Which Riedel Wine Glass Range Should You Choose?

I’ve had more than a few conversations, over the past couple of weeks, with customers “moving on” from their initial purchase of Riedel glasses and wanting advice about which range would be the best to go for.

For those of you already familiar with Riedel's reputation and perhaps with a few of their glasses gracing your cabinets, you already know the fundamentals - that shape matters.

The philosophy behind these glasses transcends mere aesthetics. Each curve, rim diameter, and bowl shape serves a purpose: to direct wine to specific parts of the palate, to capture and concentrate distinctive aromas, and to showcase a wine's unique characteristics.

Navigating Riedel's extensive collection can feel like exploring a fine wine region - exciting, but potentially overwhelming.

You might be wondering which collection truly deserves your hard earned cash.

Is the handmade Sommeliers line worth the splurge?

Will the innovative Winewings collection genuinely change how you experience your favourite Cabernet?

And what about the Performance series - marketing hype or legitimate innovation?

As a fellow enthusiast, who has watched Riedel continue to push boundaries under Maximilian's leadership, I understand the considerations that go into expanding your collection.

Whether you're looking to complement existing pieces or explore entirely new ranges, this guide delves into the nuanced differences between ranges - looking at thickness, weight, durability, and most importantly, how each glass transforms specific varietals.

We'll look at which Riedel lines offer the best value, which provide the most dramatic sensory enhancement, and which might be best suited to your particular wine preferences and lifestyle.

Because, when you already appreciate the difference proper glassware makes, the question becomes not whether to choose Riedel, but which Riedel glasses deserve a place in your life.

Jump to a specific range.

Drink Specific Extreme O Ouverture Performance Sommeliers Superleggero Tumbler Veloce Veritas Vinum Wine Friendly Winewings

 

Okay, let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start, apparently!

Sommeliers Collection (1973)

What Sets It Apart: The first varietal-specific stemware line in history, the Sommeliers collection was revolutionary when introduced in 1973. Each glass is individually mouth-blown by master craftsmen, featuring extraordinarily thin rims and precisely calibrated bowl shapes designed to optimise specific wine varieties. This collection established Riedel's reputation for sensory-focused glassware design.

Best For: Special occasions, significant wine moments, and premium tastings. Wine professionals and serious enthusiasts appreciate these glasses for their ability to showcase the most nuanced aspects of fine wine. The Burgundy Grand Cru glass is particularly revered among Pinot Noir lovers for its ability to concentrate delicate aromatics and was described by Decanter magazine as 'The finest Burgundy glass of all time.' So much so, that it's on display at the New York Museum of Modern Art.

Investment Consideration: Not cheap, The Riedel Shop price, from £87.95 per glass. While expensive, many collectors consider these heirloom-quality items that maintain their value over time.

Practical Note: Consider investing in just one or two glasses for your favourite varietals rather than complete sets. The Bordeaux Grand Cru glass is versatile enough to handle various red wines if you're looking to limit your collection. Hand washing is essential, and their delicate nature means they're best reserved for occasions when their attributes can be fully appreciated.

Notable Piece: The Sommeliers Tinto Reserva glass (£87.95) is the first wine glass ever designed for one of the Iberian Peninsula's great, highly idiosyncratic grape varieties: the red Tempranillo, which dominates fine Rioja and Ribera del Duero wines.

 

Vinum Collection (1986)

What Sets It Apart: Introduced in 1986, Vinum was the first machine-made varietal-specific glass collection in history and remains Riedel's bestselling line. This breakthrough series democratised specialised wine glassware by combining the varietal-specific philosophy of Sommeliers with machine production techniques that lowered costs while maintaining quality.

The precision-engineered shapes deliver consistent performance across each glass in the collection.

Best For: Everyday fine wine enjoyment across a wide range of varietals. Vinum offers an excellent balance between sensory performance and practical durability, making it suitable for regular use by those who appreciate quality glassware but don't want the anxiety of using extremely delicate pieces. The collection includes over a dozen shapes covering most major wine styles.

Investment Consideration: Good value at less than £44 per pair. The Vinum collection represents the sweet spot in Riedel's lineup, offering much of the sensory enhancement of premium lines at a more accessible price point. Sets often provide even better value than buying in pairs, with regular promotions available.

Practical Note: These glasses are more durable than their fine appearance suggests and generally survive careful dishwasher cleaning. The stems are proportionally stronger than those in the Sommeliers line, reducing breakage risk during regular use. The Bordeaux and Burgundy glasses are particularly versatile and can handle a wide range of red wines effectively.

