My wine glass collection has gotten slightly out of control. I’ll admit it.
But apparently I’m not alone. Manufacturers are reporting record sales of quality glassware, and the trend that started during lockdowns hasn’t slowed down. People invested in proper stemware when they were stuck at home, and they’ve kept upgrading their collections ever since.
The varietal-specific glass thing used to feel pretentious to me. Then a friend convinced me to try the same Pinot Noir in a standard glass versus a proper Burgundy bowl. The difference was embarrassingly obvious. I’ve become one of those people now.
Premium brands have expanded beyond specialty wine shops into regular retail. I saw Riedel stems at a department store last week that five years ago only stocked basic glassware. Retailers tell me that glass purchases often happen alongside wine sales, like people are finally accepting that proper glassware isn’t optional if you actually want to taste what you’re drinking.
The broader shift here is about taking at-home wine experiences seriously. Restaurant quality service in your own dining room. Good bottles deserve good glasses. My partner rolls her eyes at the cabinet full of stems, but even she admits the wines taste better. And that’s the whole point, right?
