glassware

Riedel stemware are beautiful "tools" (in the words of CEO Maximilian Riedel) to help you get the most out of your wine varietal or spirit of choice. But they also come with a seven step "Cleaning Guide," which is about four to five more steps than I want to perform when doing dishes. The solution came from high-end German appliance maker, Miele, who overcame Riedel's skepticism to become the first automatic dishwasher approved by the 250-year-old Austrian glassmakers for cleaning their products.

Riedel, along with Miele USA CEO Nick Ord, convened at Miele's Manhattan gallery to announce the partnership, which they said went beyond brand synergy and represented an old-fashioned European alliance, sealed with a handshake. Ord said the goal of achieving Riedel's imprimatur was a personal, as well as, professional challenge for him, as he owns Riedel glassware and naturally uses a Miele machine at home. Extensive and rigorous testing ensued with an emphasis on Miele's patented water hardness-adjusting GlassCare function and the basket design of the G 5000 series (Riedel is especially sensitive about his glasses being placed too close together).

Satisfied that their Museum of Modern Art-worthy wine glasses were in good hands, Riedel gave its blessing. When used properly, Miele owners can expect their Riedel glasses to last 1,500 washing cycles, or about 20 years on average, according to Ord. That sure beats 20 years of the seven step method.

We're back with another installment in our sporadic series, Unexpected Treasures, which looks at reader belongings. Today's treasure: the case of the crowned goblet.

Penny E. tells us that the Czech crystal goblet (which measures approximately 3 1/2 inches in diameter and is 9 inches tall) was purchased by her father wen he was in the Army. He bought the goblet from an antiques dealer in Frankfurt, Germany in the late 1950s. Penny's father was told that the goblet was supposed to be one of 12 that were a gift from Czar Nicholas of Russia to Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany on one of Wilhelm's birthday's.

We asked Heritage Auctions for a little help on this one. They received photographs of the items and Penny's email. This is not an official appraisal but is for entertainment purposes only. A comprehensive appraisal often can't be made with a few pictures alone, the item usually has to be examined in person. Eric Smylie who works in the Historical Department at Heritage Auctions told Luxist that the monogram and coronet on the goblet "indicate the glasses belonged to someone with the initials "WM" who was a European count or countess." Wilhelm II would have had his cipher "WII" or "WRII" under either the Crown of Charlemagne (as Kaiser of the German Empire) or the Prussian Crown (as King of Prussia and would never use a coronet. Smylie stated that the value of the goblet should be determined without reference to a royal or imperial association, because it does not exist. His estimate is approximately $150-$250 if the item is in good condition and without chips or cracks.

Tim Rigdon, Director of Silver and Vertu, Decorative Arts & Design, Heritage Auctions, corroborated this evaluation, saying that the engraved insignia is incorrect for the Kaiser and the crown "is for someone holding the rank of count." Nicholas Dawes, Consignment Director, Heritage Auctions, believes that the glass is fairly recent in make, "based on the 8th North European 'air twist' or 'mercury twist' type and form." The glass was likely "made in Bohemia probably early 20th century which would be consistent with the story" but he also agrees that the glass was probably engraved for an East European count or noble of some sort.

For information on submitting your own finds for a future Unexpected Treasures column, please see details here.

Spiegelau's new Beer Connoisseur Kit is an instant classic. Whether it's for Father's Day or for you, you're not likely to find a simpler and more elegant set of crystalline beer glasses -- and for just $49.

Lager is one of the most common beers, and that's why most people serve all beers in lager-friendly pint glasses. However, the shape of the glass greatly affects the experience of a beer's aroma and flavor, and not all beers are made alike. If you consider the way the taste buds are arranged on the tongue, it makes sense that the way a beer flows into the mouth will affect the taste. The shape of the glass determines that flow, and there is no one-glass-fits-all for beer.

The Kit features, from left to right, Spiegelau's new Tall Pilsner Glass, Wheat Beer Glass, a Lager Glass (pint glass) and a Stemmed Pilsner Glass, ensuring that you always serve your beer in a shape conducive to expressing the beer's optimum flavor.

All the glasses are German-made and dishwasher-safe. If presenting someone with the Beer Connoisseur Kit as a gift, we recommend also gifting them with four imported beers ideal for the glasses, like a Bohemian-style pilsner for the Tall Pilsner Glass, a wheat (or "weizen") beer, an esoteric lager and a highly-fermented, intense pilsner for the stemmed glass.

Thankfully just because a person wants to be green and support recycling doesn't mean they have to compromise on style and quality. This Italian Carafe and set of wine glasses is a great example of having the best of both worlds. Handmade of recycled glass in Portland, this set is processed in an electric furnace that's powered 100% by eco-friendly wind power. No two pieces are the same but they all have the beautiful foggy white color variations and charming, slightly misshapen organic appeal. Get the carafe alone for $174, or with a set of 4 glasses for $370.

The winner of the Readers' Choice Award in the glassware category is Baccarat, which has sold its creations to the royal families of France, Japan, Russia, Arabia, Morocco and even the White House, since it was established in France in 1764.

