Riedel Vinum Port Glasses
The Riedel Vinum Port glasses highlight the rich fruit and sweetness characteristic of port whilst toning down the impact of alcohol flavours. Available in sets of 2, 4, 6, or 8 glasses, the 240ml capacity and refined shape resulted from collaborative tastings conducted by Riedel in London and Austria, where some of the world's greatest port experts established the ideal shape for vintage port. The resulting design directs the wine to specific areas of the palate, emphasising port's concentrated fruit flavours and natural sweetness whilst managing its higher alcohol content.
The compact 166mm height and carefully proportioned bowl make these glasses equally suited to both vintage and tawny ports. The shape prevents alcohol burn from overwhelming the wine's complex aromatics, allowing you to appreciate the full spectrum of flavours from dried fruits and spices to the subtle oxidative notes in aged tawnies.
Key features of the Vinum Port glass:
- Expert-designed shape: Developed through tastings with world-renowned port specialists to optimise the vintage port experience
- Balanced flavour delivery: The 240ml capacity and bowl shape highlight fruit and sweetness whilst managing alcohol intensity
- Lead-free crystal: Machine-blown in Bavaria, Germany, delivering clarity and durability
- Compact design: 166mm height fits comfortably in standard cupboards and suits smaller pours typical of fortified wines
- Dishwasher safe: Machine washable at gentle temperatures, though handwashing extends longevity
- Flexible pack options: Set of 2 (ideal for couples), Set of 4 (perfect for small gatherings), Set of 6 (ready for dinner parties), or Set of 8 (excellent value for collectors)
These glasses suit port enthusiasts who appreciate fortified wines and want stemware that showcases the complexity of both vintage and tawny ports without the alcohol dominating the experience.
What Customers Ask About Riedel Vinum Port Glasses
Port's high alcohol content (typically 19-20%) can create a burning sensation that overwhelms the wine's fruit and sweetness if the glass shape isn't carefully considered. The Vinum Port glass directs wine to areas of the palate that emphasise sweetness and fruit concentration whilst minimising alcohol burn. This allows you to appreciate port's complex flavours – dried fruits, spices, chocolate, and caramel notes – without the alcohol dominating the experience.
The set of 2 suits couples or those starting their collection. The set of 4 provides better value per glass and covers most small gatherings. The set of 6 ensures you have enough for dinner parties without mixing glass styles, plus spares if breakages occur. The set of 8 offers the best per-glass value and is ideal if you entertain regularly or collect port. Consider how often you serve fortified wines – the 4-pack offers a good balance between value and versatility for most households, whilst the 8-pack suits serious port collectors.
Yes, these glasses work beautifully with other fortified wines including sherry, Madeira, and Marsala. The shape manages high alcohol content across all fortified wine styles, making it a versatile addition to your collection. The glass works equally well for both vintage ports and aged tawnies, handling the full spectrum of fortified wine characteristics.
Port is traditionally served in smaller quantities (50-75ml) compared to table wines due to its higher alcohol content and intensity. The 240ml capacity provides ample room for a proper serve with sufficient headspace for swirling and releasing aromatics. The compact 166mm height also makes the glass easier to handle and store compared to larger stemware.
Yes, Riedel Vinum glasses are dishwasher safe when used on a gentle cycle at maximum 55°C. Space glasses so they don't touch during the cycle, and avoid lemon-scented or highly abrasive detergents which can cloud crystal over time. Many customers choose to handwash these glasses to preserve their pristine clarity for years to come.
Specifications
Care & Use Instructions
Dishwasher Care: Whilst dishwasher safe, use a gentle cycle at maximum 55°C. Space glasses so they don't touch during the wash cycle. Avoid lemon-scented or highly abrasive detergents which can cloud crystal over time. Remove promptly after the cycle and allow to air dry with the door open to prevent water spots.
Handwashing: Use warm (not hot) water with mild detergent. Hold glasses by the base, never twist the bowl whilst holding the stem. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately with a lint-free cloth to prevent water marks. Port can leave sticky residue due to its sugar content – ensure thorough rinsing.
