Do you remember the first time you were handed a glass of very, very, very expensive wine?
It can be a somewhat intimidating experience, as one calculates the cost per drop of any wine accidentally spilled.
Well, imagine if that wine—or any wine—were served in a Dégustation Glass Romanee Conti from Baccarat. A recent Google search revealed that wine glass to be priced at around $410.
That’s not per set or even per pair. That’s per glass. One could imagine being extremely selective about bringing out that glass for use—like, only if there’s a very thick carpet on the floor.
Baccarat has been crafting fine crystal since the 18th century, when King Louis XV authorized the establishment of a glassworks in the town of Baccarat in France’s Lorraine region. There, the exquisitely crafted lead crystal is mouth blown and hand cut to exacting standards.
And not just anyone is allowed to make Baccarat’s top-of-the-line products, such as the Dégustation Glass Romanee Conti. Glassblowers must train for 15 years before they are considered true masters.
Baccarat’s craftsmanship is so revered that two museums have been established for fans to admire the company’s work: the Musée Baccarat in Baccarat, Meurthe-et-Moselle, and the Galerie-Musée Baccarat on the Place des États-Unis in Paris.
Over the years, Baccarat’s line of products has expanded. In 1993, the company began making jewelry. Four years later, a line of fine perfumes was added. But it has never turned its back on the reason for its existence: exquisite crystal.
Cheers! And be careful…
