From shatterproof glasses to chic chillers and sleek wine fridges, here’s everything you need to serve wine al fresco—without sacrificing elegance or ease.
You have the grill, you’ve strung the lights and now you’re ready to receive your lineup of summer guests. It’s a given they’ll show up hungry, but they’ll be thirsty, too. In anticipation of quenching that thirst, here are a few essentials for presenting and serving wines al fresco.
Glassware To Go
Thanks to shatter-proof technology in glassware and designs more compatible with outdoor dining, outdoor wine service can be stylish and safe, even around your most accident-prone guests. So, save the red Solo cups for the beer pong, and check out these options for a stylish way to swirl and sip.
The shatter-proof “Tritan” set of 18-ounce stemware offers safety and elegance in either crystal clear or colored sets. Made from BPA-free copolyester, it comes in two heights, is dishwasher safe and scratch-resistant. The 20-ounce Universal set for all wine styles, comes in colors, $59 for a six-pack.
Stemless glasses have come a long way and are popular for their versatility and stability. This colorful six pack of shatterproof glasses accommodates a generous 17-ounce pour for $49, but there are numerous options from Yeti, Riedel, Glasvin and a glass-lined insulated tumblers from Vinglacé at a variety of price points starting at $35.95
If you do want to entertain with glass, Glasvin’s ultra-light, all-purpose Universal Glass is suitable for all styles of wine, including sparkling. It’s not unbreakable, but is dishwasher safe and more durable than the usual high-end glassware. $79 for a two pack.
Keeping It Cool On The Table
The Vinglacé table top bottle cooler is a chic and streamlined option for keeping the chill on your bottle without taking up a lot of space on the table. Comes in a variety of colors so you can match to your dishware, linens or party themes. Fits 750ml and sparkling wine bottles. $89.95
YETI’s Rambler Wine Chiller is a more casual take on portable wine chilling, this one a double-walled insulated vessel in lots of vibrant colors and fitting most bottles. Take it to go or pop it on the tabletop. $56.
For a more polished presentation, consider the elegant marble tabletop cooler from Sur La Table—both classic and modern with a brass accent. Fits most bottles. $60.
A Wine Cellar Within Reach
No need to go into the wine cellar or room when you can have bottles easily within reach, says Marshall Tilden III, who oversees commerce and catalog for Wine Enthusiast and is a subject expert on wine storage. If you have an outdoor kitchen or entertaining space, these coolers are adaptable and good-looking and offer easy access for entertaining.
Cuisinart’s eight-bottle “Private Reserve” countertop cooler holds both 750-ml and magnum bottles and offers an adjustable temperature control ($229.95). The smaller Wine Enthusiast six-bottle cooler features a digital touchscreen and LED temperature display ($129). The super-chic N’FINITY PRO HDX is a two-drawer unit that can stand alone or integrate in your outdoor kitchen, holding 18 bottles and up to 60 standard-size beer/soda cans ($1,499).
