Use one glass per wine varietal, or if you only have one or two wine glass size(s) arrange each place setting with separate red and white wine glasses, plus water.

Wine glasses that have a deeper bowl and are tapered in toward the top are best for tasting your finest wines. The tapering has a dual effect:

1. While swirling the wine in the glass, the tapering helps to contain the aromas that are set free by the swirling.
2. The tapered rim helps prevent wine from splashing out of the glass while swirling.

Typically, white wines should be served in a tulip shaped glass, red wines should be served in a glass that has a more rounded and larger bowl, and sparkling wines should be served in glasses that are tall and thin (like champagne glasses). If you do not have the recommended glass, a suitable all-purpose wine glass should hold 10 ounces, be transparent and have a slight curve at the top.

With the exception of sparkling wines, it’s best not to fill a wine glass more than half full. This will leave enough air space to release the aromas. Most importantly, find a balance of wine-friendliness, aesthetic appeal and price, and settle on a the glass that seems best for you.