Sherry glasses are small, tulip-shaped stems built for fortified wines such as sherry, port and Madeira. The narrow rim holds the rich, nutty aroma, and the modest size suits a wine that is meant to be sipped slowly in small pours.
The six glasses below cover the classic Spanish copita shape, port-style glasses and a few sweet wine options that serve fortified wine well. We have not used these products ourselves. Please confirm capacity, set size and washing instructions on the current listing before buying, since sizes vary widely.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Shape | A tulip bowl with a narrow rim concentrates aroma |
| Size | Fortified wines are rich and strong, so small glasses are the norm and help pace the drinking |
| Stem | A stem keeps your hand from warming the wine in the bowl |
| Material | Crystal feels delicate and refined; stronger glass is better for daily use and for guests |
Specs at a Glance
| Glass | Material | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riedel Vinum Port | Crystal glass | Check the listing for capacity | Often sold in pairs |
| Dartington Copita | Crystal | Check the listing for capacity | Copita shape |
| Libbey Perfection | Glass | Check the listing for set size | Usually sold in sets |
| Nachtmann ViNova | Lead-free crystal, per the maker | Check the listing for capacity | Dishwasher friendly, per the maker |
| Spiegelau Authentis | Crystal glass | Check the listing for capacity | Dishwasher friendly, per the maker |
| Zalto Denk’Art Sweet | Mouth-blown crystal | Check the listing for capacity | Sold singly or in sets |
The 6 Best Sherry Glasses for Fortified Wine
1. Riedel Vinum Port Glasses
A small, tulip-shaped glass made for port, with a rim that guides the wine toward the front of the mouth. It also works well for sherry and other fortified wines.
Suits: port and sherry together. Strengths: a well-known fortified wine shape. Weaknesses: stems can be fragile. Skip it if you want a large glass.
View Riedel Vinum Port on Amazon
2. Dartington Crystal Sherry Copita Glass
A traditional copita-style sherry glass from a British crystal maker, with a long stem and a slim tulip. It looks at home in a cocktail cabinet or on a tray beside the decanter.
Suits: traditional sherry service. Strengths: a classic Spanish-style outline. Weaknesses: limited choice of set sizes. Skip it if you want a sturdy tumbler.
View Dartington Copita on Amazon
3. Libbey Perfection Sherry Glasses
A simple, slim sherry glass from a major American glassmaker, usually sold in multi-piece sets. It is a handy option for gatherings where several glasses are needed at once.
Suits: hosting groups. Strengths: easy to buy in a set. Weaknesses: a basic glass body. Skip it if you want fine crystal.
View Libbey Perfection on Amazon
4. Nachtmann ViNova Sherry Glasses
A modern German stem with a small bowl and a lead-free crystal body, from a maker known for polished tableware. It balances delicacy and durability, so it can be used often.
Suits: everyday fortified wine. Strengths: a polished modern look. Weaknesses: not a traditional shape. Skip it if you want a classic copita.
View Nachtmann ViNova on Amazon
5. Spiegelau Authentis Sweet Wine Glasses
A small, clean glass originally made for sweet wines that also suits sherry and port. Its simple lines work in a casual or formal setting, and it pairs well with dessert.
Suits: sweet and fortified wines. Strengths: a flexible small bowl. Weaknesses: not made for sherry alone. Skip it if you want an authentic copita.
View Spiegelau Authentis on Amazon
6. Zalto Denk’Art Sweet Wine Glass
A mouth-blown, featherlight small glass from an Austrian maker, designed for dessert wines and well suited to rich fortified styles. It is a luxury-style choice that suits special occasions.
Suits: collectors. Strengths: an exceptionally light feel. Weaknesses: fragile and hand wash only. Skip it if you want rugged glasses.
View Zalto Denk’Art Sweet on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Hand wash small stems gently, holding the bowl, and avoid twisting the stem against the base.
- Dry with a lint-free cloth so the rim stays clear.
- Store upright in a cabinet where nothing can knock them, with a little space between each glass.
- Rinse well so no soap smell affects the wine.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Pouring fortified wine into a large red glass.
- Overfilling and losing the aroma that the narrow rim is designed to hold.
- Serving sherry too warm.
- Using hot water on thin crystal.
Sherry Glass FAQ
What is a copita?
A copita is the traditional Spanish sherry glass, a small tulip on a stem. Its narrow rim concentrates the aroma of the wine, and its short stature makes it easy to hold and refill.
Can I use a port glass for sherry?
Yes. The shapes are close, and both are small tulip stems made for rich, aromatic wines. A port glass is often slightly larger, which suits sweeter, heavier styles, while a copita suits drier sherry.
How much should I pour?
A small pour, usually about a third to half of the glass, leaves room for the aroma to gather and keeps the wine at the right temperature. Sherry is meant to be sipped slowly, so a refill is easy if you want more.
Should sherry be chilled?
Lighter styles such as fino are served chilled, while richer styles such as oloroso and cream are served just cooler than room temperature. Port is usually served at a mild cellar temperature.
The Short Version
For port and sherry, the Riedel Vinum Port. For a classic copita, the Dartington Copita. For hosting a group, the Libbey Perfection. For a modern take, the Nachtmann ViNova. For sweet and fortified wines, the Spiegelau Authentis. For a featherlight collector pick, the Zalto Denk’Art Sweet.