Wine tumblers are a relatively new item on the wine-drinking scene, a very different look than the long-stemmed wine glasses of old. Wine tumblers do, however, tend to share certain features with stemware of old that is meant to enhance the wine’s properties, such as the tumbler’s material enhancing and reflecting the color and clarity of the wine, or the bowl and rim’s shape to direct the wine’s flavor and aroma, respectively, in the most pleasing way possible. In fact, wine tumblers have a few advantages that traditional wine glasses lack, as they’re easy to pack or fit in a dishwasher due to the shorter, more compact size, and the lack of a stem makes them much less fragile, less likely to break, and less likely to be knocked over. Some people also like the more casual, less formal appearance of a wine tumbler as opposed to a long-stemmed wineglass. This makes wine tumblers an ideal choice for more laid-back get-togethers with friends, so you can save your wine glasses for holidays and dinner parties.

Choosing a Wine Tumbler

Here’s what to consider when shopping for wine tumblers:

• Shape: As with traditional stemware, the tumbler’s shape can enhance the flavor of the wine, depending on the type you’re drinking. As with classic long-stemmed glasses, a tumbler with a wider bowl is better for red wines, and narrower bowls are better for white wines. Consider which type of wine you drink more often and choose accordingly, or look for a set that contains both types.
• Insulation: Some wine tumblers are insulated to keep wines chilled or to maintain their pouring temperature for longer. These are also a great option because they tend to stop your hand’s heat from warming up the wine. Some wine tumblers are also designed to be safe to put in the freezer ahead of use, as another way to keep your wine nice and cold for longer, even on a hot summer’s day.
• Design: Because of their more casual nature, wine tumblers tend to offer more design options than their long-stemmed wineglass cousins. You can find traditional transparent wine tumblers that are painted or etched with designs and shapes like flowers, which further enhance the color and clarity of the wine inside. There are also opaque wine tumblers that offer further decoration; some are designed to look as if they’re made of wood or marble, some solid colors with names, logos, or words, and more.

Top Choice: CHILLOUT LIFE Stainless Steel Tumbler with Lid

This tumbler has all the features you could ask for in a stemless wine glass. Made of stainless steel, the double wall is vacuum insulated to keep your wine chilled for up to 9 hours, or if you like your wine warmed in the cold months, it’ll stay hot for 3 hours in the tumbler. The eco-friendly and food-grade stainless steel won’t crack, break, or shatter and is treated to prevent the color from chipping or fading. It is also anti-slip and won’t sweat condensation down the sides, even on the hottest days. Despite being made from steel, the tumbler is also lightweight and portable, perfect for mingling at parties. The lid is removable and BPA-free, with a slot to fit a straw if you ever use the tumbler for other drinks like a smoothie, water, or juice. Choose between 24 vibrant, modern colors, some of which are marbled, shimmery, or even glittery for a sleek, trendy look. You can also buy this tumbler in three sizes; 12 ounces, 20 ounces, or 30 ounces. Whether you’re throwing a party, celebrating a holiday, going camping or tailgating, or simply relaxing and unwinding at home, this tumbler will suit any occasion that calls for a glass or two of wine.

Best Set: Zonegrace Stainless Steel Stemless Wine Tumbler

Sometimes a single wine tumbler isn’t enough. Maybe you’re throwing a wine night with your friends, or you have a holiday, housewarming, or birthday party coming up. Maybe you simply find it more convenient to have multiple spare wine tumblers on hand. Maybe you and your significant other don’t want to have to do dishes every time you want a glass of wine. Maybe you’re looking for a matching set of wine tumblers as a present for your bridal party, or you want to surprise your best friends. Whatever your reasons for buying multiple wine tumblers, this set of four wine tumblers is an excellent choice. You have 13 color sets and combinations from which to choose, either all of the set in the same lovely solid color, a set where two tumblers are one color and two another, or where each of the four has its own unique color. Beautiful and elegant, these tumblers might have a delicate look, but they are also very durable. Each 12-ounce tumbler in the set is made of food-grade stainless steel for extra durability, rust prevention, and a decreased chance of breaking. The double-walled, vacuum-insulated design with its thermal copper lining will keep your wine cool (or warm, if you prefer) for an extended length of time, regardless of the season. They’re also easy to clean; all you have to do is dip a sponge into warm water to wipe clean. The ABS-free lid has an air hole to allow your wine to breathe and a straw hole to reduce the wine splashing out of the tumbler onto you, your clothes, or your carpeting. While ideal for wine, these tumblers can be used for other beverages as well.

