For a sophisticated gift that your groomsmen will actually use, look no further than the Riedel Bar collection.  Martini glasses, such as Riedel’s Vinum XL Martini Glass, are a classic and virtually foolproof choice.  However for a more unique gift, consider Riedel’s spirit specific glasses.  Like wine, fine spirits are best enjoyed in glasses expertly crafted to enhance their enjoyment.  These glasses, such as the Ouverture Tequila Glass or the Vinum Single Malt Whiskey Glass, heightens the flavor profile of their namesake spirits.  They also minimize their alcoholic bite, to the point that spirits can be leisurely sipped.

Grooms-to-be, take note: steer away from those stereotypical chunky beer steins for your groomsmen and instead give them the gift of good spirits.  It truly is a gift that will keep on giving.

For some new couples, the “O” line offers a number of advantages.  Most notably, for those with limited cabinet space, the stemless form is small and easy to stack so more glasses can be stored in a smaller space.  These dishwasher safe glasses are also very sturdy, making the glasses very spill and break-resistant.  Because of this they are also great for outdoor entertaining, more likely to stay put even on rickety picnic tables and other uneven surfaces.  For traditional indoor entertaining, the glasses offer a casual yet chic aesthetic that is preferred by many young couples.  “O” glasses are also incredibly versatile; they can be used for so many things in addition to serving wine: water, juice, cocktails, even serving food.

So as you scan the aisles, consider looking for something a little lower: “O” stemless glasses are the perfect solution to many a stemware choice.

It is a dream gift for the wine enthusiast: a no guesswork guide to pairing 100 wines with dishes and glassware. The Decanting Napa Valley Cookbook (SRP $45) can be purchased online at Riedelwebstore.com.

Winners for the 2010 Juli B Style Awards will be chosen by both a group of judges and julib.com readers, so be sure to vote! To do so, subscribe to Juli B at julib.com – it’s free! Then vote at http://www.julib.com/2010styleawards/. The Eve Decanter is nominated for best product design, which can be found within the design category. So what are you waiting for? The sooner you sign up for Juli B, the sooner you can vote! It’s a win-win.

You will be happily surprised to know that all Riedel glassware is dishwasher safe, keeping a few precautions in mind:
- You should not overcrowd your dishwasher so that glassware is banging against other items.
- Some modern day dishwashers come with a stemware rack, if yours does you should utilize it.
- Remove glassware after the final rinse cycle. If left in during the dry cycle, residue in the steam will redeposit on the glasses.

For those of you who do not have a dishwasher, or simply choose to wash by hand, follow these instructions to ensure your glasses shine like they are brand new:
- Start by washing the glass under warm water; detergent is not needed.
- Then let the glass dry and drain by placing it upside down over linen.
- For extra shine, steam the glass over boiling water , but be careful not to burn yourself!
- Using two microfiber towels, hold the glass by the base to polish. Then using your left hand to cradle the bowl, polish with your right hand.

Whichever way you choose to do it, the end result is a glass that is sparkling clean and streak-free.

Riedel’s elegant Vitis collection took first place in the glass category in the second annual “White Star”, an award given to the most innovative and groundbreaking design products, as voted by more than 15,000 readers of the German magazines Schöner Wohen, Essen & Trinken and Living at Home.

Chief editors Jenny Levie (Living at Home), Stephen Schafer (Schöner Wohen), and Wolfgang Zahner (Essen & Trinken für Jeden Tag) presented the Gold White Star to Riedel at a ceremony in the “bauwerk Köln.”

The readers voted among 109 products in 11 different categories; a total of 33 winners were presented a White Star — in Gold, Silver, or Bronze.

About Vitis: Vitis has a towering profile and graceful silhouette that adds a sophisticated presence to any table.  Aptly named, Vitis (the Latin word for ‘vine’), climbs skyward on a seamlessly pulled stem. This lead crystal series, designed by Georg Riedel, was created using the most advanced machine blown technology. Perfectly proportioned, Vitis is exquisitely balanced both in the hand and to the eye and features seven varietal-specific glasses that beautifully compliment New World wines.

Rinse the decanter with warm water after use until the water runs clean.  Then drain all the water and remove the excess from the spout area with a microfiber cloth.  Use Riedel’s reusable decanter beads to remove stains: simply swirl with water and then drain into a sieve.  Should you ever not have time to properly clean your decanter, fill it with warm water to keep residual red wine from staining it overnight.

This year, function and versatility was key as Riedel’s Red + White glass was named one of the top 100 designs of the year.  In the June 2009 issue, Metropolitan Home wrote, “These new non-lead, machine blown “O” TriO tumblers suited for rouge or blanc, break the mold.”  Nestled in a dramatic red and black triangular box, TriO 3 packs are $36, proving that good design is also affordable.