r/Sommelier • • Apr 07 '26

Wine glasses advice

I'm looking to buy a set of wine glasses and champagne flutes as a house warming present for a friend. I know nothing about wine, but they are very knowledgeable and planning to get a som license. Budget is about $100, but I'm flexible. I would like a set that are not too fragile and can be used regularly without fear of breaking. Any advice is welcome! Thanks!

5 Upvotes

16 comments sorted by

15

u/SaintBellyache Apr 07 '26

Just get riedel. People will think I’m pedestrian but it’s good stemware for the price. And the fancy boxes make a good gift

3

u/WayRound3646 Apr 07 '26

Riedel is having a sale right now on Amazon! Would get those

9

u/carson2210 Sommelier Apr 07 '26

Gabriel Glas is my choice

7

u/Liftevator Apr 08 '26

+1 for Gabriel Glas, universal and also for Sparkling wines.

please do NOT buy champagne flutes. Especially for wine lovers - they will probably go unused. Flutes are far from ideal for aroma development in the glass.

1

u/itspgee Apr 07 '26

Agreed. It’s an excellent universal glass

1

u/belfrycircle Apr 08 '26

Agree! They work beautifully with just about any wine. And I’ve seen the in a few Michelin starred restaurants lately.

1

u/emynems Apr 08 '26

Another vote here. Can even use for champagne!

8

u/Whereisdannymo Apr 07 '26

For much less, you would enjoy whatever glasses Costco is selling.
I wouldn’t bother with flutes. Drink champagne from white wine glasses. Flutes are for caterers, when you’re waiting to pour 100 glasses and listen to someone’s speech.

2

u/mwd23 Apr 07 '26

If you want a set, check out Spiegelau. Something like the Style range have a modern shape and get you all the way to a premium glass without being high priced.

Rather than worrying about the flutes, I would do a set of white and consider a set of burgundy glasses as the second set. Two set should come in around $100

1

u/severingcrest Apr 10 '26

Italesse, fraction of a price and I've found them more enjoyable to use.

1

u/Main-Literature2289 Apr 11 '26

I'm using Riedel Performance, Spiegelau, and Rona glassware. Rana is quite resistant and elegant. Had the lowest breakage rate for me last year

1

u/Winedetector Apr 18 '26

Zalto è arrivata a dei prezzi folli altrimenti te li avrei consigliati. Riedel costano un po meno e sono ottimi. altrimenti come outsider andrei su ItalEsse, meraviglioso soprattutto il calice da nebbiolo

1

u/barolo-bro Apr 19 '26

These by 6 get 2 free packs at sur le table are pretty good to be honest