine reaches the drinker.
Stem
Allows guests to hold the glass without warming the wine.
Base
Provides stability.
Red Wine Glass
The red wine glass is typically the largest wine glass.
Characteristics
- Large bowl
- Wide opening
- Plenty of room for aeration
Why It’s Used
Red wines benefit from exposure to oxygen.
The larger bowl allows the wine to breathe and release aromas.
Common Wines
- Shiraz
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
Most restaurants and bars use this as their standard red wine glass.
Bordeaux Glass
A Bordeaux glass is a taller style of red wine glass.
Characteristics
- Tall bowl
- Larger capacity
- Slightly narrower opening
Best For
Full bodied red wines such as:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Bordeaux blends
- Malbec
The design helps soften tannins and concentrate aromas.
Burgundy Glass
A Burgundy glass features a much wider bowl.
Characteristics
- Large rounded bowl
- Wider body
- Narrower rim
Best For
Delicate red wines such as:
- Pinot Noir
- Nebbiolo
The wider bowl helps collect subtle aromas.
White Wine Glass
White wine glasses are generally smaller than red wine glasses.
Characteristics
- Smaller bowl
- Narrower opening
- Lighter design
Why It’s Used
White wines are best served colder than reds.
The smaller bowl helps maintain temperature.
Common Wines
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Grigio
- Chardonnay
- Riesling
This is one of the most common wine glasses used in hospitality.
Chardonnay Glass
A Chardonnay glass sits between a red and white wine glass.
Characteristics
- Slightly larger bowl
- Wider opening
Best For
Full bodied white wines including:
- Chardonnay
- Viognier
The larger bowl allows more complex aromas to develop.
Sauvignon Blanc Glass
Designed for lighter aromatic white wines.
Characteristics
- Smaller bowl
- Narrow opening
Best For
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Grigio
- Vermentino
These glasses help preserve freshness and crispness.
Sparkling Wine Flute
One of the most recognisable wine glasses.
Characteristics
- Tall
- Narrow bowl
- Slim design
Why It’s Used
The narrow shape helps preserve carbonation.
Common Wines
- Champagne
- Prosecco
- Sparkling Rosé
Flutes are commonly used for celebrations and special events.
Tulip Champagne Glass
A modern alternative to the flute.
Characteristics
- Slightly wider bowl
- Narrow rim
Benefits
Allows guests to appreciate both:
- Bubbles
- Aromas
Many wine professionals now prefer tulip glasses over traditional flutes.
Rosé Wine Glass
Rosé glasses are designed to highlight fresh fruit aromas.
Characteristics
- Medium sized bowl
- Slight taper
Best For
- Dry Rosé
- Sparkling Rosé
Not all venues stock dedicated Rosé glasses, but premium venues often do.
Stemless Wine Glass
A modern and casual option.
Characteristics
- No stem
- Contemporary design
Advantages
- Durable
- Easy storage
- Less breakage
Disadvantages
- Hand warmth affects wine temperature
Commonly used in casual venues and home settings.
Universal Wine Glass
Many bars and restaurants use a universal wine glass.
Characteristics
- Medium sized bowl
- Suitable for multiple wine styles
Advantages
- Cost effective
- Versatile
- Easier inventory management
Most hospitality venues rely heavily on universal wine glasses.
Which Wine Glasses Do Bartenders Need?
For most bars, you can comfortably operate with:
- Red wine glass
- White wine glass
- Champagne flute
These three styles cover the vast majority of wine service situations.
Higher end venues may add:
- Burgundy glasses
- Bordeaux glasses
- Tulip champagne glasses
Common Wine Service Mistakes
Overfilling The Glass
Wine should typically fill:
- One third
- To one half
of the bowl.
This leaves room for aromas to develop.
Holding The Bowl
Always hold the stem where possible.
This prevents warming the wine.
Serving Wine In Warm Glasses
Glassware should be clean and temperature appropriate.
Using The Wrong Glass
While not always critical, the correct glass can improve the guest experience.
Wine Glasses For A Home Bar
If you’re building a home bar, start with:
- Universal red wine glasses
- Universal white wine glasses
- Champagne flutes
This combination covers almost every occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are red wine glasses larger?
The larger bowl allows more oxygen exposure, helping release aromas and soften tannins.
Why are white wine glasses smaller?
Smaller bowls help maintain colder temperatures and preserve delicate aromas.
What is the best all purpose wine glass?
A universal wine glass is usually the most versatile option.
Do wine glasses really make a difference?
Yes. The shape influences aroma, temperature and overall perception of flavour.
What wine glass should beginners buy?
A quality universal wine glass is an excellent starting point.
Final Thoughts
Understanding wine glass types is a valuable skill for any bartender.
While you don’t need a different glass for every wine variety, knowing why certain glasses are used helps you provide better service and create a more professional guest experience.
Whether you’re serving a bold Shiraz, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a celebratory glass of Champagne, the right glass can elevate the entire experience.
Thanks for Joining Us Behind the Bar
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts? Let’s connect and continue the conversation.
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: Liquor & Gaming NSW.
If you’re looking to complete your RSA in any state or territory across Australia, you can find the full details here.