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Summer is coming and with it an itinerary that probably includes poolside BBQs and park picnics. As the Strategist’s wine writer, I understand the importance of investing in glassware, but since breaking out the good glasses for outdoor events is ill advised, having dedicated plastic wineglasses is a smart investment. In our best stemless wineglass roundup, Steven Grubbs, wine director at Atlanta restaurant Five & Ten, told us that when it comes to “casual, rugged, and outdoor portable drinking,” you can’t beat plastic. “I believe if you’re in a scenario where stems are too precious or dainty,” he explains, “then actual glass is probably a liability there too.” Lucy Devlin, vice-president of wines at Naked Wines, adds, “Plastic wineglasses do not have any negative impact on the taste of the wine, so people should drink out of whatever they like best.” With that in mind, I asked Grubbs and nine other wine experts about the best plastic wineglasses for outdoor-drinking season and included some of my go-to cups as well.
What we’re looking for
Material
“The key to a quality plastic wineglass is durability,” says Arden Montgomery Gilfillan, sommelier and co-founder of Argaux. The gold standard for plastic wineglasses is Tritan, which is more durable than other materials and tends to look the most like actual glass. Other plastics, like acrylic, also work just fine but aren’t as durable.
Dishwasher-safe versus handwash only
Due to the nature of different plastics, Gilfillan recommends checking the resin identification number on the bottom of the glass, since some plastics can’t withstand hot or warm water, while others can. The general rule of thumb: Tritan can safely go in the dishwasher, while acrylic and other plastics cannot.
Best plastic wineglass overall
Material: Acrylic | Dishwasher-safe versus handwash only: Handwash only
For those who want the feel of a real glass with the convenience of a plastic cup, these are an excellent choice. They are also the most refined of the options on this list, with an embossed pattern that makes them look like a much fancier glass. Plus, a goblet-style wineglass has the most versatility whether you’re drinking white, red, or bubbles.
Best stemless plastic wineglasses
Material: Tritan | Dishwasher-safe versus handwash only: Dishwasher-safe
While stemmed wineglasses are more proper, outdoor drinking is unfussy to begin with. For a more laid-back, stemless option, I love the Vivocci glasses. They’re durable, easy to store, and great for everything from Aperol spritzes to rosé. “These glasses are pretty and a no-brainer: They can’t break, and they look nice on the table,” says Ariel Arce, owner and restaurateur of Air’s Champagne Parlor and Tokyo Record Bar. They’re also dishwasher-safe, BPA-free, and shatter-resistant.
Best plastic wineglass with finger notch
Material: Tritan | Dishwasher-safe versus handwash only: Dishwasher-safe
When it comes to reusability and durability, Govino’s wineglasses can’t be beat. The thing that really sets them apart is the conveniently placed finger notch on the side, which offers a comfortable grip (especially great for bumpy boat rides or rowdy pool parties). “It’s a super-versatile size, great for sparkling, white, or red wine, and it also nicely fits cocktails on ice, like an Aperol spritz,” says Thomas Pastuszak, wine director at the NoMad and founder of Empire Estate, a winery in the Finger Lakes region. Govino also now makes dishwasher-safe glasses, which is a huge plus.
Best stackable plastic wineglasses
Material: Recycled polymers | Dishwasher-safe versus handwash only: Handwash-only
If you’re short on space, Tossware glasses pop together for easy stacking. I was recently at a house party where these were being used and was impressed with how solid and nice they felt in my hand. And when the party really got going and drinks started getting spilled, it made cleanup much easier without having to deal with any shattered glass. “The 12-ounce stemless glasses are my go-to when hosting large groups because it’s a classic shape and fully recyclable,” says Juliet co-founder Lauren De Niro Pipher.
Best colorful plastic wineglasses
Material: Tritan | Dishwasher-safe versus handwash only: Dishwasher-safe
If you want to get in on the colored-glass trend à la Estelle Colored Glass, Tritan’s DuraClear glasses come in plenty of shades. Ross Dawkins and Woody Hambrecht, co-founders of boxed-wine brand Ami Ami, call them “casual but classed up.” And they also come in traditional clear plastic, as well.
Best disposable plastic wineglasses
Material: PLA | Dishwasher-safe versus handwash only: N/A
If you’re looking for single-use wineglasses for a big party, try Repurpose stemless wine cups. I’ve used these at backyard parties in the past, and they’re great for outdoor entertaining as the weather warms up. And while they are disposable, unlike the other cups on this list, they are also compostable, so you don’t have to feel as bad tossing them away at the end of the night. “They are comfortable in your hand, hold the right amount of wine, and have a bowl-like bottom that mimics a traditional wineglass so you can swirl away,” says Wine Access advanced sommelier Laura Koffer.
Some more wineglasses we’ve written about
Our experts
•Ariel Arce, owner and restaurateur of Air’s Champagne Parlor and Tokyo Record Bar
•Joel Burt, co-owner and winemaker at Las Jaras Wines and WAVES
•Ross Dawkins, co-founder of boxed-wine brand Ami Ami
•Lucy Devlin, vice-president of wines at Naked Wines
•Woody Hambrecht, co-founder of boxed-wine brand Ami Ami
•Laura Koffer, advanced sommelier at Wine Access
•Arden Montgomery Gilfillan, sommelier and co-founder of Argaux
•Steven Grubbs, wine director at Five & Ten
•Thomas Pastuszak, wine director at the NoMad and founder of Empire Estate
•Miles Pepper, co-founder of Sampl
•Lauren De Niro Pipher, Juliet co-founder
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