Best for Chilling: HOST Insulated Freezer Chilling Tumbler

Nothing really hits the spot on a hot day like an ice-cold drink. On days like those, a chilled glass of wine might be your beverage of choice. However, actually chilling your wine might prove to be an issue. Ice cubes will water down your wine (which is especially undesirable if red wine is your drink), and neither the glass bottle nor your wineglasses are safe to stick in the freezer for speedier chilling. Fortunately, these dual Bordeaux-shaped, 8.5-ounce wine tumblers are here to solve your predicament. They’re made of sturdy BPA-free plastic and are thus safe to place in your freezer or fridge ahead of time so you can serve your wine at the perfect temperature. The insulted walls are filled with a proprietary cooling gel for additional cooling purposes, which will maintain the wine’s temperature for an extended time, even outside on a hot day. The tumblers are transparent to show off the wine inside, decorated only with a silicone band that gives you a solid grip on the glass without smudging, chilling your fingers, or causing your hand’s warmth to affect the wine’s temperature. You can choose between a gray, mint green, marbled white, or coral silicone band. While these tumblers are suitable for all types of wine, the recommended serving temperature does vary based on which type of wine you’re serving; you’ll want to stash these tumblers in the freezer for white or rosé wines and cool them down in the refrigerator for red wines.

Best Design Options: THILY Stainless Steel Insulated Wine Tumbler

While wine glasses, and by extension wine tumblers, are traditionally clear and translucent to set off and display the color of the wine inside. This is all well and good, but maybe you want to mix things up a bit. Maybe you want to match your tumblers to your decor or other kitchen accessories, or you don’t like the way see-through tumblers can be prone to fingerprint smudges. Maybe you want a solid colored, modern-looking tumbler, or even one with a lovely and unique pattern. If either of these options sounds up your alley, consider adding these wine tumblers to your collection. Available in packs of two, four, or eight tumblers, you have the choice between 15 different colors and patterns, from sleek rose gold to colored marbled patterns to gorgeous florals. In some sets, each tumbler matches; other sets come with tumblers in two different colors or patterns, allowing you to further diversify your collection. In addition to the tumblers, you’ll receive a removable lid and stainless steel straw for each glass, as well as a straw brush for easy cleaning. Each has a substantial 12-ounce capacity, large enough to satisfy most wine lovers. Made of food-grade stainless steel, they’re strong and resistant to shattering and rust and won’t leave behind a funny aftertaste, odd odors, or unhealthy bacteria. They’re also lightweight and portable, perfect for outdoor use. All components are BPA-free, eco-friendly, and won’t leak chemicals into your wine. The tumblers are vacuum-sealed and triple insulated to keep your wine cool for up to 9 hours. The exterior is dipped in copper for extra insulation and to prevent the glasses from sweating. The clear push-on lid will perfectly fit with the included stainless steel straws, prevent splashing and spilling, and keep your wine free of dust and other particles. The lids can be removed if desired.

Best for Gifting: CustomGifts Personalized Wine Tumbler

Coated in a variety of matte shades on its stainless steel frame, this double-walled vacuum insulated wine tumbler from CustomGifts Now is a professionally crafted choice that any wine lover would enjoy receiving from friends and family. Engraved carefully by the company’s in-house lasers to precisely remove the pain and reveal the stainless steel underneath, this 12-ounce tumbler is more than capable of holding a bit of wine. It’s designed to keep hot beverages hot and your icy drinks cold, whether you’re sipping coffee or chugging soda on gameday. Its easy customization is where the real fun begins, however. You can select from a variety of different fonts and colors for every occasion: birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, mother’s day and more. Additionally, this tumbler’s clear plastic lid features an opening large enough for straws to slid through.