Stemmed wine glasses have been the choice of wine lovers for eons. They typically remain the vessel of choice for most “serious” aficionados and for most wine judges in a competition setting. But ever more often, we are seeing stemless choices in tasting rooms, in casual restaurants, at festivals and at summer picnics.

While there is no raging debate, there is discussion about which type of stemware is “best.” But just like the definition of the “best wine,” the decision lies in the perception of the sipper. The choice is a personal one, based on their preferences and on the circumstances around which the wine is enjoyed.

In both cases, the most important component is the bowl. It is where the wine sits and how you deliver the wine to your palate. It should be filled no more than half and should be large enough to swirl the wine and release the aromatics. The rim should be “cut” meaning there should be no “bead” to interfere with the flow of wine on your palate. The glass should be thin and undecorated.

But beyond the bowl, here are some things to consider when deciding for yourself what kind of glass to use after you pull the cork (or unscrew the bottle, or perhaps pop a can.)

Stems are truly utilitarian. They allow you to moderate the temperature of the wine before you sip it. Chilled white wines remain cooler when you hold the stem. Reds that are too cold can be warmed as you cup the bowl with your hands. The stem also allows you to swirl the wine more easily.

Certainly, a stemmed glass is more elegant so when pouring a special wine for a very special occasion, the “look” of stemmed glasses enhances both the experience and the impression of exceptional quality.

On the downside, stemmed glasses are bulky. Many are not dishwasher safe. They are much more prone to breakage and are not very appropriate for a picnic in the park on a windy day.

Stemless glasses tend to be sturdier. They work well at parties and in tasting rooms where large crowds sit at picnic tables outdoors in the sunshine. They take up much less storage space. They tend to be more popular with casual consumers who are put-off with some of the pretension in our industry. However, white wines and the reds served appropriately will lose their optimum temperature more quickly.

Most wineglass manufacturers from the renowned Riedel family to the everyday Libby glasses found ubiquitously in many family style restaurants are producing versions of each style of glassware. Prices range from $1 or so at the local discount store, to $30 or more from the more classic manufacturers.

Our business and much of its jargon can be intimidating. We have way too many “rules” sometimes. So choosing THE “glass” to use when opening a bottle of your favorite wine should not stand in the way of simply appreciating the pleasure that a lovely vintage on a warm fall afternoon or a chilly winter day will offer — stemmed or not, red or white, dry or sweet.

The key is to simply enjoy.

For additional information, email Donniella at dwinchell@ohiowines.org