Polishing: Use a microfibre or linen cloth for best results. Never hold both the base and bowl at once – this can snap stems. For the bowl: hold the glass under the bowl with one cloth while polishing with another. For the base: hold it firmly in one hand while polishing with the other. For stubborn water spots, add a small amount of white vinegar to your rinse water before drying.
Storage: Store glasses upright, never stacked or rim-down. This prevents chipping of the delicate rim and allows air circulation to prevent musty odours developing. If storing the set of 6 or 8, consider using shelf dividers to maintain spacing between glasses.
Why Buy From The Riedel Shop?
Since establishing The Riedel Shop, we've specialised in Riedel's innovative glassware, building expertise in helping customers select the right glasses for their wine preferences. We're not just retailers – we're enthusiasts who understand how the right glass transforms the wine-drinking experience.
Our Guarantees to You
- ✓ No Quibble Returns
- ✓ Half-Price Accidental Breakage Replacement (2 Years)
- ✓ Price Match Guarantee
We believe you shouldn't have to take a risk when purchasing glassware. Our Half-Price Replacement policy covers accidental breakage for 2 years from purchase with proof of purchase, giving you confidence to use your glasses rather than keeping them in a cupboard. This guarantee applies to individual glasses from any pack size.
Read our full guarantee policy →
Questions? Visit our contact page
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses typically takes 3-5 working days. Next day delivery may be available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and our stock levels. We pack all glassware carefully with protective packaging to ensure safe arrival.
We offer a no quibble return guarantee that allows you to return goods even after use. The items must be in a resaleable condition and in their original packaging. Please wrap or box items appropriately for transit to avoid damage to goods or boxes.
If you accidentally break a glass within 2 years of purchase, we'll replace it at half the current retail price. You'll need proof of purchase (receipt, bank statement, or order confirmation if purchased online) and evidence of the breakage (a photo is fine). We log your purchase at point of sale, or online orders are automatically recorded in our system. This applies whether you purchased a set of 2, 4, 6, or 8.
Riedel typically prices larger sets to offer better value per glass. The exact pricing is shown when you select your preferred variant. If you know you'll need multiple glasses for entertaining or you collect port, the 4-pack, 6-pack, or 8-pack typically provides cost savings compared to buying multiple sets of 2.
A traditional port serve is 50-75ml, which allows plenty of headspace in the 240ml glass for swirling and appreciating the wine's aromatics. This smaller serving size reflects port's higher alcohol content (typically 19-20%) and intensity compared to table wines. The glass is designed to accommodate this serving size whilst providing optimal flavour delivery.
Riedel Vinum glasses are dishwasher safe, but regular machine washing can gradually reduce clarity compared to handwashing. Use a gentle cycle, avoid harsh detergents, and ensure glasses don't touch during washing. Many customers alternate between dishwasher and handwashing to balance convenience with longevity.
Authentic Riedel glasses typically feature subtle branding etched into the base. The Vinum collection glasses carry the Riedel mark, confirming authenticity. All glasses purchased from The Riedel Shop are genuine Riedel products sourced directly from the factory.
Riedel Vinum Port glasses are sold in sets of 2, 4, 6, or 8. For replacement of broken glasses, our Half-Price Replacement guarantee provides the most cost-effective solution within 2 years of purchase. Contact us directly to discuss your specific needs.
Riedel Vinum glasses come in Riedel's standard packaging, which is suitable for gifting.
Related Reading
Explore our article Port Wine, Olive Oil and Chocolate to discover perfect pairings and understand more about how glass shape enhances the port-drinking experience.
Care & Use
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Dishwasher safe. (handmade decanters excepted)
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Ideally, use soft water to avoid stains.
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Avoid using glass or metal to avoid scratches.
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Use white vinegar to remove stains.
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If washing by hand, use warm water and detergent.
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Do not hold glasses by the base when polishing.