Sommeliers Words of Wisdom

RIEDEL Sommeliers: The Origin of Varietal-Specific Glassware

Maximilian J. Riedel behind Sommeliers collection

The RIEDEL Sommeliers series isn’t just a wine glass—it’s the glass that changed everything. Created in 1973, it introduced the radical idea that glass shape affects taste. This innovation redefined wine culture and laid the foundation for the varietal-specific revolution. Today, RIEDEL Sommeliers remains a pinnacle of craftsmanship and elegance, celebrated by collectors, connoisseurs, and professionals worldwide. Step into the story of how one glass reshaped the world of wine.

A Vision That Changed the Wine World

A Collection Born from Expertise and Artistry

Every Sommeliers glass is a product of precision and passion. Master glassblowers craft every piece using centuries-old techniques and crystal glass. These are not just vessels; they are performance tools engineered for flavor.

The creation of each glass involves multiple steps and meticulous attention to detail. It starts with selecting the finest raw materials and crystal glass that is both brilliant and strong. The glass is then blown into a mold, shaped by hand, and finished with expert precision to achieve the perfect balance and weight. The result is a glass that feels as good to hold as it is to drink from.

What makes the Sommeliers series so exceptional is its symbiotic relationship with the wines it is made for. Each bowl is calibrated for a particular grape, allowing the wine to express its character to the fullest. From directing the flow of wine to the appropriate areas of the palate, to concentrating delicate aromas and softening tannins, every detail is intentional.

Explore RIEDEL Sommeliers classics.

A Lasting Impact on the Way We Drink

The Sommeliers series launched a global conversation around glass shape and sensory enhancement. Today, its influence is seen in Michelin-starred restaurants, elite wineries, and wine competitions worldwide. Sommeliers and winemakers alike now speak of the glass as an integral part of the tasting ritual.

Scientific studies have since validated Claus Riedel’s vision, confirming that glass shape significantly alters aroma delivery and flavor perception. The Sommeliers series was the first to turn that theory into an art form.

Wine is no longer just poured—it’s presented, performed, and appreciated with the right glass. RIEDEL Sommeliers made this possible.

The RIEDEL Black Series Collector’s Edition: For the Ultimate RIEDEL Collector

To honor four decades of wine glass innovation, RIEDEL launched the Sommeliers Black Series Collector’s Edition — the ultimate embodiment of luxury and legacy. Handcrafted with a stem featuring red crystal string overlaid with clear glass and a contrasting black base, these glasses showcase the distinctive silhouette of the Sommeliers design with exclusive flair.

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The Broadest Collection of its Kind

RIEDEL Sommeliers is the broadest handmade collection of varietal-specific glasses in the world. It includes not only iconic wine shapes, but also an exceptional selection of spirit and fortified wine glasses for:

Celebrate the Craft: Why Sommeliers Still Matters

Fifty years on, RIEDEL Sommeliers remains a benchmark in the industry. It upholds the belief that wine deserves to be honored with glassware that amplifies its character. The balance of science, tradition, and artistic elegance makes each glass a timeless work of functional art.

Collectors treasure the craftsmanship. Professionals trust the performance. Wine lovers return again and again for the transformative experience it delivers.

This is more than just glassware—it’s a philosophy, a heritage, and a tool for those who take wine seriously.

A Legacy That Continues to Inspire

The RIEDEL Sommeliers series is more than a milestone—it is a movement that continues to shape the future of wine appreciation. As trends evolve and palates diversify, the commitment to precision, performance, and beauty remains unwavering.

For anyone who believes that great wine deserves the perfect partner, RIEDEL Sommeliers is the original and enduring choice. And for those just beginning their journey, it is a masterclass in how glassware can elevate every sip into something unforgettable.

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