If you’ve ever had a glass of wine at an old country pub, then you know just how important glassware is in shaping your wine-drinking experience. Picture the scene: you’ve ordered your parma and a wine to go with it, and they bring it out in a thick, grubby glass, with a short stem and tiny bowl that’s so full to the brim it’s impossible to swirl without spilling its contents. Needless to say, the glass probably didn’t enhance your enjoyment of the wine.
This understanding, that the shape of a glass profoundly influences how a wine tastes, smells and feels, has been the driving ethos behind Australian glassware brand Plumm.
Established in 2009, Plumm was born from the Valmorbida family’s passion for wine, shaped over more than 50 years of importing, making and selling wine. The family set out to design glassware that genuinely elevates wine, working closely with leading sommeliers and winemakers to craft a range that celebrates wine without unnecessary complication.
“Even our name, Plumm, is a nod to the beginning of the winemaking process and a word often used to describe the aroma and character of wine,” says Olivia Barrie, director of sales and marketing at Plumm. “It’s a reminder of what matters most to us – capturing the beauty, nuance and personality of every wine we pour.”
And while wine can be complex, Plumm maintain that enjoying wine shouldn’t be. “Traditional varietal glassware can be overwhelming, so we approached the problem differently,” says Olivia. “Over 18 months, we consulted the winemakers we represent around the world and asked a simple question: which glass best expresses your wine?”
The results of their research showed that, although there are thousands of grape varieties in the world, most wines fall into a handful of styles. As such, rather than creating dozens of glasses, Plumm created a small number of glass shapes that match those styles.
The pinnacle of the brand is Plumm Three – a trio of ultra-fine European crystal glasses created with leading Australian sommeliers:
• Nº1 Universal: Elevates all wine styles, particularly full-bodied reds
• Nº2 White: Perfect for crisp whites and sparkling wines
• Nº3 Pinot Noir/Chardonnay: Enhances fresh, aromatic reds and layered, textural whites
Olivia says: “Plumm Three is the hero, and our broader range complements it for those who want more choice.” Or less! For those who want even more simplicity, Plumm also designed universal glasses that make every wine shine.
And you can be assured of quality across the range. All glasses are made from the finest lead-free European crystal. Even across Plumm’s machine-made collections, each glass is created from a single piece of crystal with a pulled stem, delivering strength, balance and seamless elegance.
This attention to detail is also reflected in Plumm’s range of European crystal decanters. Inspired by Plumm’s Melbourne roots, the decanters are named after iconic city streets. The Flinders and Spring decanters are handmade, each one unique, while La Trobe is a beautifully crafted machine-made option.
In keeping with Plumm’s proud Australian roots, we’re excited to announce that Plumm has joined the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast as our official wine glass sponsor. “We’re genuinely thrilled," says Olivia. "As an Australian-owned brand deeply connected to the wine community, partnering with Halliday Wine Companion feels like a natural alignment of values and ambition.
“We share a commitment to elevating wine experiences, championing Australian producers and making wine enjoyment more accessible. Working with Anna and the team supports our ambition to bring beautifully designed, purposeful glassware to more people.”
To find out more about Plumm and begin the journey to elevating your wine-drinking experiences, visit plumm.com.
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