Notable Piece: The Bordeaux/Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot glasses (£43.95 for a pair) have been our best sellers as long as I can remember and is one of the most versatile glasses in the whole Riedel empire.

Ouverture Collection (1998)

What Sets It Apart: Launched in 1998, Ouverture represents Riedel's entry-level series featuring non-varietal specific shapes that focus on wine categories rather than individual grape types. These glasses emphasise practicality and accessibility while maintaining good overall performance. The collection features simpler designs that still follow Riedel's core principles regarding rim diameter and bowl shape.

Best For: Building your first quality glassware collection, equipping secondary locations like holiday homes, or serving as reliable everyday glasses. Ouverture is ideal for casual wine enjoyment and entertaining where practical considerations outweigh the desire for varietal-specific optimisation. The streamlined collection covers the essential wine categories without overwhelming users with too many choices.

Investment Consideration: Excellent value pricing at less than £24 per pair. This collection makes quality glassware accessible to wine enthusiasts on any budget and offers an excellent entry point into the world of Riedel. The comprehensive sets represent particularly good value for those starting their collection.

Practical Note: The simplified range (red, white, champagne, etc.) makes selection straightforward compared to varietal-specific collections. These glasses are designed for durability and are dishwasher-safe, making them practical for everyday use.

The 12-glass collection (4x Red Wine, 4x White Wine, 4x Champagne) for £107.95 provides everything needed for a well-equipped home bar.

Notable Piece: The Ouverture Champagne glass is not only great for all your bubbles, but also for tequila, sherry and even port.

O Series (2004)

What Sets It Apart: Introduced in 2004, the Riedel O Series pioneered the concept of varietal-specific stemless wine tumblers. Based on the benchmark bowl shapes of the Vinum collection but without stems, this innovation combines casual versatility with Riedel's grape-specific design philosophy. The collection maintains the functional elements of proper wine glasses (appropriate bowl shapes and rim diameters) while eliminating the traditional stem.

Best For: Everyday casual use, outdoor gatherings, homes with limited storage space (the story goes that Maximilian Riedel came up with the concept when he was living in a tiny New York apartment), and environments where stability is important. The stemless design prevents tipping, making these glasses ideal for more relaxed occasions where practicality is prioritised. They're particularly popular for informal entertaining and households with limited cabinet height for traditional stemware.

Investment Consideration: Accessible entry point at less than £24 per pair. This collection offers Riedel quality and design at a most approachable price point, making it popular as both starter sets and supplementary glassware for existing collections. As with the Vinum range, sets often provide even better value than buying in pairs, with regular promotions available.

Practical Note: While stemless designs allow hand heat to warm wine faster (potentially an issue for white wines), they offer significant practical advantages in stability, storage efficiency, and durability. The set that includes a decanter offers particularly good value - Cabernet/Merlot plus Syrah Decanter set (4 glasses + 1 decanter for £45).

Notable Piece: The O Spirits glass is an elegant and sophisticated choice for drinking coffee. It’s what Martin Turner (our Riedel Account Manager and probably the most knowledgeable man in his field that I’ve ever met) uses, and, as he says, “When the glass is cool enough to pick up, your coffee is cool enough to drink.” I’ve tried it and he’s right!

Veritas Collection (2014)

What Sets It Apart: Introduced in 2014, Veritas stands 15% taller than Vinum while being 25% lighter and finer, creating an elegant profile with improved durability. This collection represents Riedel's response to consumer desire for more refined machine-made glassware that approaches the delicacy of hand-blown crystal. Breakthrough production technology allows for exceptionally thin yet strong glass walls while maintaining dishwasher safety.

Best For: Everyday premium wine enjoyment with elegant aesthetics. Veritas bridges the gap between special occasion and daily-use glassware, offering refined aesthetics without the fragility concerns of hand-blown crystal. The collection includes a comprehensive range of varietal-specific designs covering all major wine styles.

Investment Consideration: Mid-range pricing at less than £50 per pair positions Veritas between the accessible Vinum and premium Sommeliers collections. The refined appearance and enhanced durability justify the slight premium over Vinum for many consumers looking for everyday luxury.

Practical Note: The lighter weight and finer rims noticeably enhance the sensory experience compared to standard machine-made glasses while remaining practical for regular use. The Moscato/Coupe glasses (£49.95 for a pair) offer great versatility beyond their labelled use, serving equally well for dessert wines, champagne, and elegant cocktails.

