Great tasting is never just about what’s on the plate – or in the glass. It’s about how flavour, aroma and texture come together, and how thoughtfully chosen tools can quietly enhance the experience.
That idea sits at the heart of our recent collaboration with Dartington Crystal, where we invited one lucky winner to enjoy Firetree chocolate alongside Dartington wine glasses, creating their own tasting session at home.
Why Glassware Matters More Than You Think
When it comes to wine, the shape of the glass plays a far bigger role than many people realise. The bowl of a glass influences how aromas develop and rise, guiding them towards the nose before the wine even reaches the palate. A well-proportioned bowl allows aromas to open gradually, while the rim controls how the wine is delivered to the mouth.
Dartington’s approach to glass design focuses on function over fuss - glasses that feel balanced in the hand, comfortable to hold, and refined enough to let the wine speak for itself. As they put it, a glass should enhance flavour, not distract from it.
A Natural Pairing: Wine, Glass and Chocolate
Chocolate tasting works in a surprisingly similar way. Aroma plays a huge role in how we perceive flavour, especially with dark chocolate. Before a piece even touches the tongue, notes of fruit, spice, honey or roast are already at work.
Pairing carefully made, single-estate chocolate with wine served in the right glass allows both to shine. The clarity of the glass highlights subtle aromas in the wine, while the chocolate’s flavour profile evolves more slowly, revealing layers as it melts.
It’s not about complicated rules – it’s about slowing down, tasting with intention, and choosing tools that support the experience.
Hosting a Simple Tasting at Home
You don’t need expert training or specialist equipment to enjoy a tasting session. A few small changes make all the difference:
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Choose one or two chocolate bars and break them into small pieces
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Pour modest amounts of wine into a well-shaped glass
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Take time to smell before tasting – both wine and chocolate
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Notice how flavours change when tasted together
Above all, trust your own palate. The best tastings are the ones that invite curiosity rather than judgement.
Discover Dartington Glassware
If you’re interested in learning more about how glass design influences flavour, Dartington’s wine glass collections are a great place to start. You can explore their range and philosophy here, starting with these gorgeous wine glasses.
At Firetree, we believe that thoughtful craftsmanship – whether in chocolate or glass – creates moments worth savouring. This collaboration was a celebration of exactly that.
