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Italian Wine Glasses?

Does anyone know where to find the small wine glasses that is used to serve table wine? It's not your common wine glass with a stem, but just a small glass. I'm having trouble finding the right kind.

    13 Replies so Far

    1. If you go to the Sur La Table web site, you will find a version of the small tumblers you are seeking. They feature a line in the middle of the glass with the word "Optimista" above the line and "Pessimista" below the line.

        1. Ikea! I don't remember the exact price, but they were ridiculously low-cost, allowing me to get 30 of them so I never have to do plastic. I think they were something like 6 for $5. They are exactly what you are looking for. They are sturdy and attractive and "Old World."

            1. re: emi50

              Though "traditional," it would be interesting to see how the same wines fared in these, vs a Riedel Vinum. Just curious.

              Hunt

              • Thanks all!

                Sur La Table - a little too modern for my taste

                Ikea - haven't found the glass yet, but I'll check it out the next time I go

                I found a glass I like on Amazon (link below) but they sell it by the case, so 36 glasses. Anyone want to go in on some glasses? :)

                http://www.amazon.com/Gibraltar-Rocks...

                  1. re: variaas

                    Those are very small "on the rocks" glasses that most bars use for a standard shot on the rocks or a "double" or "mixed" shot such as a kamikazie. Those are not in any way shape or form a wine glass.

                      1. re: variaas

                        I had the Gibraltar glasses in various sizes and the lip is very thick. Actually the whole glass is weighty and clunky-feeling, IMO. I gave the whole set to a younger relative moving into her first house. I have the Picardie series as well and like the feel of it much better.

                        Here are a few other options you might want to check out:
                        http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=130&f=24412

                        I brought a smaller version of this shape of wine tumbler back from France a couple of years ago and use them often. Some have no writing on them, some say "Vin". Perhaps someone else has seen them sold in the US? Here's one link (I know nothing about this company, was just looking for an example of the glass):
                        http://www.kissthatfrog.com/kissthatf...

                        • Personally I would go with either of these. I think that the second ones are more old world traditional.

                          http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/30095412

                          http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/pro...

                            1. re: rindinella_k

                              We picked up six of the REKO glasses about four months ago - we're down to four. While they're a handy size, they do break easily, as we've found to be the case with IKEA glassware in general. But hey, they're cheap, so just by more...

                              • Oh, please. These glasses are cheap. Just go to a restaurant supply store and buy some 8 oz. juice glasses. About 75 cents apiece. That's what the Italian restos use.

                                  1. try these Siena glasses from Williams Sonoma (the 2.5 oz size)
                                    http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/g194/index.cfm?pkey=ceveryday%2Dglassware
                                    or
                                    these from Salut Wine in Vancouver, Wa
                                    http://www.salutwineoutlet.com/servle...
                                    hope this helps

                                      1. go to fishes eddy...

                                          1. There are some in the Sundance catalog. A set of 6. Handblown from recycled wine bttles. I bought them and love them, as do my friends.

                                              1. I think you're talking about "PIcardie" glasses,developed in the 1930s. Picardie glasses were the first use of tempered glass, and they're very sturdy. I found some on Amazon. The listing is: "Duralex Picardie 3-3/4-Ounce Clear Tumbler, Set of 6" for $15.37. w/free shipping on orders over $25. You can just to go straight to Amazon to get them, or, if you search for and purchase items using the affiliate box at my site, http://www.ninafeldman.com/resources, you'll contribute to a little fund that I set aside to give to the homeless—at no extra cost to you. (It takes you to your regular account on Amazon but your purchase counts towards my affiliation).

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