The best wine glasses

The Riedel Vivant White Wine Glasses are beautiful, high-quality glasses with a splendid low price tag.

Based in Austria, Riedel is a family-run company that was established in 1756. It is still one of the world's best-known producers of wine glasses. While Riedel offers wine glasses in a wide range of price points, the Riedel Vivant Collection is an ideal way to introduce yourself to the company's high-quality wares without breaking the bank.

Made of lead-free Tyrol crystal, these thin and attractive 12.5-oz glasses can be used for virtually any occasion. The company says they are dishwasher safe, but many enthusiasts note that they choose to wash them by hand because of their delicate composition. You get four glasses in a set, which is a very good deal, considering these glasses come from such a well-renowned company.

That said, we found several online customer reviews mentioning that the glasses are just too thin and subject to frequent breakage. However, most experts agree that the thinner and finer the wine glass, the better the flavor, so it's a trade-off.

Around the web, professional reviewers, including those at The Wirecutter, The Wine Spectator, and The Kitchn name the Riedel Vivant and other Riedel glasses as the best wine glasses you can buy. All of these reviewers say the Vivant line offers extraordinary value for quality glasses.

Pros: Affordable, good value, attractive, thin, clear, enhances wine flavor

Cons: Frequent breakage

The Riedel Veritas Cabernet/Merlot Glasses bring out the best flavors in red wine.

Riedel makes our guide once again with its Veritas Cabernet/Merlot Glasses. These elegant crystal glasses will feel good in your hand and bring out the bouquet in your red wine.

Composed of leaded-crystal, these 22-oz. glasses are machine blown and very delicate. Taller and lighter than the glasses in the Vinum collection, these dishwasher safe glasses arrive in an attractive gift box. You get two in a set: one for Cabernet and another for Merlot. They may be more expensive than the picks in our guide, but buyers and experts alike say they're well worth the cost.

While most reviewers love the feel of the Riedel glasses in their hands, as well as the way the glass makes the wine taste, we came across a handful of negative comments from buyers claiming that the glasses are just too thin and fragile, so they break easily. As we've said before, that's to be expected with fine wine glasses. Thinner glass makes for better flavor, so it's a trade off you have to make for a great wine glass.

Around the web, professional reviewers, including those at The Wirecutter and Wine Spectator approve of the glasses' light weight and beauty, as well as the flavor of the wine served in the glasses.

Pros: High-quality crystal, beautiful design, thin, clear

Cons: Sometimes too fragile, expensive

The Zeppoli Royal Stemless Wine Glasses are modern, affordable, and highly durable glasses that can be used for a variety of occasions.

For a casual summer party or a simple dinner at home, the Zeppoli Royal Stemless Wine Glasses are perfect. These glasses have broad appeal because they are versatile, wide-bowled, and can hold 15 oz. of either white or red wine.

The Royal stemless glasses are made of high-quality, durable, shatter-resistant glass. Note that it is shatter-resistant, not shatterproof. Several customer reviews noted that the glasses did, indeed, break. A modern, ergonomic design provides a good fit for most hands and the flat bottom lends an extra layer of stability. While not as elegant as more upscale, stemmed glassware, these glasses are perfect for everyday or outdoor use. The set of four arrives in an attractive, black gift box.

One particularly helpful buyer review mentioned that the glasses were perfect for pinot noir, merlot, and even heady, intense Malbecs, adding that the shape of the glasses really intensifies the fruit aromas.

Across the web, professional reviewers, including those at The Spruce and Wine Coolers point out the many benefits of these versatile glasses.

Pros: Modern look, durable, very affordable, easy to clean

Cons: Somewhat thick

The best wine openers and corkscrews

There's nothing like a glass of wine after a long day, but getting into the bottle can be a hassle without a good wine opener or corkscrew. That's why we've researched across the web to find the very best wine openers you can buy for any situation and on any budget. We've included electric wine openers, high-end handmade ones, your average corkscrew, and more. Here are our top picks:

• Best wine opener overall: Pulltap's Double-Hinged Waiters Corkscrew
• Best waiter's corkscrew: Laguiole En Aubrac Olivewood Waiters Corkscrew
• Best electric wine opener: Oster Cordless Electric Wine Bottle Opener with Foil Cutter
• Best wing corkscrew: Wing Corkscrew Wine Opener by HiCoup with Bonus Wine Stopper
• Best lever wine opener: Rabbit Vertical Corkscrew with Foil Cutter and Extra Spiral

The best wine subscriptions

No matter how many apps you have on your phone or how many books you've read, buying a bottle of wine is never an easy process. With so many varietals and vineyards to choose from, how are you supposed to know if you'd prefer a Cabernet Franc to a Cabernet Sauvignon? Luckily, these days, all you need is an internet connection and a credit card to get top-notch, expertly-selected wines delivered straight to your doorstep. These are the best wine subscriptions you can sign up for:

• Best wine subscription overall: Winc
• Best wine subscription for everyday needs: HelloFresh
• Best wine subscription for sampling: Vinebox
• Best wine subscription for pairing with foods: Blue Apron
• Best wine subscription for personalization: Bright Cellars
• Best wine subscription that evolves with your tastes: Firstleaf