Notable Piece: The New World Pinot Noir glass has had particular praise for its performance with fruit-forward Pinot Noir styles from regions like California, Oregon, and New Zealand, even getting the Royal seal of approval.

Extreme Collection (2018)

What Sets It Apart: Introduced in 2018, the Extreme collection was specifically designed to showcase and enhance New World wines. It features broad, angled, varietal-specific bowls with a distinctive shape that helps balance the intense structure and concentration typical of wines from regions like Australia, California, and South America. Executed in clear, brilliant crystal, Extreme glasses reveal the true colours and depths of wine while managing higher alcohol content.

Best For: Lovers of bold, fruit-forward New World wines such as Australian Shiraz, California Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chilean Carmenère. The collection particularly excels with wines that benefit from directed delivery to specific parts of the palate to balance fruit, acidity, and tannins. These glasses help tame high-alcohol wines while showcasing their rich fruit profiles.

Investment Consideration: Excellent value at less than £34 per pair, making this one of the more accessible collections in the Riedel portfolio.

Practical Note: While designed with New World wines in mind, these glasses can also benefit bold Old World wines from warmer regions. The shapes create an interesting comparative tasting when used alongside traditional Vinum or Veritas glasses with the same wine, highlighting different aspects of the wine's character based on the delivery angle and surface area.

Notable Pieces: The Syrah/Shiraz glasses particularly excel with powerful Australian Shiraz wines, while the Champagne glasses offer an alternative to traditional flutes that better showcases the complexity of premium sparkling wines, and are my “go to” glasses for bubbles and Rosé.

 

Performance Collection (2018)

What Sets It Apart: Launched in 2018, the Performance collection introduces an innovative optical impact design featuring subtle vertical ridges inside the bowl. This textured interior increases the inner surface area of the glass, “enhancing the wine's aeration and aromatic expression”. The visual effect creates light reflections that add visual interest while serving the functional purpose of increasing wine-air interaction.

Best For: Those who appreciate technical innovation with tangible benefits to wine enjoyment. Performance appeals to wine enthusiasts who understand how aeration affects a wine's expression and seek tools to maximise this aspect of tasting. The collection maintains Riedel's varietal-specific approach while adding this new technical dimension.

Investment Consideration: Mid-range pricing at less than £50 per pair represents good value, considering the additional manufacturing complexity. The collection sits at a similar price point to Veritas but offers different aesthetic and functional characteristics.

Practical Note: The optical effect serves a genuine functional purpose beyond mere decoration - the increased surface area allows wines to open up more quickly, which can be particularly beneficial for younger wines that need aeration.

Notable Piece: The Cabernet glasses perform particularly well with tannic red wines that benefit from increased oxygen exposure and is my “every day” wine glass at home.

 

Tumbler Collection (2018)

What Sets It Apart: Introduced in 2018, the Tumbler Collection offers decorative crystal tumblers inspired by the glamorous Art Nouveau period. These glasses present a striking contrast to Riedel's typically minimalist wine glasses, featuring ornate designs and heavy crystal bases. Unlike Riedel's varietal-specific wine glasses, this collection focuses on spirits and cocktails, with designs that emphasise both aesthetics and functionality.

Best For: Spirits enthusiasts, cocktail aficionados, and those who appreciate vintage-inspired glassware with contemporary refinement. These glasses are ideal for whiskey, gin and tonic, and classic cocktails where the visual presentation enhances the overall drinking experience.

Investment Consideration: Accessible pricing at less than £24 per pair makes this collection an affordable luxury for home bartenders. The glasses offer substantial heft and decorative appeal at a surprisingly approachable price point compared to other premium barware.

Practical Note: The heavier base designs provide excellent stability for cocktails, while the decorative elements help disguise fingerprints and water spots better than plain crystal. The Drink Specific Glassware Rocks and Highballs set (8 pack for £77.95) provides comprehensive coverage for most standard cocktail needs in one purchase.

Notable Pieces: The “oar” design on a number of the pieces (Rocks, highballs, Neat, Fizz) is more than mere decoration, pouring to the top of the oar blade, gives a 60 ml “double” measure. Clever!

