I’m thrilled to share a gift guide from Glasvin – makers of handblown glassware and wine accessories – as I’ve reviewed three of their items so far and couldn’t be more pleased with all of them. The first was their hand-blown wine carafe that I fell in love with for the ease in cleaning – in the dishwasher – and that review is here. The second is for their Champagne glass set, the most delicate wine glass I have ever held in my hand, that review can be found here. The new review is on their delicate Nick and Nora glasses. I will share my review of those first, followed by the gift guide.
First of all, you must know that Nick and Nora were the stars of a film series called The Thin Man. Starring Myrna Loy and William Powell, this crime-solving couple almost always had their epiphanies over several martinis, served in tiny glasses. Those were dubbed the Nick and Nora glasses.
These unique trim glasses can be used for any spirit-forward cocktail that doesn’t require ice – though the cocktail can certainly be shaken or stirred with ice and then strained into the Nick and Nora. When I received Glasvin’s glasses I measured a full six ounces that each could hold, even leaving a little space at the top for foam and/or garnish. My mind was whirling at what I could do with these.
Then I googled what cocktails are best suited for the Nick and Nora glass – the martini was the most popular but I wanted to try something new, and with some color so decided to try them in a Black Manhattan that blends bourbon, Amaro and bitters, garnished with a Luxardo cherry. When presentation matters, this glass steals the show.
The Glasvin Gift Guide
Founded by David Kong, the New York–designed brand is known for its ultra-light stemware, used in more than 30 Michelin-starred restaurants. Alongside the Glasvin collection, GV Home brings an approachable selection of glassware to everyday entertaining.
Here are seven picks for wine lovers, cocktail enthusiasts and favorite hosts—all under $100. Of the brand’s handblown glassware and wine accessories, there are two new additions: The Carafe and The Vintage Wine Opener.
NEW: For the thoughtful host
The Carafe
A sculptural addition to the holiday table, this slender carafe holds a full 750 mL bottle and fits neatly into an ice bucket to help keep wines chilled. Designed for gentle aeration, it’s especially suited to whites and delicate or mature reds. $75 each.
NEW: For the vintage collector
The Vintage Wine Opener
For the special bottle they’ve been saving, this compact tool combines an ah-so and corkscrew to help remove aged or fragile corks with greater control. A practical addition to a wine lover’s collection—and an easy stocking stuffer. $35 each. (From Eve: looks exactly like the one we’ve purchased for $145! And this one is designed by Glasvin, “We designed it to work alongside our glassware for both casual bottles and older vintage bottles that require more care.)
For the wine lover who wants one go-to glass
The Universal
An all-purpose, handblown wine glass that moves easily from a weeknight white to a celebratory red. Its light feel and clean silhouette make it a thoughtful starting point for a first home or a welcome refresh for an established collection. $79 for two.
For the friend who loves exploring wine
The Aromatic
With a generous bowl designed to showcase aromas, this glass invites a little more time with every pour. A fitting gift for Burgundy and Chardonnay enthusiasts who enjoy discovering the details in a favorite bottle. $89 for two.
For the one who always finds a reason to celebrate
The Champagne
Designed to bring out sparkling wine’s aromas, this elegant glass earns its place at holiday brunches, festive dinners and midnight toasts. Pair a set with a favorite bottle for a ready-made gift. $79 for two.
From GV Home: For the home bartender
The Martini
A classic cocktail silhouette for the friend who has perfected their martini order. A set brings a little cocktail-bar atmosphere to drinks at home, whether they prefer theirs shaken or stirred. $50 for two.
From GV Home: For the Old Fashioned enthusiast
The Rocks
A simple, versatile addition to the home bar for whiskey over ice, an Old Fashioned or a favorite evening drink. An easy host gift that will stay in regular rotation. $35 for two.
Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards since 2022 (submit via https://proofawards.com) Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. Follow on Instagram and Facebook.
