Riedel Questions & Answers
Andi Healey
Web Manager
Your Riedel Questions Answered
Everything you've wanted to know about Riedel wine glasses
How Do You Pronounce Riedel?
First thing's first! It's REE-dull (rhymes with needle) not RYE-dell.
That's John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John's high school in Grease!
We hear both versions constantly, and honestly, we're just delighted you're interested in the glasses regardless of pronunciation. But now you know, you can correct people at dinner parties and feel terrifically sophisticated.
Are Riedel Wine Glasses Worth the Money?
Well, of course I'm going to answer "YES" to this question, but let's provide a bit of context.
Our glasses range from £11 each (or less if you buy a Value Pack) to £100 each. Whilst a £100 glass cannot change the quality of a cheap, poorly made wine, a terrible glass can reduce the appreciation of a very good bottle of wine.
The Wine Glass Investment Formula
A wise man once told me that you should spend as much on a wine glass as you would on a bottle of the wine you'd like to drink from it. I think it may have been Mr. Riedel himself, but my poor, age and wine-addled brain can't quite remember.
So, if we look at it in those terms, then £20-30 per glass is not too extravagant, and that covers the vast majority of Riedel glasses.
When you consider that you could, realistically, use them (if you're careful) for 10 years, that's less than 6 pence per week, or a penny a day.
Damn cheap!
Breaking Down the Value
Entry-level Riedel (Veloce, Vinum): £11-20 per glass
- Machine-made precision
- Dishwasher-safe convenience
- Varietal-specific shapes
- 10+ year lifespan with care
- Cost per use: literally pennies
Mid-range Riedel (Performance, Veritas): £20-35 per glass
- Advanced manufacturing techniques
- Thinner bowls, finer rims
- Enhanced wine expression
- Restaurant-quality at home
- Perfect for serious wine enthusiasts
Premium Riedel (Sommeliers, Superleggero): £50-100+ per glass
- Handmade craftsmanship
- Extraordinary delicacy
- Collector-grade quality
- For special occasions and prized bottles
- Investment pieces that last decades
The real question isn't whether Riedel glasses are worth it, it's whether you're drinking wine worth serving in proper glassware. If you care enough about wine to read this page, the answer is almost certainly yes.
Do Riedel Glasses Really Make a Difference?
Short answer: Absolutely, yes.
Long answer: The size, shape and construction of a wine glass does affect how you perceive the wine, both in its aroma and flavour profile and also mouthfeel. And since all wines are not the same in terms of their attributes, style and flavour, there is no one perfect wine glass which will show off every style of wine equally.
Why Different Wines Need Different Glasses
Some wines need a larger bowl to show off their complex aromas, others will fare better in a smaller glass. Some benefit from a glass lip that flares out a bit, while others show better with a wine glass lip that curves in a bit.
All Riedel glasses are born out of comparative tasting sessions (rather than on a drawing board), where a panel of judges vote on what shape they consider performs the best. Expert winemakers and sommeliers carefully analyse the experience of drinking wine in different shapes of glasses.
Varietal-specific glasses are designed with three variables: shape, size and rim diameter, all of which affect the bouquet, texture, flavour and finish of the wine.
How Glass Shape Changes What You Taste
Distance matters: Depending on how close or far your nose is from the wine itself, you will taste the wine differently. A large bowl keeps your nose further from the wine surface, whilst a smaller bowl brings you closer.
Rim diameter matters: How narrow or wide the rim of the glass is will affect the aromatics of the wine and then its flavour. A narrow opening concentrates aromatics, whilst a wide opening lets them dissipate.
Where wine hits your tongue matters: Different glass shapes direct wine to different parts of your palate first. This genuinely changes what you taste and how you perceive balance.
The Dramatic Sauvignon Blanc Test
For me, the most dramatic evidence of the importance of glass size and shape is drinking a Sauvignon Blanc out of a large "Oaked Chardonnay" glass, you can barely taste it. The aromatics dissipate, the crisp acidity seems muted, and the wine tastes flat and dull.
The same wine out of a much smaller, appropriately shaped bowl comes to life with bright, fresh citrus and green apple flavours.
Try it yourself. Pour the same wine into two different glass shapes. The difference is remarkable and immediately obvious, even to complete beginners.
Different wines genuinely perform better in appropriately shaped glasses
Are Riedel Wine Glasses Dishwasher Safe?
Short answer: YES.
All Riedel glassware is dishwasher safe, but it's not recommended for some of the larger, handmade decanters.
Pro Tips for Dishwashing Riedel Glasses
Here are a few things to consider before putting your glasses into the dishwasher:
- Riedel recommends Miele dishwashers: These have been tested in the laboratory and found that Miele dishwashers give Riedel glasses a lifespan of 1,500 washing cycles. This translates to a lifespan of over 20 years
- Avoid scratches: Keep the glassware away from heavier objects like knives and pots. Avoiding contact with other glass or metal will keep the glass scratch-free. If possible, use a stemware rack to keep them in one place
- Proper spacing is critical: The glassware needs to be properly spaced in the dishwasher so that they cannot shake or clink during the wash cycle
- Use low-mineral water: Low mineral water content should be used to avoid stains. If your area has hard water, consider a water softener
- White vinegar removes stains: If clouding or mineral deposits appear, white vinegar can be used to remove them
- Modern detergents work best: Use quality dishwasher detergents designed for glassware. Avoid harsh, abrasive formulas
- Cool wash cycles: Use cool or gentle wash cycles for all glassware. High heat can cause etching over time
Hand Washing vs Dishwasher
Whilst Riedel glasses are dishwasher-safe, many collectors prefer hand washing for their most precious glasses. The choice is yours based on convenience and how much you value the glasses.
