Iittala Glassware Essence Glassware
Iittala Glassware Essence Glassware

Essence Glassware

$55

Made by Iittala

Designed by Alfredo Haberli

In 2001, Argentine-Swiss designer Alfredo Häberli set out to answer a deceptively simple question: how few glasses does it take to serve the full range of fine wine? The result was Essence, a collection that strips the wine glass to its most considered form without surrendering a single degree of pleasure.

Each glass is mouth-blown from lead-free crystal, with a lip so thin it nearly disappears against the palate. The stems and bases share identical proportions across every form in the series, creating a quiet visual harmony when pieces are placed together. That consistency is not incidental - it is the idea.

  • Designed by Alfredo Häberli, 2001
  • Lead-free, mouth-blown glass
  • Uniform stems and bases across the full series
  • Thin-rim construction for an unobtrusive sipping experience
  • iF Award and Les Découvertes Award recipient

Essence belongs to a rare category of objects that improve with familiarity. The more you use it, the more deliberate each decision feels.

Style
Style: White Wine (Set of 2)

In stock, ready to ship.

9 in stock.

Pairs well with

Product Details

Details
  • Glassware series that serves a full range of fine wines
  • Among the most highly acclaimed glassware in the world
  • Modern and minimal series with a thin lip for sipping
  • Made of lead-free glass
  • Won the iF and Les Découvertes Awards
Shipping & Returns

Please refer to our shipping and return & exchange policy.

Warranty

Luminaire is an authorized retailer of Iittala. The product comes with a full manufacturer warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Iittala Essence different from other wine glass series?

Häberli's premise was radical in its economy: one unified series, identical stems and bases across every form, and a lead-free glass thin enough to disappear in the hand. Most collections multiply shapes; Essence distills them.

Is Iittala Essence glassware dishwasher safe?

Iittala Essence is dishwasher safe, though hand washing is recommended to preserve the integrity of the thin rim and the clarity of the glass over time.

How many glasses are in the Essence series, and which wines do they suit?

The series covers the essential categories - white wine, red wine, and champagne among them - with each form shaped to serve a broad range of varietals rather than one specific grape. The philosophy favors versatility over specialization.

Who is Alfredo Häberli and what is his design background?

Born in Buenos Aires and based in Zurich, Alfredo Häberli is known for products that carry conceptual clarity without sacrificing warmth. He has collaborated with Iittala, Camper, and Georg Jensen, and his work is held in the permanent collections of several design museums.

Is Iittala Essence lead-free crystal?

Yes. Essence is produced from lead-free glass, which was a considered choice by Häberli - the material achieves exceptional clarity and a refined thin wall without relying on traditional lead crystal formulas.

Brand & Designer

Iittala
Aalto Vase

Iittala

Founded in 1881 in Iittala, Finland, Iittala specializes in progressive Nordic tableware, glassware, home objects, and interior pieces defined by timeless design, craftsmanship, and everyday beauty.
Alfredo Haberli
Take a Line for a Walk Revolving Armchair

Alfredo Haberli

A Swiss-Argentinian designer known for joyful modernism, material sensitivity, and a refined balance of innovation, warmth, and clarity.