Size does matter: wine glasses are seven times larger than they used to be

In the 1700s the average-sized wine glass could hold just 66ml of the tipple. Today it’s not unusual to be handed a glass that holds almost half a litre

Our Georgian and Victorian ancestors may have enjoyed a Christmas tipple but judging by the size of the glasses they used they probably drank less wine than we do today.

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have found that the capacity of wine glasses has ballooned nearly seven-fold over the past 300 years, rising most sharply in the last two decades in line with a surge in wine consumption.

Related: Ho ho hold back … why you should go easy on the festive booze this year

It’s the pubs’ and bars’ equivalent of supermarkets putting sweets by the checkout. The fashion for larger glasses – whether they are filled to the top or not – simply encourages people to drink (and spend) more than they need. Larger, stylish wine glasses can also increase the pleasure from drinking wine, which may also increase the desire to drink more.

Continue reading... December 14, 2017 at 04:41PM