Since its founding, Baccarat has continued expanding its influence, inspired in roots stemming from an ingenious handcrafted work of the highest quality, throughout the world.

To this day, Baccarat crystal is still handcrafted in the village of Baccarat located in Lorraine in eastern France. The crystal pieces it creates are described as both divine and exhilarating. Yes, they are extravagant but always elegant.

Nothing tastes better than when drunk from a Baccarat crystal glass.

Nominations have been received and vetted for the best-of-breed in lighting, furniture, antiques resource, dishware and glassware. The Luxist Readers' Choice Decor Awards will be awarded based on your voting.

Each of finalists for the Readers' Choice for the Best in Lighting is a leader in the industry. One is credited with founding modern interior lighting designs, while another creates sculptural masterpieces. A third produces lighting that radiates beauty from every angle while the crystal chandeliers of another have been sought out by royalty. Last, but not least, there's one which melds exquisitely cut crystal with its masterful designs.

The Readers' Choice for the Best in Furniture nominees offer a range of original artistry from simple and pure to the exotic; from traditional to the ultra-modern. Their creations are collected by connoisseurs and museums alike.

The Readers' Choice for the Best in Glassware for a Luxist Award include award-winning brands from France, Sweden and the United States. Each represents the finest of quality and artistry while offering the most exquisite of designs.

Nominees for Readers' Choice for Best in Dishware include companies that have been producing china for centuries. Two have roots in the Limoges region of France, the cradle of the French porcelain industry. One nominee is quintessentially English while two produce American classics. Dishware created by each of these nominees are owned by the who's who of world leaders from the King of Saudi Arabia and the Queen of England to the President of the United States.

Readers' Choice nominees for Best Antiques Resource include the most prestigious art and antiques fairs in the world. These fairs, which are international in scope, are annual destinations for serious connoisseurs, collectors and museum curators who are in search of the best. Each of these fairs have rigorous vetting processes in which the quality, condition and authenticity of each piece is carefully investigated.

Vote now for what you believe is the best of breed for each of these categories. Readers' Choice Awards for Decor will be announced on October 31st.

Steuben Glass is a nominee for a Luxist Award for the best glassware category.

Since 1903, Steuben Glass has been made by hand at its Corning, New York factory. For more than fifty years, Steuben has been the choice of every White House incumbent to present as an official gift of state. In 1993, the Steuben Mobius Prism was presented by the President of the United States as a royal wedding gift to Japan's Crown Prince and Princess Hirohito.

Today, Steuben's state-of-the-art melting process ensures glass that is exceptionally pure and free of even the tiniest visual imperfections. Its skilled artisans work in teams around reheating ovens called glory holes, directed by a master "gaffer." Each gather of molten glass is carried from tank to glory hole, where it is formed "at the fire" with blowpipes, pontil rods, shears, calipers, and other tools little changed over centuries. Finished pieces are slowly cooled in annealing ovens, then cut, polished, and engraved by hand. Each example is minutely inspected before it is signed with a diamond-tipped pen. Imperfect items are destroyed as there are no seconds at Steuben.

Steuben's magnificent 6,100-square-foot flagship store at 667 Madison Avenue was launched to welcome the new millennium in 2000. The store occupies a three-level space in a neighborhood of luxury shops an area recently designated as Manhattan's Crystal District.

Orrefors, the Swedish glassmaker, is a nominee for a Luxist Award for best glassware.

Its beginnings date back to 1726, when Lars Johan Silversparre received permission to build a furnace and a smithy at "the beautiful river that flows into Lake Orrenas". The iron works was given the name Orrefors, which means "the Orre waterfall".

The company's international breakthrough came at the Paris Exhibition of 1925. From the Hotel de Ville, the Town Hall of Paris, the Swedish pavilion borrowed a magnificent glass goblet designed by Simon Gate that had been presented as a gift to the City of Paris from the City of Stockholm in 1922. The goblet became a sensation, and the prestigious Grand Prix award was given to Orrefors and its designers. The glassblowers and engravers received gold medals

Since then, Orrefors has won thousands of design and glassmaking awards. Its pieces have been collected by individuals and museums and showcased in exhibits and public installations the world over, from the Cooper-Hewitt Museum in New York to the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

Tiffany & Co. is a nominee for a Luxist Award in both the dishware and glassware categories.

Over the past two centuries, Tiffany & Co. has built an international reputation as a premier jeweler and is renowned for its fine china and crystal. Today, its signature blue gift box topped by the white silky bow is an icon for luxury.

Tiffany & Co. was founded by Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young in the late 1830's. Starting out as a stationary and fancy goods store, the partners soon expanded to include silver hollowware and flatware, and later jewelry, luxury table, personal and household accessories. Tiffany first achieved international recognition at the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1867. The company was then awarded the grand prize for silver craftsmanship---the first time an American design house had been so honored by a foreign jury. By 1870, Tiffany & Co. was America's premier purveyor of jewels and timepieces, as well as luxury table, personal, and household accessories.

Throughout the jeweler's history, the most prominent members of American society were devoted Tiffany customers from Vanderbilts, Astors and Whitneys to J.P. Morgan, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Paul Mellon, all of whom commissioned Tiffany to produce their gold and silver services. Tiffany china has also set the stage for countless White House dinners.

