For many wine lovers, the glass matters almost as much as the wine itself. The right shape can release aromatics, frame acidity, soften tannins and turn a simple sip into something layered and expressive. So we posed a simple but revealing question to sommeliers and winemakers around the world: If you could only keep one wineglass in your collection — one varietal-agnostic glass for every style you drink — which would it be?
There was no single, unanimous favourite. Instead, each expert championed a different “one-glass-for-everything” choice, shaped by their own palate, experience and philosophy. Their picks range from Zalto’s famed Austrian crystal to Puddifoot’s durable hospitality-style glasses, with several Riedel standouts in between — a reminder that the perfect universal wineglass can be as personal as the wine itself.
1. Puddifoot Wren White Wine – A Canadian hospitality favourite
“While I’m the first to reach for a proper Riedel Pinot Noir glass when we’re opening a special bottle, our everyday workhorse wineglass is a 12½ oz universal tasting glass. It works for rosés, whites, reds and especially sparkling wines. In fact, we prefer it to a flute because you get the aromas better—you get better ‘bubble coverage,’ or mouth feel, and the bubbles seem to last longer.
We’ve always used Puddifoot— its Wren White Wine Glass is pretty universal. The brand’s glasses are elegant but are less prone to breakage since they are designed for the hospitality industry, and even if you do break a few, they’re inexpensive to replace.”
— Murray Bancroft, co-owner, Birch Block Vineyard, Kaleden, B.C.
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2. Riedel Extreme Cabernet – The oversized all-rounder
“For me, the extra-large Riedel Extreme Cabernet glass is the ultimate all-rounder. It’s amazing how it coaxes out the most beautiful aromatics from so many different varieties—it really delivers the best bang for your buck. You can truly appreciate everything from a bold Cabernet to a delicate Pinot Noir in this glass. And, let’s be honest, the generous size means you can pour a little more, which is always a bonus.”
— Justin Hall, estate winemaker at Nk’Mip Cellars, Osoyoos, B.C.
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3. Riedel Veloce Pinot Noir – Cool-climate versatility
“I’ve always had a love affair with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, whether from Ontario or Burgundy. As a wine lover with a deep appreciation for cool-climate wines, I’ve found that the Riedel Veloce is the one glass that does it all for me.
The Veloce is designed to bring out the very best in Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo, another passion of mine. Its generous curved crystal bowl, with a beautifully rounded diamond shape, is perfect for swirling, releasing and developing aromas. The fine, exquisitely balanced stem feels wonderful in hand, adding to the experience.”
— Marlise Ponzo, sommelier and vice-president of sales and events, The Grange of Prince Edward Winery, Hillier, Ont.
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4. INAO Tasting Glass – Practical, durable and universal
“My choice is an INAO glass. It’s not an aesthetic choice, but a very practical one. It’s the perfect shape for tasting red, white or rosé wines, and it’s also cheap and easy to buy. It has a sturdy base, and since it’s not very tall, it can often be washed in the dishwasher.”
— Anne-Marie Lemire, co-owner, Léon Courville Vigneron, Lac-Brome, Que.
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5. Riedel Rosé Wine / Rosé Champagne – Aromatics perfected
“For a wine as complex and expressive as ice wine, the right glass makes all the difference. The Riedel Extreme Rosé Wine/Rosé Champagne Glass is my go-to— it captures the aromatics beautifully and delivers the perfect balance on the palate. The experience is night and day compared to a traditional flute.”
— Nicholas Gizuk, Niagara estate winemaker, Inniskillin, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.
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6. Riedel Extreme Oaked Chardonnay – Wide-mouth design for fuller whites
“I love the Riedel Extreme Oaked Chardonnay Glass. It delivers performance on a par with Riedel’s higher-end Chardonnay glass but at a great value. Made from beautifully thin crystal, it features a wide mouth— a key factor in enhancing the experience of fuller whites like oaked Chardonnay.
A narrower opening can sometimes make these wines feel overly rich, but the broader design allows for better interaction with air, highlighting finer aromatics and showcasing the wine’s finesse and depth of flavour. I reach for this glass all the time—not just for Chardonnay but also for savoury, dry whites like Chenin Blanc, Italian Pecorino and Soave. It’s also brilliant for Pinot Noir and Gamay, making it a versatile addition to any collection.”
— Kerri Crawford, assistant winemaker, Domaine Le Clos Jordanne, Beamsville, Ont.
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7. Zalto’s Denk’Art Universal – Feather-light Austrian crystal
“I absolutely recommend Zalto’s Denk’Art Wine Glasses, which are regarded as some of the best glassware in the world of fine wines. If I could only recommend one glass from the line, it would be the Universal. A good wineglass should be light, durable and thin in the area where it contacts the mouth.
Thinner glass can transfer the liquid to the mouth more smoothly, which can better express the volatile compounds from the wine as well as elevate the total tasting experience. A lighter glass is easier to swirl, which can express both the colour and the aromas.”
— James Li, restaurant manager and lead sommelier, Enigma Yorkville, Toronto
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No matter your wine preference, these expert picks prove that one thoughtfully chosen glass can elevate any varietal — from crisp whites to bold reds, delicate rosés to sparkling wines. While each sommelier highlighted a different favourite, the common thread is versatility, balance, and enjoyment in every sip. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these glasses are designed to bring out the best in your wine and your experience.
For inspiration, check out our sommelier-approved picks for wines from around the world to make your holidays shine. If you’re specifically looking for Italian wines, check out these affordable picks, perfect for chillier weather. And with the holidays around the corner, take a look at our ultimate guide to sparkling wines.
