Frequently Asked Questions

What are the care instructions? Can I put my glass in the dishwasher?

Created with the highest manufacturing standards, we're strict with how long we cure our glass. This guarantees that it's much stronger than anything factory-made or made overseas! Each piece from Studio Vine is as beautiful as it is durable. 

As for best practices, don't use hot liquids in our glassware. That said, freezing is okay and our thicker tumbles keep temperature quite nicely. The next time you'd like a chilled beverage without having to water it down with ice, give this trick a try. 

You can run most of our glass through the dishwasher, such as:

- heavy tumblers

- ice wine/liqueur glasses

- stemless wine glasses

- pint glasses

- mortar and pestles 

Any of our larger pieces should be hand-washed, for example steins, decanters, and bowls. 

An added note – be wary of temperature shock after washing! Refrain from ice or cold liquid until the glass has returned to room temperature.

 

Can I actually use the mortar and pestle?

Absolutely! 

Glass is extremely strong under compression. We make our mortar and pestles thick and robust so you can confidently grind anything you would traditionally grind in stone. We also sandblast both parts so there's a nice tooth to them, similar to the stone you might be used to. 

Fun fact: glass mortar and pestles are widely used in pharmaceuticals as glass is inert, preventing it from contaminating whatever you're grinding.

Better yet, glass is also non-porous and won't absorb any flavours! You can count on this set to support you in preparing the freshest of dishes – from curries to cocktails and anything in-between.

 

Can I visit the studio?

Yes! The studio is open to the public from Thursday to Sunday from 10 am - 6 pm, and we're just a 15-minute walk away from Clifton Hill. 

Come by to view our glassware shop, or to place your very own custom order.

 

Can I try working with glass?

It sounds like our Hot Glass Experience is just what you're looking for. 

Join founder Woody in his glassblowing studio to create your very own original glass art! He'll safely guide you through your hot glass experience where you'll get to experience firsthand the nuances and subtitles of glassblowing. 

Geared for beginners, all are welcome! You don't want to miss this one-of-a-kind hot glass experience in the heart of Niagara. Learn more and book your experience here.

How long does it take to make each piece?

We make our products in daily batches and the length of time it takes varies. It's taken us years to attain the skill level necessary to create our pieces, which is an important factor to consider.

That said, each piece can take anywhere from twenty minutes to an hour to make. They're then boxed away in a kiln for twelve hours to slowly reduce their temperature until they reach room temperature. 

The kiln is essential – if you were to leave a freshly crafted glass piece out to cool down, it would break every time. This is because the molecules move quite slowly back into their solid positions.

Isn't glass actually a liquid?

No, however this is a very common misconception! 

Glass has been debated for years about its state. Is it a liquid, a solid, an amorphous solid, or other? It's truly a material in its own category and has taken humans until only recently to fully understand its characteristics – even though it's one of humankind's oldest crafts.

The most current theory is that it's its own state of matter. Rather than being a solid, a liquid, or a gas, it's a whole other category itself! The four states of matter are solid, liquid, gas, and glass. 

It might not be obvious to most, but we live in the age of glass. 

Glass has been essential in projecting science forward by allowing us to see space through lenses, altering the realm of architecture, allowing us to fix our vision with glasses, as well as progressing technologies such as fiber optics, microchips, and screens of all sorts. 

That's not even touching on how it's allowed for breakthroughs in science. Test tubes, vortex chambers, and much lab equipment are all created with glass. 

What an incredibly modern and ancient material!