The tradition continues into the 21st century. Today, Tiffany & Co. is one of America's best known institutions.

Nominated for a Luxist Award in the glassware and lighting categories is Baccarat, which has sold its creations to the royal families of France, Japan, Russia, Arabia, Morocco and even the White House, since it was established in France in 1764.

Since its founding, Baccarat has continued expanding its influence, inspired in roots stemming from an ingenious handcrafted work of the highest quality, throughout the world.

To this day, Baccarat crystal is still handcrafted in the village of Baccarat located in Lorraine in eastern France. The crystal pieces it creates are described as both divine and exhilarating. Yes, they are extravagant but always elegant.

Since 1824, Baccarat has been presenting magnificent crystal chandeliers. The Maharajah of Gwalior ordered a large chandelier, weighing about a ton to decorate his new Palace. A series of candelabras were created for the Czar Nicolas II's St. Petersburg Winter Palace. Baccarat's magnificent lighting includes crystal chandeliers, sconces, lamps, floor lamps, candleholders and candelabras. Each piece has ethereal qualities as it glistens with the incomparable luster of crystal.

There's nothing like the light that emits from Baccarat crystal, and perhaps nothing tastes better than when drunk from a Baccarat crystal glass.

Maximilian Riedel of the famous Austrian Riedel wine glass family hosted a tasting this week which taught me more about wine than any wine tasting I've been to in years. How? Because it wasn't a wine tasting. It was a glassware tasting.

I knew the basics. I knew you're not supposed to drink white out of red glasses or red out of champagne flutes (or coffee mugs, but hey, we all went to college), but there was a lot I didn't know I didn't know about how much the shape of a glass can affect the taste and experience of a wine.

For example -- did you know that the basic near-spherical globe glass was designed for white? Chardonnay, to be specific. Also, according to Riedel, you should be drinking most champagnes out of the same glasses from which you should be drinking pinot noir. And wait till you see them.

Riedel Glas Austria's basic cabernet glass is the most highly produced and best selling wine glass in the world -- but, in fact, they recommend a much larger glass for cabernet, one they began making when they finally purchased their own machinery in 2004.

The big lesson I learned today? Grape specific glasses -- and they're not the ones you think they are. Click here to visit the Riedel website and shop by grape (even esoterics), but not before you click through the gallery below for more information and specifics.

Great beer requires proper glassware to be enjoyed to the fullest; enter Spiegelau's new Beer Classics Barrel. Containing a "six pack" of lager glasses from the brand's Beer Classics Collection, with a SRP of $75, nestled in a cardboard aging-vat look-alike, each glass holds 17 ounces of beer.

Since the glasses retail for $30 for a two pack, the barrel includes one for free. The Spiegelau lager glass (right) augments the inherent characteristics and varying flavors of grains, yeast and hops to the brews' maximum advantage.

The narrow base broadening into a wider mouth channels the aromas, preserves the frothy head and volatiles, and highlights the color, clarity and carbonation. You can purchase the Barrel online at www.riedelwebstore.com.

Charlie Keila laughed at me. I had just commented on how hot his studio gets, and he couldn't contain the amusement of a man who deals with it every day. Artists who work in glass spend a lot of time around 1,900 degree ovens – it's just part of the job. When you look at the work produced, though, you can see why it's worth becoming acclimated to the sweltering conditions. Keila can only be described as a master.

Keila's studio sits at the corner of Orange and Pine in Orlando, FL – just across the street from Corona Cigar Co. – in the City Arts Factory. In fact, the artist was in large part responsible for the location. After having learned the glass art trade elsewhere, he returned to the town of his teenage years, bringing with him a commitment to arts and culture for which Orlando had been desperate.

This is the Orlando that's obscured by "The Mouse" ... but it exists. If you look past the theme parks and set your sights on downtown Orlando, you can find a vibrant culture that deserves far more recognition than it receives.

For years, Keila says, Orlando has effectively exported its talent. Artists and business professionals alike grow up in Orlando and take their talent elsewhere. The community is deprived of the talent it creates, resulting in a cultural and professional vacuum. This is exactly the problem that the glass-blower sought to solve when he decided to return.

Set your table with this eclectic group of glasses and you'll not only have a colorful display but there won't be any worries about whose glass is whose. Designed by Pols Potten and imported from Amsterdam, the set consists of 6 glasses, all in distinctly different colors and patterns. The only constants between them are their conical shape and a theme of bright jewel tones like violet, ink, and seagreen. Whimsical polka dots and classic stripes will fit the mood and personality of every guest. $99

Engineers live in a world full of numbers and strange formulas that rarely make sense to observers, and this Engineering Collection designed by Ruckl Crystal Glassworks is designed just for them. Each clear crystal piece is simply designed and has its dimensions clearly etched onto the side so the engineering type can continue to indulge their love of numbers and calculations even while enjoying a good stiff drink. The Engineering Collection is manufactured in the Czech Republic of cut 24% leaded crystal and sells for $275 - $640.

Via acquire