Riedel Celebrates The Big Two-O

Known for revolutionizing glassware for the enjoyment of wine, Riedel, the 268-year-old Austrian heritage company, is recognized globally by wine industry professionals, enthusiasts, and consumers alike for introducing the first-ever series of varietal-specific stemware. Since its inception, the company has introduced countless milestone innovations that have forever changed how we enjoy wine. Perhaps one of the most memorable is the brand’s first-of-its-kind, stemless Riedel O collection, introduced in 2004. 

Living in New York City at the time, Maximilian Riedel, 11th generation CEO and President, designed the collection after recognizing a personal need for a more casual wine glass – one that was ideal for more informal entertaining, which could be stored easily in his New York City apartment, and would not spill. His solution was the Riedel O series, an all-new stemless shape that provided the same high quality and varietal-specific features for which Riedel is known but made for everyday use and every occasion. Twenty years later, it has not only remained a bestseller for the brand but has also become one of the most copied glassware designs in the world.

On Wednesday, April 10, during the bi-annual Tabletop Market Week, friends of Riedel gathered at the brand’s 41 Madison Avenue showroom in New York City for the milestone celebration of the O collection’s 20th anniversary. With DJ and tastemaker Bryan Griffin, Riedel’s Executive Advisor Julie Barba hosted journalists, trade industry professionals, local influencers, and tastemakers, all of whom came together to toast to the O series and the mark it has left on the glassware business. 

To the soundtrack of a playlist curated by Griffin, the showroom was transformed into a stage for theatrical entertaining. Guests enjoyed luxury wine served performatively by Barba from Riedel’s most intricate and elaborate handmade, mouth-blown decanters, while Jack Hubbard, head bartender of NYC’s British mainstay The Hawksmoor, mixed Austrian- and Riedel-inspired cocktails and mocktails – all served in Riedel’s iconic O series. Signature serves included “The Riedel 75,” a twist on the traditional French 75, the “Linzer Negroni,” a riff on the classic negroni inspired by the Austrian Linzer Torte, and an “O-Proof” (nonalcoholic) Spritz. To further showcase the collection’s versatility, Red Table Catering served elegant light bites in Riedel O glasses, further putting the collection’s dynamic, multi-purpose functionality on full display. 

At the end of the evening, each guest departed with Riedel’s new Key to Wine Set, which features three shapes from Riedel’s O series. Thoughtfully designed to accentuate the characteristics of wines from thin-skinned, medium-skinned, and thick-skinned grapes, Key to Wine offers a DIY tasting experience and allows guests to continue the milestone celebration at home.