 

Drink Specific Glassware (2019)

What Sets It Apart: Launched in 2019, Drink Specific Glassware applies Riedel's precision design approach to cocktails and spirits. This collection includes iconic shapes such as Neat, Rocks, Highball, Fizz, Sour, and Nick & Nora glasses, each carefully calibrated for specific cocktail types. Unlike decorative barware, these glasses focus on functional elements like proper ice cube accommodation, optimal rim diameters, and appropriate volumes for standard recipes.

Best For: Serious cocktail enthusiasts, mixologists, and home bartenders looking to optimise their spirits and mixed drinks experience. The collection bridges the gap between professional bar equipment and home entertainment, elevating cocktail service with purpose-built glassware. Each glass is designed with input from bar professionals to enhance specific drink styles.

Investment Consideration: Specialised cocktail glassware at competitive pricing, positioned as a worthwhile investment for those serious about cocktail preparation and presentation. While more expensive than generic barware, the collection offers professional-grade quality for the discerning home bartender.

Practical Note: The glasses are carefully sized to standard cocktail measurements, reducing guesswork in recipe execution. The collection includes shapes often difficult to find, such as proper Nick & Nora glasses and correctly proportioned fizz glasses. Recent additions include expanded options like Double Rocks and large Nick & Nora glasses for more versatility.

Notable Pieces: The Rocks glass is perfectly sized for old-fashioned cocktails with large ice cubes, while the Nick & Nora glass is effortlessly and chic and provides an elegant alternative to martini glasses, without the spill-prone wide bowl.

 

Winewings Collection (2020)

What Sets It Apart: Released in 2020 and designed by Georg Riedel, Winewings features a distinctive flat, wing-like bottom reminiscent of an aircraft wing. This revolutionary shape dramatically increases the surface area between wine and air, enhancing evaporation and intensifying aromatic perception, almost like a decanter and glass in one piece. When tasting from these glasses, the drinker's nose is positioned closer to a wider surface of wine, changing the sensory experience.

Best For: Wine enthusiasts who appreciate innovative design and enhanced aroma presentation. The collection works particularly well with wines that benefit from increased aeration and those with complex aromatic profiles. Developed through extensive tastings and refinement, the collection evolved from a single glass to seven different shapes optimised for popular grape varieties.

Investment Consideration: Premium pricing at almost £26 per glass, the technical innovation and unique design position these glasses as conversation pieces that also deliver functional benefits.

Practical Note: The distinctive bowl shape provides advantages for aroma development but represents a significant departure from traditional stemware aesthetics. Consider trying a single glass before investing in a complete set, as the unconventional shape tends to polarise opinion. Thin Marmite! The flat-bottomed design allows for different pouring and swirling techniques than conventional rounded bowls.

Notable Pieces: The Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah glasses particularly benefit from the design, as these varieties often have complex aromatic compounds that develop more fully with increased surface area exposure.

Veloce Collection (2022)

What Sets It Apart: Introduced in 2022, the Veloce collection represents an impressive technological achievement from Riedel's factory in Weiden, Germany. These modern glasses are designed to look and feel handmade while actually being machine-produced using advanced manufacturing techniques.

The collections precise varietal-specific shapes were developed through Riedel's usual practical workshops, where different designs are tested with specific grape varieties to determine the best.

Best For: Those seeking refined aesthetics with practical durability. Veloce appeals to wine enthusiasts who appreciate the visual and tactile qualities of handmade glass but prefer the consistency and durability of machine production. The balanced design creates a pleasing hand-feel that enhances the overall sensory experience.

Investment Consideration: Mid-range pricing at less than £50 per pair represents good value for the advanced production techniques needed. The Tasting Set (1x Cabernet, Pinot, Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay for £99.95) offers an excellent introduction to the collection's range and versatility.

Practical Note: Despite their refined appearance, Veloce glasses are dishwasher-safe and designed for regular use. The collection demonstrates how advanced machine production can now achieve results previously only possible through handcrafting.

Notable Pieces: The stunning Cabernet glass works particularly well across various red wine styles, while the Champagne glass offers an elegant alternative to traditional flutes for contemporary sparkling wine service.

Wine Friendly Collection (2022)

What Sets It Apart: Introduced in 2022, the Wine Friendly collection takes a different approach from Riedel's typical varietal-specific philosophy. Rather than being matched to specific grape varieties, these glasses are designed for broader purposes and general wine enjoyment. This simplified collection responds to growing worldwide demand for "easy to use" entry-level glasses without the complexity of matching specific grapes to specific shapes.

