The Surprising History Of Wine Glasses!
From Ancient Goblets to Glass
The earliest “wine glasses” weren’t glass at all. In ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome, wine was often enjoyed from ceramic cups, bronze vessels, or even silver goblets. Glassmaking was rare and expensive, reserved for the elite. It wasn’t until the 1st century AD that the Romans began experimenting with blown glass, an innovation that would eventually shape the modern drinking glass.
By the Middle Ages, glassmaking techniques spread through Europe, but the average person still drank from wood or pewter cups. True glass wine vessels became more common during the Renaissance, especially in Venice, where artisans of Murano glass refined the delicate, elegant forms we still see today.
The Rise of the Stem
The familiar stemmed wine glass first appeared around the 15th century, and it served a practical purpose: to prevent body heat from warming the wine. This small detail helped preserve the aroma, temperature, and taste... especially important for fine wines that were beginning to be produced and savored across Europe.
By the 17th and 18th centuries, glassmakers in England began adding lead oxide to glass, creating a clearer, more sparkling material that made wine appear richer in color and more luxurious to drink.
Why Shapes Matter
Today, we take for granted that a wine glass’s shape can dramatically influence the experience. The wide bowl of a red wine glass allows oxygen to interact with the wine, enhancing its flavor and aroma. White wine glasses, by contrast, tend to be narrower, preserving cooler temperatures and subtle notes.
And of course, flutes and coupes were designed for sparkling wines...
** the flute to keep bubbles alive longer,
** and the coupe (rumored to be modeled after Marie Antoinette’s bust) for a more vintage aesthetic that has recently come back in style.
Artistry in Every Sip
From the ornate goblets of ancient Rome to the sleek, minimalist designs of today, the wine glass has always been more than a vessel... it’s a symbol of culture, craftsmanship, and celebration. Whether you’re sipping a rich red, a crisp white, or a sparkling rosé, you’re holding centuries of tradition in your hand.
Here, in Federal Way, surrounded by Pacific Northwest wine country and cozy paint and sip studios near Seattle, it’s easy to appreciate that blend of art and wine that has inspired people for thousands of years.