The Humble Wine Glass of Italy.

Tucked away in the calli and campi of Venice are bacari, small, convivial taverns where Venetians have gathered for centuries to sip wine, share stories, and nibble on cicchetti – the city’s version of tapas.

Central to the bacaro experience are the small, stemless glasses of wine. Unlike large, elegant goblets, these compact glasses were designed for practicality and sociability: they encourage shorter, more frequent pours, so the wine is always fresh, and they allow for lingering conversation without excess. Their sturdy, everyday design made them a symbol of a drinking culture, where wine is less about formality and more about fellowship. In Italy, it’s a boisterous gesture of camaraderie to thump your empty wine glass on the table after drinking, signaling satisfaction and friendship – the reason they’re designed with heavy bottoms.

Today, sipping from these little glasses connects you to a centuries-old ritual – one that celebrates the simple pleasure of good wine, good company, and the timeless rhythm of Italian life.

Unearth a world of vintage-style glassware, classic barware, and retro drinkware curated for cocktail connoisseurs and home bar collectors at Barware Essentials. Whether you're searching for a distinctive gift or elevating your home bar collection, each piece tells a story with every pour.