Oh, hey friend,

It’s been a while since I introduced myself here on the blog. I’m Lisa and I have the joy of managing this little corner of the internet. My parents are the proud owners of Treasure Keeper, and I’m so lucky to work with them bringing the joy of toys and collectibles to families like yours! Sometimes it’s hard to believe that everything we do started with one simple Beanie Baby. You can read that story here.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered what all those fancy stemware glasses are actually for. I mean, I tend to entertain with paper plates rather than Waterford Crystal, so I’ve done a lot of research for this blog post! My dream is to someday find that perfect balance between the simplicity of paper plates and the elegance of classic entertaining. And I figured the best way to start is by understanding the mind-boggling variety of stemware out there.

If you’ve ever been confused about the difference between a Hock Wine Glass, a Claret Wine Glass, and a Balloon Wine Glass, then you’re in the right place. I’ve dug into all the research, and I’m about to share my findings on stemware. By the end of this, I might even figure out which glass will help me find that sweet spot between elegance and ease.

Now, full disclosure: I’m not a huge wine drinker. Before today, I knew absolutely nothing about the different types of wine glasses. But after some serious research, I’m feeling pretty confident that I can guide you through it all!

First up, let’s talk about white wine!

White wine glasses generally have smaller bowls than red wine glasses, with a narrower opening. This design helps enhance the crisp, refreshing flavors and delicate aromas of white wines. Waterford offers a few different versions of white wine glasses, each crafted to make your whites shine in their own special way.

Hock Wine Glass 

“Hock” is an old-school term for white wine, and Hock Wine glasses are perfect for young, sweet wines that haven’t spent much time in the bottle – usually less than a year. These glasses are designed to focus the wine’s aroma, directing it towards your nose and bringing out those lovely floral and fruity notes. The shorter stem is another key feature, as it allows the wine to warm up slightly, unlocking even more complex flavors. According to my research, Hock Wine glasses are great for wines like Pinot Grigio, Riesling, or Sauvignon Blanc.

White Wine 

With so many glasses to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming, but most Waterford patterns do offer a White Wine glass. These glasses are a bit taller and have a smaller bowl compared to the Hock glasses. They’re designed to keep your wine cool and help unlock the full flavor of whatever white wine you’re enjoying.

Red Wine Glass

Red wine glasses are typically large and bowl-shaped, with wide openings to give the wine plenty of room to breathe. When wine has space to breathe, it releases its aromas, which really bring out the complex flavors of those rich, full-bodied reds. And of course, Waterford offers a few different varieties to choose from here as well!

Oversize Wine Glass

Oversized wine glasses feature a large bowl and wide opening, giving the wine plenty of room to breathe and fully develop its aroma and flavor profile. These glasses are perfect for serving full-bodied reds, like Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, allowing you to enjoy all the rich, complex notes they have to offer.

Claret Wine

Waterford’s Claret glasses are their take on the classic Bordeaux glass. These glasses are the tallest of the red wine variety but feature a smaller bowl than most others. The design is meant to concentrate the aroma and flavor of full-bodied red wines, making them an ideal choice for drier reds. Experts recommend using Claret glasses for wines like Bordeaux, Shiraz, and Cabernet – they’ll really help those bold flavors shine!

Balloon Wine Glass

Also known as Burgundy glasses, these beauties feature a wide bowl with a narrow opening. This design is perfect for enhancing the delicate aromas and flavors of lighter red wines, like Pinot Noir and Grenache. The wide bowl gives you the freedom to swirl and aerate the wine, helping to release those lovely aromas and complex flavors.

Goblets 

Whether you’re sipping red or white wine, Waterford’s goblets – available in nearly every pattern – are your go-to for a versatile drinking glass. Goblets are generally larger than other wine glasses and have a shorter stem. While Waterford calls them simply "goblets," many people refer to them as water goblets. But don’t be fooled by the name! These glasses are perfect for water, white wine, red wine, or even cocktails if you’re feeling a little adventurous.

The Bottom Line: 

If you want to take your next dinner party to the next level, crystal wine glasses are definitely the way to go. Personally, I’m all about keeping it simple with one glass for both red and white wines. If you’re on the same page, I’d recommend checking out Waterford Goblets. Take a look at all the stunning patterns Waterford offers, then decide whether you prefer the standard or the tall option. Bam! You’ve just found your perfect wine glass..

If you’re a wine connoisseur, I’d recommend going for the White Wine glasses and Claret Wine glasses. This combo will let you fully appreciate all the subtle notes in both your red and white wines, elevating your tasting experience to the next level!

Champagne

Don’t worry, I didn’t forget about Champagne glasses for those extra special celebrations!

When it’s time to pop some bubbly, you’ll want to reach for Champagne glasses. While there might be fewer options than wine glasses, there are still a few to choose from to make your toast even more memorable.

Coupes – a 1920’s classic

Sometimes called a sherbet glass, these have a wide, short bowl that allows for increased aeration. While the bubbles might dissipate a bit quicker, the aroma and flavor of your champagne are intensified, making each sip even more delightful. Though they’ve fallen out of fashion recently, these glasses are perfect for champagne cocktails—or if you’re feeling extra fancy, why not go all out and create a champagne tower?

Flutes

These are probably just what you picture when you think of champagne glasses—tall, elegant, and narrow. Their design helps preserve the bubbly goodness, keeping those effervescent bubbles dancing for longer. Many flutes even have subtle ridges on the inside to draw the bubbles upward, creating that classic champagne sparkle we all love. Flutes are perfect for dry and semi-dry champagnes, letting you sip in style!

Tulips

Tulip Champagne glasses combine the wide bowl of a Coupe with a narrow mouth, allowing for maximum aroma while still preserving the bubbles. They're the perfect choice for full-bodied sparkling wines or champagnes. While they seem like the best of both worlds, they aren’t super popular, which makes them a bit harder to find.

So, unless you're throwing a 1920’s themed party (in which case, go ahead and rock those Coups!), you’re probably going to want to stick with the classic champagne flute. These iconic glasses are well-loved, come in every pattern imaginable, and are super easy to find.

With so many options out there, finding that perfect balance of ease and elegance can be tricky. If you're a millennial like me, looking to level up your hosting game without overcrowding your home, I highly recommend going for a universal wine glass like Waterford’s goblets and a classic set of champagne flutes.

Now that you’ve got your glassware sorted, it’s time for the fun part—picking your pattern! 

Have the best week!