This is a great alternative to the Sommelier series, which is very expensive and fragile. Get the 4 basic shapes: Boredeaux, Burgundy, White, and Champagne

It´s reasonably priced and our red wines tased good in it. Pinot Noir is the toughest one. It really makes a difference what glass you put it in.

Good wine glasses are essential. Riedel makes some of the best . Unless you are a wine nut, a Chapagne flute, a glass for white wine and one each for Burgundy (Pinot Noir) and Bordeaux (Cabernet) will do.

I used to bring the rep from Riedel Crystal in to do a demonstration for my students, and we would taste the same wine from different glasses. Unless you’ve tried it yourself, you won’t believe the difference that a glass can make in the way the wine smells and tastes. Most of the time, at home, I use their Vinum Series Bordeaux and Burgundy glasses. The new, stemless wineglasses? The only one I use is the small one, made for Chardonnay. I find it perfect for Cognac and Armagnac. You wrap your hand around the bowl to warm the brandy to body temperature, releasing those wonderful aromas! The glasses from their Sommelier line are just too big for me: I feel foolish and pretentious with a glass that big. Besides, who spends $60 to $95 a glass?