The Best Champagne Glasses

Although flutes are ubiquitous for drinking Champagne, many people are surprised to know that the narrow shape of a traditional flute is not ideal for drinking Champagne. The best glass is actually tulip-shaped. This has a narrow base with a point, a wide midsection, and a tapered opening. Many Champagne producers have collaborated with glassmakers to craft perfectly designed glasses for drinking Champagne. Some are even specifically created for certain vintages. 

Traditional flutes are not the best glasses for Champagne for several reasons. First, the slender shape and the opening of the glass trap the aromas inside, which means it’s harder to enjoy them. Second, the narrowness exposes only a small amount of wine to oxygen. Exposure to oxygen is crucial for a wine’s ability to open up and become more expressive. One exception is Prosecco, which is more fresh and fruity than Champagne. In this case, flutes preserve the freshness of Prosecco and are a good choice. 

If you don’t have a tulip-shaped glass at home or in a restaurant, you can always use a classic white wine glass, which allows you to appreciate more of the aromas. But if you drink Champagne frequently, it’s worth buying special glassware to truly savor your bubbles. 

Another popular Champagne glass, the coupe or saucer, is really not a great choice for anything bubbly. While they might be cute, these glasses are better for cocktails. The shape of the glass allows the bubbles to disappear more quickly because they don’t have a point at the bottom. 

Here are our top Champagne glasses. 

Riedel Dom Pérignon Glass

Riedel worked directly with the cellarmaster at Dom Pérignon to develop a glass for its prestige cuvée. Vincent Chaperon, chef de cave at Dom Pérignon, once told me that they went through at least 40 different prototypes to design the perfect glass for Dom Pérignon. The result is a glass with a large bowl and a tapered opening. While Riedel designed it specifically for Dom Pérignon, you can use it for any Champagne or sparkling wine.

Zalto Denk’Art Champagne Glass

Zalto crafted this architectural glass specifically for Champagne. It’s handblown in Austria, and the crystal is impossibly thin —so you should run it through the dishwasher rather than hand wash it. The opening is slightly smaller than the Riedel glasses, so it’s not our top pick, but it’s still an excellent choice.

Waterford Lismore Essence Champagne Flute

Waterford’s Lismore Essence Champagne Flute has a different shape from a classic flute, so it’s the rare exception to the no-flute rule. It is flute-shaped but perfectly designed with a flared rim. This means that the aromas are more noticeable than in a flute with a narrow opening. The Lismore crystal pattern is a classic motif. We adore the updated Lismore Essence, which is a bit more contemporary. The cut-crystal design is perfect for a celebration and will add drama to any tablescape.

Zwiesel Glas Alloro Sparkling Wine Glass

Washing crystal glasses can be a hassle after enjoying a bottle of Champagne. That’s why German crystal company Zwiesel Glas teamed up with Enrico Bernardo, an award-winning sommelier, to develop a collection that marries elegance with functionality. The Alloro Sparkling Wine Glass is made from the brand’s patented Tritan crystal glass that is durable and dishwasher safe. The bowl subtly tapers to unlock the aromas of Champagne, making it a great choice for your bubbles. If you’re looking for other options to complement this sparkling wine glass, be sure you’re buying Zwiesel Glas and not Schott Zwiesel, the company’s more affordable, machine-made brand.

How Many Ounces Is a Glass of Champagne?

The standard serving size for a glass of Champagne or wine is 5oz or 150ml. If you fill any Champagne glass to the very top, it will hold far more than that. Some Champagne glasses have markings on them that show exactly how much wine you should pour. A general rule of thumb is to fill to the widest point of a tulip-shaped glass or fill a flute glass three-quarters full. If you want to be precise, fill a measuring cup with 4oz of water and pour it into your glass. Take note of the level and aim to match that with every Champagne pour. I don’t recommend pouring the Champagne into a measuring cup and then into the glass, because it can negatively affect the bubbles. 

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