Hand washing advantages: Complete control, gentler handling, no risk of contact with other items, can inspect for damage immediately
Dishwasher advantages: Convenience, consistent cleaning, higher temperatures kill bacteria, no risk of dropping during washing
We use dishwashers for our everyday Riedel glasses and hand wash only our handmade Sommeliers collection. Both methods work beautifully if done properly.
Are Riedel Wine Glasses Crystal?
Yes. Crystal is made from sand and water, and each glass has microscopic "pitting" in it. This enhances the aroma and flavour of the wine, as when you swirl the wine in the glass, it goes into those little pits, which helps to bring out the aromas.
This isn't marketing nonsense, the rougher surface texture of crystal genuinely agitates wine more effectively than smooth glass, releasing aromatic compounds more readily.
Are Riedel Wine Glasses Lead-Free?
Again, YES. Riedel no longer sells lead crystal glasses.
To achieve the same brilliance, clarity and lustre as lead crystal, they use borosilicate. The borosilicate glass is harder than regular glass, so it can be moulded into more complex shapes whilst remaining incredibly thin and delicate.
Why Lead-Free Crystal Matters
Safety: No risk of lead leaching into wine or food
Clarity: Modern lead-free crystal matches or exceeds traditional lead crystal in brilliance
Strength: Borosilicate is actually harder and more durable than lead crystal
Environmental: Eliminates lead from manufacturing and disposal processes
Versatility: Can be shaped more thinly and into more complex forms
Where Are Riedel Wine Glasses Made?
The Riedel factory is in the idyllic Austrian town of Kufstein, about 4km from the border with Germany.
The company has invested heavily in its machine production and has two systems of production lines that are capable of making approximately 91,000 pieces per day and 28 million glasses per year.
The Manufacturing Process
The mesmerising, whizzing, fire-breathing machines that blow 1,500-degree non-lead crystal into moulds, mechanically attach the stems, laser-trim and fire-polish the glasses for a final time before they are inspected for any flaws.
Quality control is ruthless: Imperfect glasses (approximately 30% on a good day) are destroyed, crushed and re-melted into the crystal mix, a process that helps improve the quality of the crystal itself.
Interestingly, if there is not enough recycled crystal content added to the mix each day, additional recycled glass will be added to perfect the recipe. This creates a virtuous cycle where rejected glasses actually improve the quality of future production.
Austrian Craftsmanship
Riedel has been making glasses since 1756, that's 11 generations of the same family perfecting glassmaking. The Kufstein factory represents centuries of accumulated knowledge combined with cutting-edge manufacturing technology.
Even machine-made Riedel glasses benefit from this heritage. The moulds, the crystal formula, the quality standards, all draw on nearly three centuries of expertise.
How Do You Identify Riedel Wine Glasses?
All Riedel glasses are etched on the base.
The distinctive Riedel signature script was used for Riedel glassware made in Bohemia from 1890 to 1925. In 1996, to commemorate Riedel's 240th anniversary, it was reintroduced for all handmade products.
Machine-made products carry the block capital etching: RIEDEL
Handmade glasses feature script signature; machine-made carry block capitals
Beware of Counterfeits
Riedel's popularity has unfortunately led to counterfeit glasses appearing on the market, particularly through unofficial online sellers.
Genuine Riedel glasses always have:
- Clear etching on the base (never stickers or printed logos)
- Perfect clarity with no bubbles, tints, or imperfections
- Beautifully balanced weight distribution
- Laser-cut rims (on quality ranges)
- Packaging with Riedel branding and information
When you buy from The Riedel Shop, you're guaranteed authentic Riedel glassware sourced directly from the manufacturer.
Are Thin Wine Glasses Better?
Whatever the shape and size of good wine glasses, all of them are made thin. There has been much speculation as to why. Some say that it contributes to the look, smell and taste of the wine.
When a glass is thin, it allows you to have a clearer view of the colours of the wine so you can admire it more. Physiologically, it is so that there is little between the lips and the wine.
It really is that simple.
The Rim Makes All the Difference
Good wine glasses have a "cut" rim, whilst lesser glasses (more robust) have a "rolled" edge to the rim and you do notice the difference.
Cut/laser-cut rim: Seamless transition from glass to wine. Nothing interrupts the flow of wine to your palate. Feels elegant and refined.
Rolled rim: Thick edge creates a physical barrier. Wine feels clumsy. Aromatics don't reach your nose as effectively. Distinctly less refined experience.
