CLEAR AS GLASS...OR NOT
Midnightsun Designs ISO Wine Tasting Glass

For those interested in blind wine tasting, this black, opaque wine glass by Swedish company Midnightsun Designs is made exactly for that purpose. Blown by master glassblowers at the Swedish Älghult Glassworks, the ISO Wine Tasting Glass is made out of a dark, lead-free crystal so that tasters will not be influenced by the color of the wine. However, many experienced wine tasters do take color into consideration when judging wine and might deplore this aspect. Neatniks might also find the glass frustrating, as the dark surface is prone to reflecting fingerprints.

We do, however, appreciate the glass’s narrowed top, which concentrates the wine’s aromas and makes for a better tasting. It is slightly impractical as a wine-tasting glass, but we think it makes for a quaint and quirky wine glass collector’s item. Price is $30 per glass. For more information, visit www.midnightsun-designs.com.