Best For: Beginners, occasional wine drinkers, and settings where versatility matters more than varietal optimisation. The collection was originally developed for the restaurant industry, where universal glasses are preferred due to limited storage space. It's also ideal for those who find varietal-specific collections overwhelming or unnecessary for their casual wine enjoyment.

Investment Consideration: Less that £44 for four glasses makes the Wine Friendly Collection an accessible entry point to quality glassware without the premium associated with specialised shapes. The simplified range offers good value for those seeking quality, without paying for varietal-specific design.

Practical Note: The streamlined collection eliminates the complexity of choosing between numerous shapes, making wine service more approachable for beginners. These glasses focus on general categories (red, white, sparkling) rather than specific varietals, simplifying both purchasing decisions and storage requirements. They're particularly well-suited to restaurants, holiday homes, and entertaining spaces where practicality takes precedence.

Notable Pieces: The universal red wine glass serves well across multiple styles from Cabernet to Pinot Noir, while the white wine glass accommodates everything from Chardonnay to Sauvignon Blanc in a single versatile shape.

 

Superleggero Collection (2023)

What Sets It Apart: Introduced in 2023 to honour the 50th Anniversary of the Sommeliers collection, Superleggero (Italian for "super light") glasses are machine made versions of previously handmade designs. The collection maintains exceptional thinness and lightness while improving durability and consistency. These beautifully balanced instruments impress with both their remarkable lightness and slimmer profile, setting a new benchmark for premium machine-made wine glasses.

Best For: Those seeking the refinement of ultra-fine crystal with improved practicality. Superleggero appeals to wine enthusiasts who appreciate the sensory advantages of thin, lightweight stemware but desire better durability for more regular use. The collection delivers much of the sensory experience of handblown glass with enhanced reliability.

Investment Consideration: Upper mid-range pricing at almost £30 per glass. While premium-priced compared to standard machine-made collections, Superleggero represents excellent value relative to fully handcrafted alternatives with similar characteristics.

Practical Note: The name "Superleggero" accurately reflects these glasses' defining characteristic - their exceptional lightness in the hand, which enhances the overall drinking experience. Despite their delicate appearance, advanced manufacturing techniques make these glasses more resilient than traditional handblown alternatives of similar thinness. The collection successfully bridges the gap between everyday practicality and special occasion refinement.

Notable Pieces: The Bordeaux and Burgundy glasses deliver exceptional performance across various styles, while the Loire/Sauvignon Blanc glasses offer a refined vessel for aromatic white wines at a competitive price for their quality level.

 

Making Your Selection: Practical Considerations

When choosing between Riedel collections, consider these factors:

1. Wine Preferences: Focus on glasses designed for the wines you drink most frequently.
2. Usage Context: More delicate glasses for special occasions, sturdier options for everyday use.
3. Storage Capacity: Some collections require significantly more cabinet space, consider the height measurement.
4. Maintenance Requirements: Hand-blown crystal generally requires hand washing, while machine-made lines are typically dishwasher-safe.
5. Budget Approach: Consider investing in fewer, higher-quality glasses rather than large sets of lesser quality.

Care Recommendations

To maximise the lifespan of your Riedel glassware:

• Avoid twisting the bowl against the stem when washing
• Use mild detergents free of harsh chemicals
• Store glasses upright on their bases rather than upside down on the rim
• Use microfibre cloths for polishing to avoid scratches

The Functional Difference

While the marketing around varietal-specific glassware has come in for criticism, there is scientific basis to how different glass shapes affect aroma concentration and delivery. The precisely engineered bowl shapes direct aromatic compounds differently based on the characteristics of different wine types.

Whether the difference justifies the investment depends largely on your personal relationship with wine. For casual enjoyment, simpler collections may suffice, while those who appreciate the nuances of fine wine often find that well-designed glassware enhances their tasting experience.

As Robert M. Parker Jr. of The Wine Advocate noted: "The finest glasses for both technical and hedonistic purposes are those made by Riedel. The effect of these glasses on fine wine is profound. I cannot emphasise enough what a difference they make."

For those already initiated into the world of fine glassware, the question isn't whether Riedel enhances the experience - it's which expression of their craft will best complement your unique wine journey.

Whether you opt for the historic precision of Sommeliers, the accessible excellence of Vinum, or the innovative approach of Winewings, you're not just purchasing glassware - you're investing in a sensory enhancement tool backed by over 250 years of expertise and eleven generations of passion for wine.

I’ll drink to that!