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The world of wine glass design is undergoing a radical transformation, with designers embracing innovation to enhance functionality, personalize the drinking experience, and challenge conventional aesthetics. This article uncorks three extraordinary projects that redefine the vessel we use to savor our favorite vintages. From modular marvels to clever two-in-one designs, these groundbreaking creations offer a taste of the future of wine enjoyment.

San Francisco-based Superduperstudio, comprised of glassblower Christopher Yamane and designer Matthew Johnson, has reimagined the wine glass with the aptly named Saturn Wine Glasses. Eschewing the traditional stem and base, these glasses feature a unique indented design around the bottom of the bowl, allowing them to rest upright on a flat surface. This innovative design not only creates a sleek, modern aesthetic but also serves a practical purpose: when knocked over, the glasses tip to rest on their wide, curved edge, preventing the dreaded red wine spill from staining your tablecloth.

The Saturn Wine Glasses are a testament to the studio’s dedication to craftsmanship and playful innovation. Utilizing traditional Italian glassblowing techniques, the glasses are hand-shaped and blown in molds in Oakland, California. To perfect the design, Superduperstudio developed a technique for creating wooden molds, allowing them to rapidly prototype and test various iterations. The resulting form is both functional and visually striking, offering a unique conversation piece for any dinner table.

While the absence of a stem means that the temperature of your hand can slightly affect the wine, Superduperstudio acknowledges this as a minor trade-off for the spill-proof design. The glasses come in two sizes, tailored for red and white wine, holding approximately 150-175 milliliters and 120-150 milliliters respectively. This ensures that you can enjoy your favorite varietals without the worry of accidental spills, making the Saturn Wine Glasses a stylish and practical addition to any wine lover’s collection.

The process of creating these glasses includes annealing overnight and fire-polishing. Annealing involves slowly cooling the glass to strengthen it. Fire-polishing is when the glasses go back into the kiln just long enough to soften and finish the edges.

Italy-based Trebonn, a family venture led by designer Hector Serrano, takes a different approach to redefining the wine glass, focusing on versatility and convenience with their innovative Splitglass design.. Created by a father and his two sons, this design features a removable and magnetic stem that connects to the cup, making it easier to store, wash, and customize your glasses. The modularity of Splitglass allows for multiple cup options—wide, normal, and flute—for different types of wine, while the opaque stems come in various colors to fit your mood or decor.

Traditional wine glasses are designed for both function and elegance, with the stem allowing you to hold the glass without affecting the wine’s temperature. However, the stem’s instability and difficulty in storage are long-standing drawbacks. The Splitglass retains all the traditional benefits of a wine glass but introduces modularity to make it easier to store, clean, and personalize. The two components—the cup and stem—can be separated, allowing for greater convenience and creative customization.

The Splitglass comes in three different cup shapes made from lead-free crystal glass: a larger one for red wine, a smaller one for white wine, and a tall, slim one for sparkling wine. This modular set lets you enjoy the versatility of three different glasses while only needing one stem, which can be swapped in and out as needed. The flat base of each cup also ensures stability, allowing the glasses to be used independently or with the stem, making them practical and visually appealing.

Adding an extra layer of fun, the colorful opaque stems come in four different shades, allowing you to customize your glassware to match your table setting, party theme, or even to color-code glasses for guests. The Splitglass offers a playful yet practical approach to drinkware, and its detachable stem makes storage and cleaning a breeze, cutting down on space and effort. With its thoughtful design, the Splitglass redefines how we think about wine glasses, merging functionality with customization for a refreshing experience.

Continuing the theme of versatility, but with a focus on simplifying the wine glass collection, Chisinau-based designer Stefan Burlacu has conceived the Doublet. Wine connoisseurs understand the importance of selecting the right glass for each varietal, believing that the shape of the vessel can significantly impact the aroma, flavor, and overall drinking experience. Burlacu has taken this concept to its logical extreme with the Doublet, a truly unique wine glass that ingeniously combines two distinct glass shapes into a single, seamless, stemless design. This innovative creation not only caters to the discerning palate but also offers a space-saving solution for the modern home.

The Doublet elegantly incorporates the profiles of two of the most common wine glass types, allowing for versatility in serving different wines without the need for multiple glasses. The design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, showcasing a smooth transition between the two distinct shapes within a single, harmonious form. This artistic approach challenges the conventional notion of wine glass design, offering a conversation piece that is as visually striking as it is practical.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply appreciate clever design, the Doublet offers a unique alternative to traditional glassware. By eliminating the need for multiple glasses, it declutters cabinets while providing a stylish and functional way to enjoy your favorite wines. Stefan Burlacu’s Doublet is a testament to the power of innovative design to elevate everyday experiences and simplify modern living.