Collection: Wine glasses: choosing the perfect glass for every occasion

Why the right wine glass matters

A good wine glass balances beauty and functionality. Each type of wine glass has its own uniquely shaped bowl, which helps direct the aromas of the wine to the nose in a specific way. Apart from the bowl, the thickness and curving of the rims also affect the tasting experience, as these direct the flow of the wine into the mouth. Last but not least, the shape of the glass is important for the management of the wine’s serving temperature, as well as the aroma concentration. In the next chapter, we’ll tell you more about the right glass for each type of wine. 

A beautifully shaped glass not only enhances flavour, but also the look of your table and the sense of occasion. At Magasin Plus Couleur, we believe that vintage French wine glasses are the ultimate glass to accompany your meal with. You’ll be drinking wine like Brigitte Bardot and Alain Delon, with effortless French elegance and a touch of nostalgia.

Different types of wine glasses

Every wine has its perfect companion in glass form. From bold reds to sparkling champagnes, the shape of the glass subtly enhances aroma, temperature, and flavour. Below, we’ll explore how to recognise each type, and how our vintage French pieces add a special touch of character and history to every sip.

Red wine glasses

Red wine glasses can usually be recognised by their generous, rounded bowls and wider rim diameter. This open shape allows the wine to breathe, letting oxygen soften the tannins and reveal the complex aromas hidden within each bottle. There are, in fact, different types of red wine glasses, as you can see in the image above.

In our collection, you’ll find a variety of vintage red wine glasses, each with its own character. While their bowls are shaped to complement the wines they were designed for, their overall design, style, and colours will vary. Something that applies to all types of vintage wine glasses in our collection. Some feature gently curved bowls with delicate stems, while others have a more solid, sculptural shape that reflects the style of their era.

White wine glasses

White wine glasses are defined by their smaller, narrower bowls, often with a graceful U-shape. Because white wines have more delicate aromas, the shape of the glass helps to concentrate these subtle notes and guide them towards the nose. The thin rim directs the wine to the front of the palate, accentuating its crispness and lively acidity. Even the longer stem serves a purpose: it prevents the warmth of your hand from altering the wine’s cool, refreshing temperature.

In our vintage collection, you’ll find white wine glasses that embody both elegance and history. Just like red wine glasses, their designs may vary. Apart from translucent bowls, you’ll often find more decorative pieces with etched patterns or softly tinted glass. What all white wine glasses have in common is that they are crafted to enhance the freshness and fragrance of the wine while adding a touch of timeless charm to the table.

Champagne glasses

Champagne glasses come in three well-known shapes: the coupe, the tulip, and the flute. Beyond their distinct appearances and moods, each shape influences how the champagne tastes, smells, and sparkles. Much like the U-shaped white wine glass, the flute directs the aromas toward the nose, preserves the bubbles, and lets them rise gracefully to the top - creating that elegant, festive visual we all love.

Coupes, with their wide, open bowls, let bubbles and aromas escape more quickly, but their vintage silhouette and timeless glamour will never go out of style. The tulip glass, with its wider bowl and gently narrowed rim, offers the perfect balance between elegance and function, keeping aromas concentrated while allowing the wine to breathe. The result? A glass that helps you to taste and appreciate the complexity of your champagne.

In our vintage collection, you’ll find an alternating collection of different champagne glasses, from softly tinted coupes with delicate etchings to slender flutes adorned with subtle reliefs. Each piece combines artistry and history, turning every toast into something a little more cinematic.

Dessert wine & aperitif glasses

Dessert and aperitif glasses are designed for sweet or fortified wines and can be recognised by their smaller, elegant shapes. Again, most have slightly wider bowls that let the wine aerate, releasing its aromas and softening its sweetness. The gently tapered rim then guides the fragrance to the nose and directs the wine beautifully to the palate.

Some vintage sherry glasses are shaped differently: narrow at the base and wider at the rim. Because of this shape, they’re occasionally referred to as trumpet glasses. They’re typically used for darker sherries, helping direct the flow of the wine to the mid-palate. This enhances the richness and sweetness of the sherry, while keeping its higher alcohol content beautifully balanced.

