Top-Shelf Picks: Best Brands for Elegant Drinking Glasses

When it comes to enjoying your favorite beverage, the right drinking glass can make all the difference in taste and experience. From elegant stemware to versatile tumblers, there are countless options to suit any preference or occasion. Brands like Riedel, known for their meticulously crafted wine glasses, and Bodum, praised for their sleek, modern designs, offer some of the best selections in the market. For those who appreciate durability and style, Duralex comes highly recommended. Discover below which brands stand out for quality, design, and value in the realm of drinking glasses.

Illustration of drinking glasses

Best brands of drinking glasses in 2025

Riedel

RIEDEL, founded in 1756, is a renowned brand in the glassware industry, particularly celebrated for its varietal-specific stemware that enhances the taste and aroma of beverages. Since 1958, RIEDEL has been a pioneer in this field, making it the brand of choice for wine connoisseurs, sommeliers, and hospitality professionals worldwide. The company, now in its 10th and 11th generation of family ownership, distributes its products globally and is known for its revolutionary designs. RIEDEL's glassware is found in top-rated wineries, hotels, and restaurants, and the brand offers collections for every lifestyle and price range. With a strong presence in the global glass tableware market, RIEDEL continues to innovate and cater to the diverse needs of modern connoisseurs. For more information on their exquisite products, visit RIEDEL's official website.

Libbey

Libbey, a vanguard in glassmaking since 1818, is one of the leading producers of drinking glasses, renowned for its innovative and durable tabletop products. The company, originally from East Cambridge, Massachusetts, and now based in Toledo, Ohio, has been at the forefront of glassmaking technology, introducing milestones such as automatic lightbulb production and machine-blown glass. Libbey dominates the U.S. drinkware market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.32% from 2023 to 2030, with the glass segment holding a major market share. The company's commitment to sustainability and entrepreneurial spirit has made it a global leader, with a diverse portfolio that includes acquisitions like World Tableware and partnerships with luxury European brands. Libbey's products are favored for their quality and design, contributing to the growing demand for premium drinking experiences.

Schott Zwiesel

Schott Zwiesel is renowned as one of the best producers of drinking glasses, particularly known for its innovative and high-quality crystal glassware. The company has been a leader in the industry for over 100 years, introducing significant advancements such as the first fully automated production of glass-blown stemware and the development of lead-free Tritan Crystal in 2001. Tritan Crystal is 100% dishwasher safe, resistant to breakage, chipping, and scratching, and exhibits exceptional clarity and brilliance. Schott Zwiesel's products are crafted with patented laser technology, ensuring a smooth and elegant edge. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a preferred choice for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs.

Waterford

Waterford Crystal is renowned as one of the premier producers of luxury drinking glasses, boasting a significant market share in the US crystal market, with 27.5% in 1994. The brand introduced the Marquis by Waterford Crystal line, which achieved a 10% market share by 1995 and helped maintain Waterford's number one position in the US market. Known for its high-quality and aesthetically appealing products, Waterford's Millennium Toasting 12 Flutes, launched in 1995, became its best-selling product in the US, with sales approaching 250,000 pairs per annum. The brand's commitment to innovation and quality is evident in its use of advanced technology and strategic outsourcing to reduce costs while maintaining high margins. Waterford's products are crafted with expert precision, ensuring a luxurious drinking experience. Explore their exquisite glassware collection for a touch of elegance.

Spiegelau

Spiegelau is renowned as one of the top producers of premium drinking glasses, boasting over five centuries of expertise in glassware production. Known for their lead-free crystal glass, Spiegelau's products are highly durable, dishwasher safe for up to 10,000 cycles in professional settings, and feature a brilliant clarity due to the use of pure raw materials. The company has strong partnerships, including a long-standing collaboration with the Sommelier-Union Deutschland e.V. and the German Bartenders' Union, highlighting their commitment to quality and innovation. Spiegelau's glassware, such as the Perfect Serve Collection, has won prestigious awards like the German Design Award, reflecting their dedication to both functionality and elegance. With ISO 14001 certification since 2001, Spiegelau also emphasizes environmental management. For more information, visit the Spiegelau official website.

Lenox

Lenox is renowned as one of the best producers of drinking glasses, offering a diverse array of stylish and durable glassware. With over a hundred years of experience in crafting fine china and glassware, Lenox ensures its products are both elegant and resilient, such as the Tuscany Classics red wine glasses made from non-lead European crystal, which are break-resistant and dishwasher-safe. The brand's commitment to quality is reflected in its popularity, with Lenox being one of the key players in the global glass tableware market, which is projected to grow significantly by 2030. Lenox's products cater to various occasions and preferences, making them a favorite among consumers. The global glass tableware market, in which Lenox operates, was valued at US$ 11.76 Bn in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 21.07 Bn by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.60%.

Bormioli Rocco

Bormioli Rocco is a renowned brand in the glassware industry, known for its high-quality and aesthetically appealing drinking glasses. The company exports its products to over 100 countries and is a significant player in the European glassware market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.8% from 2021 to 2028. Bormioli Rocco's products, such as the Officina 1825 collection, are prized for their industrial-vintage style and durability, making them ideal for everyday use. The brand's presence in the market is further strengthened by its inclusion in reports highlighting key players in the glassware and drinkware sector. With its long history dating back to 1825, Bormioli Rocco embodies "Italian Quality Glass" and continues to be a leader in the industry.

Mikasa

Mikasa, founded in 1948 by George Aratani, is renowned globally as a leader in tabletop fashion, particularly in dinnerware, crystal stemware, barware, flatware, and decorative accessories. The brand has a rich history of supplying high-quality products to prominent retailers like Bloomingdales and Macy's. Mikasa diversified its product lines in the 1970s to include crystal stemware, stainless flatware, and other decorative items. Known for its commitment to quality and exciting design, Mikasa offers one of the largest selections of dinnerware worldwide. The brand continues to grow its retail division, maintaining its reputation for beautiful and well-made products. To learn more about their history and offerings, visit the Mikasa website.

Luigi Bormioli

Luigi Bormioli is a renowned brand in the glassware industry, celebrated for its high-quality drinking glasses and tableware. Founded in 1946 by Mr. Luigi Bormioli, the company has maintained a commitment to great design, traditional Italian craftsmanship, and cutting-edge glassmaking technology. Bormioli Luigi produces over 250 million pieces annually, employing over 1,000 employees across its facilities in Parma and Abbiategrasso near Milan. The company is also investing heavily in innovation, with a EUR200 million plan to enhance technology, infrastructure, and production capacity from 2019 to 2023, and a goal to achieve 50% decarbonization by 2030. Known for its eco-responsible solutions, Bormioli Luigi offers products like the Ecoline range, which features ultra-light glass containers with 58% less glass weight than traditional ones.

Zalto

Zalto is renowned as one of the best producers of drinking glasses, particularly among wine enthusiasts, due to its exclusive hand-blown and handcrafted process involving 50 skilled glassblowers who produce over 500,000 glasses annually. Each glass takes around 15 minutes of labor and involves eight people, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship. Introduced 20 years ago, Zalto's glasses, such as the Universal and Denk'Art series, have gained widespread acclaim for their thin, delicate, and precise design, which enhances the aromatics and flavors of wine. Zalto glasses are used in over 80 countries, including top Michelin-star restaurants and prestigious wine establishments. The brand's latest addition, the 'Balance' glass, continues its tradition of innovation and quality. For more information, visit the Zalto official website.