Proper storage of wine glasses is an important consideration for any wine enthusiast. The way you store your wine glasses can help preserve them, prevent breakage, and keep them sparkling clean. Here are some key factors to think about when determining the best storage solutions for your stemware collection.
Should Wine Glasses Be Stored Upside Down?
This is one of the most debated topics in wine glass storage. Some people insist that wine glasses should be stored upside down on their stems to keep dust and debris from collecting inside the bowl of the glass. However, others argue that upside down storage can weaken the stem over time or cause the bowl to collect moisture.
There are pros and cons to consider for upside down storage:
- Pros: Prevents dust and insects from getting inside the bowl. May minimize odor transfer between glasses. Allows glasses to drain and dry effectively if washed by hand.
- Cons: Puts all the weight and pressure on the fragile stem, increasing the risk of breakage over time. Can lead to moisture buildup in the enclosed bowl.
If you do choose to store stemware upside down, be sure not to tightly pack glasses together and cushion stem ends to prevent fractures or chipping. Rotate glasses occasionally to redistribute weight and drying. Take care when grabbing inverted glasses to avoid snapping off stems.
Should They Be Stored on Their Sides?
Storing wine glasses on their sides is generally not recommended. Laying glasses sideways means the fragile rim and bowl are in direct contact with the storage surface, raising the risk of chips, cracks, and breakage. The liquid contents of the glass could also spill out easily in this position.
Proper storage solutions should keep the bowl and rim elevated and secure while supporting the base of the stem. Some options like glass racks accomplish this very well. While horizontal storage on open shelves or in cabinets is not ideal, using soft liners or inserts can help prevent damage if you must store glasses this way.
What Are Good Storage Locations?
Cool, dark places with steady, moderate temperature and humidity are best for storing wine glasses. Avoid locations with major temperature fluctuations or direct light exposure for prolonged periods. Here are some suitable storage spots to consider:
- Wine cellar or basement
- Pantry
- Cupboard
- Corner cabinet
- China cabinet with doors
Make sure any wooden storage furniture is properly sealed and finished to prevent odor absorption in the glasses. If glasses will be displayed on open shelving, consider light-blocking curtains or sliding doors to protect them when not in use.
What Are the Best Storage Materials?
Certain materials are better suited than others for wine glass storage when it comes to cushioning fragile stems and preventing damage:
Preferred Materials
- Silicone: flexible pads cushion delicate glass stems.
- Felt: protects against scratches and cushions shocks/bumps.
- Rubber: non-slip pads keep stems in place.
- Wood: sturdy racks with molded slots.
- Metal: chromed racks conduct less heat than wood.
- Glass: glass-fronted cabinets provide UV protection.
Avoid These Materials
- Plastics: can transfer odors to glassware.
- Stone: lacks cushioning against breakage.
- Marble: can etch the glass rim over time.
Specialty Storage Solutions
There are many great specialty products designed just for wine glass storage. Here are some popular options:
Wine Glass Racks
Freestanding racks come in wood, plastic, or metal and often have slits, pegs, or molded holder slots for the stems. They can accommodate anywhere from 4-50 glasses. Racks allow for good air circulation and make glasses easily accessible.
Hanging Glass Racks
Hanging under-cabinet racks securely store stems upside down and free up counter space. The suspended design also reduces dust buildup.
Glass Doors
Glass-fronted cabinets or china hutches provide UV protection. Mirrored backs look beautiful and make glasses sparkle. Some feature interior LED lighting.
Wine Glass Chandelier
An eye-catching light fixture that creatively shows off your prized glasses. Not ideal for long-term storage due to light exposure.
Silicone Stem Protectors
Colorful or clear sleeves that slip over glass stems to prevent chipping and breaking. Great for traveling or packing glasses.
Felt Padded Trays
Protective trays lined with molded slots and soft felt to securely hold multiple stems for storage. Often stackable.
Display Shelving Unit
Tiered display racks showcase your stemware beautifully while also storing it safely. May incorporate interior lighting.
How Should Glasses Be Positioned?
Ideally, the bowl and rim should be elevated above the base with the fragile stem supported between. Racks, slots, and pegs allow for this by cradling stems to distribute weight. Some guidelines for positioning:
- Don’t let bowls or rims make direct contact with storage surfaces.
- Angle glasses slightly upside down to facilitate draining after washing.
- Place larger goblets and stems towards the back for stability.
- Group glasses close together but don’t allow them to touch.
- Consider lining racks/trays with non-slip matting.
How to Prevent Breakage
Stemware is delicate by nature, but there are ways to minimize damage and breakage through proper storage:
- Use padded racks and trays that cradle stems.
- Avoid overcrowding glasses close together.
- Keep storage area free of dampness and humidity.
- Don’t place glasses near the edge of shelves.
- Secure cabinets with child locks if needed.
- Use removable silicone stem guards.
- Transport glasses carefully in foam carriers.
- Hand wash gently in non-abrasive liquid and soft brush.
How to Store Different Types of Stemware
Certain types of wine glasses can benefit from tailored storage approaches:
Champagne Flutes
– Store upside down to maintain carbonation.
– Line narrow slots in rack with silicone or felt.
– Display flutes on angled rack shelves.
Red Wine Glasses
– Store upside down at a slight angle to allow airflow in bowl.
– Group by bowl size on stepped racks.
