Wine accessories, explained.

A decanter is a glass vessel you pour wine into before serving. It does two things: it lets the wine breathe (oxygen softens harsh tannins and opens up aromas), and it separates the wine from any sediment that's settled at the bottom of the bottle.

When to decant: young, tannic reds (Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, Bordeaux blends) benefit most. Older, fragile reds can be decanted briefly just to remove sediment. Most everyday whites and sparkling wines don't need it.

How long: 30–60 minutes is a safe range for most bold reds. Taste as you go — the wine will keep changing.

The shape of your glass changes how a wine smells and tastes — really. A wide bowl gives bold reds room to open up. A narrower bowl preserves the delicate aromatics of a crisp white. Where the rim meets your tongue affects which flavors you notice first.

You don't need a glass for every grape. Most home tasters do beautifully with three: a red, a white, and something for sparkling. Below, our favorites in each category — plus a do-it-all universal glass if you only want to buy one. Full wine glass buying guide.

Both serve sparkling wine, but they do very different jobs.

Wine — especially red — leaves stubborn residue. The trick is to rinse warm right after use, then deep-clean once a week if you're a regular pourer.

Skip the dishwasher. The heat and detergent can dull crystal and warp delicate shapes over time. A simple three-tool routine handles the rest. Full decanter cleaning guide.