Are freezable tumblers OK for drinking a glass of rosé or white wine?
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Dear Dr. Vinny,
I have a couple of freezable tumblers that I use to keep sweet tea cold while drinking. Having just recently gotten into wine, I was wondering if it would be OK to drink rosé from these glasses (I believe they were marketed for wine in the first place), but I wasn’t sure if it would negatively impact the wine. Is there a proper etiquette when it comes to glasses like these?
—Andrea, El Paso, Texas
Dear Andrea,
I’ve used freezable wine tumblers a couple times, and they’re OK. For those not familiar with them, they have two layers of plastic, between which is a gel that stays cold after spending a few hours in the freezer. They have plenty of good reviews from wine lovers who enjoy how simple they are to use and how they keep wine—of any color—chilled, especially on hot days. That’s very helpful.
While they are good for casual outdoor scenarios, I do believe that traditional wineglasses with thin glass rims are best for highlighting a wine’s qualities. As with some other plastic products, the freezable tumblers can have an off-putting smell when they are first unwrapped, but that goes away.
Etiquette wise, I’d just point out the obvious: These are a casual way to enjoy wine. If you’re having a guest over, you might want to offer them a choice of glass, and don’t be offended if they ask for a regular wineglass. These tumblers are also prone to condensation, which is what happens when warm, moist air comes in contact with cold surfaces, so I’d recommend providing a coaster.
—Dr. Vinny
