RIEDEL

Ten generations of the Riedel family have produced some of the world's finest crystal creations for more than two centuries. The ninth generation of this glass-making family, Professor Claus Josef Riedel, was the first glass designer to recognise that the size and shape of a glass affects one's perception of the aroma and taste of wine.

Working with leading winemakers and sommeliers of the world, Riedel has developed and designed glasses that are tailor made for drinking pleasure and to enhance the wine experience. "The finest glasses for both technical and hedonistic purposes are those made by Riedel. The effect of these glasses on fine wine is profound. I cannot emphasize enough what a difference they make" (Robert M.Parker, Jr. The Wine Advocate).

In the 1960's, Claus began to develop the Sommeliers Series of mouth-blown crystal stemware. This series has become the wineglass benchmark and today includes more than twenty different glasses, with each design created specifically for a corresponding wine or spirit.

Claus Josef's son Georg, the current president of Riedel Crystal, has designed new glasses in the Sommeliers Series and created the popularly priced Vinum and Ouverture collections which also reflect the Riedel philosophy. For Georg, developing the business was supported by the increasing quantity and quality of fine wine, and the opening of new markets.