Try drinking wine from a thick ceramic mug with a rounded lip, the wine seems thick and clumsy. That's the effect a rolled rim has, just less extreme.
The Psychology of Glass Quality
It also has something to do with psychology. The taste, smell and overall impression of a wine is built up in the brain. How we perceive flavour depends on our senses, especially sight and smell.
A beautiful, delicate glass creates expectations of quality. Those expectations genuinely influence our perception of the wine. This isn't pretension, it's neuroscience.
Wine served in an elegant crystal glass tastes better partly because the glass performs better technically, and partly because our brain is primed to expect quality.
Both effects matter. Both contribute to enjoyment. Both are worth paying for.
Why Are Red Wine Glasses Bigger Than White?
This is because red wines will typically have bolder tasting notes and benefit from being able to "breathe more" than their white counterparts.
The larger bowled glasses allow red wine to come into contact with more air, helping them to open up and display more aromas and flavours.
The Science of Bowl Size
Red wine characteristics:
- Complex aromatics that need space to develop
- Tannins that soften with air exposure
- Bolder flavours that benefit from aeration
- Served at warmer temperature (15-18°C)
- Higher alcohol content (typically 13-15%+)
White wine characteristics:
- Delicate aromatics that dissipate quickly
- Fresh, crisp character best preserved with less air
- Lighter flavours that can be overwhelmed by oxidation
- Served chilled (8-12°C)
- Generally lower alcohol (11-13%)
Unlike red wine, white wine doesn't require as much space to breathe. In fact, to help preserve the aromas, white wine glasses will usually have a more acute bow within the bowl and a smaller opening at the rim of the glass.
The exception to this rule is the Oaked Chardonnay glass, which is larger to accommodate the big, bold aromas and flavours that come from oak barrel aging.
How Do You Know If Wine Glasses Are Expensive/Good Quality?
There are a number of things to look for when judging the quality of a wine glass.
1. Clarity
Just like when we taste wine, we use our eyes as our first tools to consider the quality of a glass.
A wine glass made from crystal will have much greater brilliance and clarity than one made from soda lime glass (the type of glass used for windows and most bottles and jars).
Imperfections, like bubbles or a noticeable blue or green tint, are another sign that a cruder raw material has been used.
Good crystal: Perfectly clear, brilliant, almost seems to glow in light
Poor glass: Slight cloudiness, visible tint, bubbles, inconsistent thickness
2. Weight and Balance
Although crystal and crystalline glass is denser than ordinary glass, the added strength means that they can be blown super fine and so crystal glasses can be much thinner and lighter than glass ones.
The distribution of weight is also really important: the base should be heavy and wide so that the glass doesn't tip over easily. However, the weight of the base and the weight of the bowl must be balanced, so that the glass is comfortable to hold and to swirl.
Test this: Hold a wine glass by the stem and swirl. A well-balanced glass feels natural and controlled. A poorly balanced glass feels awkward and wants to tip.
3. The Rim
The third key place to look for wine glass quality is the rim.
A rolled rim, which is clearly noticeable as it is thicker than the bowl below it, gives a less refined experience than a laser-cut rim.
To experience this effect more clearly, exaggerate it by drinking wine out of a thick mug with a rounded lip: the wine will seem thick and clumsy.
However, a laser-cut rim is more fragile than a rolled one and so the glass needs to be made out of high quality crystal to ensure it doesn't chip easily.
The Crystal Ring Test
Another way to detect whether the glass is made of crystal or glass is to tap the widest part of the bowl with your fingernail, it should make a beautiful ringing sound, like a bell.
Ordinary glass makes a dull "thunk" sound. Crystal produces a clear, sustained ring that continues for several seconds.
Try it right now if you have a wine glass nearby. The difference is immediately obvious and actually quite satisfying. Crystal literally sings.
Why Do Drinks Taste Better in a Crystal Glass?
Crystal is important for wine because it has a rougher texture than regular glass that helps the wine release its aromas.
As I wrote earlier, crystal is made from sand and water and each glass has microscopic "pitting" in it.
This enhances the aroma and flavour, as when you swirl the wine in the glass, it goes into those little pits, which agitates it and helps to bring out the aromas.
The Technical Explanation
When wine contacts crystal's microscopically rough surface, several things happen:
- Increased surface agitation: The tiny pits create turbulence as wine swirls, releasing aromatic compounds more effectively
- More nucleation points: The microscopic texture provides more points where dissolved gases can escape, affecting mouthfeel
- Enhanced light refraction: Crystal's structure bends light more beautifully, making wine appear more brilliant and appealing
- Temperature conduction: Crystal conducts temperature differently than regular glass, affecting how wine warms in the glass
The combined effect is subtle but real. Crystal glasses genuinely make wine taste better, not just through shape design but through the material itself.
Still Have Questions?
If you have a burning question about Riedel, wine glasses, decanters or anything else, we're here to help.
Common topics we can advise on:
- Which glass shape suits your favorite wines
- Building a versatile wine glass collection
- Caring for and maintaining Riedel glassware
- Choosing between different Riedel collections
- Gift recommendations for wine enthusiasts
- Replacing broken glasses from sets
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