– Use wide slot rack to accommodate bowl size.
White Wine Glasses
– Store horizontally on padded racks or trays.
– Protect rims with removable silicone rings.
– Hang glasses grouped by size.
Dessert Wine Glasses
– Store upside down due to wide, fragile rims.
– Line racks with silicone to cushion rims.
– Place glasses on high shelves to minimize handling.
How Many Glasses Should Be Stored Together?
The number of wine glasses that can be safely stored together depends on:
- The size of the glasses
- The storage method used
- The amount of space available
Some general guidelines on grouping stemware together:
- On racks/trays: 4-6 glasses spaced 1 inch apart
- In cabinet: 8-12 glasses max per shelf
- Hanging under cabinet: 6-8 glasses per rack
- On open shelves: 10 glasses lined upright
- In china cabinet: 20-30 glasses max
Avoid cramming glasses tightly together as this increases clinking and breakage. Leave a finger’s width between glasses for best results.
What Role Does Temperature Play?
Temperature matters when it comes to wine glass storage. Here are some key considerations:
- Avoid temperatures below freezing – can cause glasses to crack.
- Prevent exposure to rapid temperature changes.
- Ideal storage temperature is 60°F-80°F.
- Store glasses away from heat sources like ovens or dishwashers.
- Cold cellars help prevent mold growth in humid climates.
- A wine refrigerator provides optimized temperature control.
Extreme hot or cold conditions can lead to thermal shock, potentially causing delicate stems to fracture. Maintaining a stable, moderate storage temperature is best.
What Humidity Level Is Recommended?
For long term storage, keep humidity levels between 50-70% to prevent fungal growth and glass corrosion. Here are some tips for regulating humidity:
- Use a dehumidifier or humidifier as needed.
- Store glasses in an airtight cabinet or wine fridge.
- Place drying crystals or desiccant packs in the storage area.
- Avoid damp basements or attics with poor ventilation.
- Rotate glasses to redistribute moisture levels.
Ideally, the storage area should not be too arid or humid. Striking the right balance helps maintain glass clarity and prevent deterioration over time.
How Often Should Glasses Be Cleaned?
Regular cleaning is important for both visual appeal and hygienic purposes. Here are some general guidelines on cleaning frequency:
- Handwash glasses after each use – helps prevent staining.
- Every 1-2 weeks for glasses used frequently.
- Monthly for glasses used infrequently or just for display.
- Rinse used glasses in hot water before storage or handwashing.
- Inspect glasses visually while cleaning to check for damage.
Wash wine glasses promptly after service to maintain their sparkling clarity and prevent sticking-on of residues. Frequent cleaning also reduces odor transfer between glasses.
What Is the Best Way to Handwash Wine Glasses?
Follow these steps for safe, gentle handwashing of fine stemware:
- Use warm water and a small amount of mild detergent.
- Swirl water gently to coat all inner surfaces.
- Carefully clean the base, bowl, and rim with a soft brush.
- Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is gone.
- Shine glasses with a microfiber cloth or lint-free towel.
- Place upright on a drying rack with stems secured.
Take extra care when handling the fragile bowl and rim. Avoid abrasive scrubbing or clanging glasses together during washing. Let glasses air dry completely prior to storage.
Can Wine Glasses Be Washed in a Dishwasher?
It’s best to avoid washing fine wine glasses in the dishwasher. The hot water, strong detergents, and forceful spray action can lead to etching and gradual degradation over repeat cycles. However, there are some exceptions:
- Older everyday glasses with minor defects or crazing.
- Newer glasses explicitly labeled “dishwasher safe.”
- Sturdy stemware made from annealed glass.
When machine washing is necessary, use the delicate cycle and reduced detergent. Allow glasses to fully cool before unloading to prevent thermal shock. Handwash any glasses with embellishments like cut designs or gold rims.
How Should You Carry Multiple Wine Glasses?
When transporting multiple glasses, utilize methods that protect fragile stems and distribute weight evenly:
- Stemware trays with molded compartments
- Insulated carrying totes with dividers
- Six-pack wine glass carriers
- Bar caddies with glass rim cutouts
- Sections of wine bottle shipping boxes
Avoid clutching multiple thin stems in one hand or piling glasses. Wearing cloth gloves can improve traction when carrying glassware. Take your time and use two hands if needed for control.
How Should Glasses Be Transported for Travel?
To safely pack glasses for trips or moves, utilize:
- Original manufacturer’s packaging
- Padded stems sleeves
- Bubble wrap lined boxes
- Insulated glass carriers
- Inflatable wine glass protectors
- Protective plastic cylinder sets
Wrap each glass individually and use packing material to immobilize stems from excessive movement. Glass padding materials like newsprint should be avoided. Pack glasses near the center of boxes and clearly label as fragile.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key tips to remember when storing wine glasses:
- Use specialized racks that properly secure fragile stems.
- Avoid direct light exposure and temperature/humidity extremes.
- Store glasses clean to prevent residue buildup and odor transfer.
- Wash gently by hand with mild soap and soft brush.
- Transport glasses securely in padded carriers and dividers.
- Select storage materials that cushion against shock and vibration.
- Don’t overload racks or shelves beyond suggested capacity.
Proper storage helps preserve your investment in fine glassware. Follow these best practices, and your collection of wine glasses will last for years of enjoyable entertaining to come.
