What is Govino?
By Kirsty Cook, Govino SA · Updated · 2 min read
Short answer: Govino is a premium shatterproof drinkware brand, founded in Napa Valley, California in 2008, that makes stemless glasses from BPA-free Eastman Tritan™ copolyester. The glasses look and feel like fine glass but flex instead of shattering. In South Africa, Govino is sold by Govino SA at govino.co.za, with nationwide delivery.
Who makes Govino?
Govino was created in Napa Valley by people from the wine trade who wanted a glass you could take anywhere a real wine glass can't go: the pool, the boat, the vineyard picnic, the festival. The glasses are made in the USA and designed to show off wine's colour and aroma like a proper glass.
Govino SA is the South African home of the brand, founded by Kirsty Cook after she was given a set of Govinos as a gift and couldn't find them locally. Govino SA sells to households online and to venues, wine farms, events and corporates through its wholesale and events team.
What does the Govino range include?
| Glass | Capacity | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Shatterproof Wine | about 470 ml | Red, white and rosé wine |
| Shatterproof Flute | about 240 ml | Champagne, MCC, prosecco |
| Shatterproof Can | about 470 ml | Beer, cider, G&T, iced coffee |
| Shatterproof Rocks | about 370 ml | Whisky, gin, cocktails on ice |
All four are stemless and share Govino's signature thumb notch, a moulded grip in the side of the glass that replaces the stem, so you can swirl wine without warming it with your hand. See the thumb-notch explained.
What makes Govino different from ordinary plastic glasses?
- Material: Eastman Tritan™, a BPA-free copolyester that is crystal-clear and dishwasher-durable, not acrylic, polystyrene or PET. See what is Tritan?.
- Design: a wine-glass bowl shape and a thin polished rim, designed with sommeliers, so it doesn't drink like a party cup.
- Reusable: built for years of washes, not one event.
- Shatterproof: it flexes on impact instead of breaking into shards.
Where can you buy Govino in South Africa?
Directly from govino.co.za, priced per glass and bought in pairs. The per-glass price drops at 4, 6, 8 and 12 glasses. Gift bundles and mixed sets are in Bundles. Venues, events and corporates can order in bulk, and from 42 glasses you can add your logo with branded glassware.
Quick answers
Is Govino a South African brand?
Govino was founded in Napa Valley, USA, in 2008. Govino SA is the brand's South African home and sells the range locally at govino.co.za with delivery across South Africa.
What are Govino glasses made of?
BPA-free Eastman Tritan™ copolyester: crystal-clear, shatterproof, food-safe and dishwasher safe.
Are Govino glasses plastic?
Technically yes: Tritan is a premium copolyester. But Govino glasses are reusable, sommelier-designed glassware, not disposable plastic cups.
What is the thumb notch on a Govino glass?
A moulded grip in the side of the glass that replaces the stem. It gives a secure hold and lets you swirl without warming the wine.