Wine consumption in the UK is on an upward trajectory with retail wine sales expected to reach close on ВЈ5.5 billion in 2010. An estimated 1.8 billion bottles will be quaffed in the kingdom next year alone!

Notwithstanding the glut of Old and New World wines on the market, Brits continue to show a propensity for fine wines. These select wines, however, won’t be from the ancient vineyards of Europe; the trend is decidedly towards the smaller producers of Australia, South Africa, Chile and California – the proverbial odd bins.

Maturing consumers are exhibiting a trend of actively seeking wines reflecting new styles, varietals, regions and even countries. Regional integrity, however, is thankfully in the spotlight. Consumers need and want to know the wine they are drinking was produced without any detrimental effects on the environment and the local work force.

There is a growing appreciation of light wines or wines with lower alcohol content. Combine this abstemious trend with the fact moderate wine intake is closely associated with good health and it’s easy to see why wine makes up 30% of all alcohol consumed in the UK.

With the ever increasing appreciation of wine, a marked emphasis is on the appropriate stemware for each unique offering. There is little doubt finely designed glassware enhances the sheer enjoyment and drinking pleasure of superior vintages.

Delicate crystal has long been the preferred choice of wine connoisseurs. Stendhal, Aquataine, Siena and Savoie Crystal are all beautifully crafted, yet functional examples of classically styled crystal glasses.

Their fragile beauty, however, can make for an expensive acquisition. Unless you are planning to entertain on a regular basis it’s far more cost effective to consider glassware hire from select London catering hire companies.

Wine is no longer the exclusive tipple of the elite and a current trend is to present the product in less expensive stemware. Modern glassware, likely to last a lot longer, is the Open Up Chef and Sommelier range. Functional, yet attractive, the range has an unusual, almost geometrical look. The red, white and sparkling wine glasses have, however, remained faithful to traditional design.

• Robust red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, should ideally be served in glassware with big bowls and large openings, maximising the oxidation effect, yet encouraging the drinker to plunge their nose into the glass for the full sensual effect of a heady aroma.


• The softer reds, Merlots and Pinot Noirs, deserve a slightly narrower neck, purely because of the subtlety of the nose.


• White wines should be presented in glassware with narrow bowls and necks. This will ensure the product is kept at optimum temperature whilst capturing the lighter aromas of the wine.


• Sparkling wines reach full potential when presented in flutes or tulip-shaped glasses. The undeniable richness and complexity of the wine is enhanced.


• Sommeliers have recently broken away from tradition when serving fortified wines. Port, Sherry and Muscatel are no longer presented in thimble sized glassware but in white wine glasses instead. The powerful flavours and heady aromas of a tawny or ruby port will reach full potential while swirled and swished in a more spacious vessel.

Allens Hire is a London catering hire company specialising in trendy glassware hire, furniture rentals as well as linen and china hire for events across the UK.