Rosé glasses and others

Rosé wines are light, crisp, and aromatic - and the glasses designed for them reflect that character. Typically, they have a slightly flared rim and a bowl between the size of a red and white wine glass. This shape highlights fruity aromas and directs the wine to the tip of the tongue, where sweetness and acidity are best perceived.

Hock and Alsace glasses are traditionally used for aromatic white wines such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris. Their tall, narrow bowls preserve delicate floral aromas and guide the wine smoothly to the palate. These glasses often feature a slim stem and sometimes a green-tinted base - a nod to their German and Alsatian origins.

While not conventional for fine wine, tumblers bring charm to more relaxed tables. In our collection, you’ll rarely find stemless versions; instead, you might discover mid-century or space-age “pedestal glasses” and “footed tumblers,” whose sculptural bases add a touch of retro elegance. These designs blur the line between functionality and art, ideal for serving aperitifs, digestifs, or simply to bring a statement piece to your table.

How to choose the perfect wine glass

Figuring out the perfect tableware setting and finding glasses that fit it perfectly can be a fun but sometimes challenging task. Will you choose your favourite vintage wine glass and adapt the type of wine you drink to fit it? Or will you base your choice of glass on the wine you’re about to serve? For those who not only love a good meal but also value the beauty of their table setting, it can be difficult to decide.

Two simple tips:

☆ Let the occasion guide you. For an elegant dinner, fine-stemmed glasses with classic shapes always feel right. For a relaxed garden lunch, colourful vintage glasses can bring charm and warmth.

☆ Think balance. A glass doesn’t always have to be perfect for a wine in a technical sense; it just has to complement your setting. The harmony between the glass, the plate, and the overall mood matters just as much as the aroma.

At Magasin Plus Couleur, we believe that choosing wine glasses is as much about emotion as it is about expertise. Whether you fall for the graceful curve of a vintage flute or the soft hue of a red wine glass, the right choice is the one that makes your table come alive.

The timeless beauty of vintage wine glasses

Vintage wine glasses possess a timeless, refined beauty that creates a special atmosphere at any table. Thanks to the superior craftsmanship of many vintage pieces, they also bring a sense of class to the table. Unlike today’s mass-produced pieces, vintage glasses were designed to last. When you buy a set, you will be able to enjoy it many times and for a long time. Treat them with love, and these timeless pieces will always form a precious part of your collection. 

At Magasin Plus Couleur, we cherish the details of vintage items. The faint tint of coloured glass, the delicate etching that catches the light, the soft curve that feels just right in your hand. They remind us that a wine glass is more than an object; it’s a piece of history that adds warmth and character to the present moment.

Styling inspiration: wine glasses in your table setting

Styling vintage wine glasses is about finding balance between contrast and cohesion. Pairing clear and coloured glassware can add depth and sparkle to your table, while mixing different shapes brings a playful, collected-over-time feeling. For a more harmonious look, choose pieces that echo the tones of your plates or textiles: soft pink glasses with linen, or green-tinted stems beside stoneware, for example.

Vintage glasses also shine beyond the dinner table: a coupe can hold a few fresh flowers, a small flute can become a candle holder, or a coloured glass can brighten a shelf. However you use them, they infuse your setting with that effortless French charm - a little imperfect, yet perfectly beautiful.

Discover our collection of vintage wine glasses

Now that you have read all you need to know about wine glasses, feel free to explore our collection. Each vintage piece has been handpicked in France for its beauty, quality, and character. From delicate etched flutes to bold mid-century coupes, every glass tells its own story. 

Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner, a grand celebration, or simply wish to add a touch of vintage refinement to everyday life, our collection offers something timeless for every occasion. Discover the full range of vintage French wine glasses at Magasin Plus Couleur and find the ones that make your table and your moments extra special. 

Looking for something to style your beautiful vintage wine glasses with? Discover our silverware, dinner plates, and more.