Riedel Crystal Stemware
 

My husband and I will be traveling to Austria and Germany this December (hopefully). I saw on the Riedel website that their company offers tours of their glass factory and they also have a factory outlet of some sort. Has anyone been? Are the prices of their crystal any cheaper in Austria compared to here in the U.S.? <BR> <BR>Thanks!

A friend of mine bought 4 dozens of Bordeaux vinum($7-8 per glass) from their outlet in Germany and handcarry them on the plane!

They are slightly less expensive at the factory but you have to carry them home! I have seen Cabernet/merlot's for 10.00 a piece on ebay and found some even less expensively at Costco, 8 for 45.99, the chardonnay , 8/34.95 , Vignoier(sp) series. The vinum series on ebay run about 13.00 a stem for the bordeaux. So it all depends on if you want them as mementoes of your trip or just to have.

Jody is right. Personally I wouldn't, especially with the latest carry on restrictions. However it would make a good dedicated story when you drink with your friends. By the way,Riedel has promotions with several California wineries to sell them packaged with their wines for the holiday season.

Sorry, I guess I should have mentioned in the original post that I am looking into purchasing stemware from the Sommeliers series which runs about $50+ per glass. That's why I thought a discount would sure sound good! If there was a deal I'm sure we could find a "Mailboxes Etc" in Munich which is where we're headed to. Does anyone know if the outlet carries all the various stemware lines? <BR> <BR>

I'm sure the factory can arrange shipping for you. I've had things shipped from stores and factory outlets all over europe. Be aware though that you will pay customs duty when they arrive, as shipped and mailed goods do not count as part of your $400.00 per person exemption. So with shipping costs and duty, be sure to figure out exactly what your savings will be. I can't remember the exact percentage but check the US Customs site.

I've been curious about the price of Riedel in Canada versus the U.S. - was at a large China/Stemware store (William Ashleys) in Toronto yesterday and saw an 18oz Sommelier Burgundy glass for $45 Canadian ($30 U.S.)- looking at some U.S. web sites that seems like a good price - am I missing something?

I've found the following to be one of the best domestic sources for Riedel crystal: <BR>http://www.wineglasses.com/ <BR>Orders have been shipped promptly and are well packed. Much more convenient than trying to arrange purchases abroad and carrying or shipping back to the states.