This project was built and designed by Gary Herd, also known as The Bearded Woodworker. It’s a small but thoughtful woodworking project that combines elegance, simplicity, and functionality in one clean design.
Perfect as a holiday gift or a year-round offering at craft shows and markets, the wine bottle glass holder is a great example of a project that’s both easy to build and satisfying to use.
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A Creative Gift That Stands Out
The wine bottle glass holder is designed to sit on top of a standard wine bottle and hold two glasses by their stems. It’s practical, compact, and makes for a great display when hosting guests or giving as a gift.
Gary revisits this project as part of a series focused on accessible builds that make great gifts. This one stands out for its visual appeal and ease of customization using different wood types and shapes.
Choosing Materials
While you can use nearly any type of hardwood, Gary prefers mixing different species like maple, oak, or purpleheart to create contrast and visual interest. The variety in color and grain gives each holder a unique look, even if the shape stays the same.
The project doesn’t require much wood, making it ideal for using up scraps or experimenting with small offcuts. It’s also a chance to highlight woods you might not use for larger furniture projects.
Preparing the Strips
The process begins by cutting the wood into strips. These strips can all be the same width, or you can vary them slightly for a more dynamic effect. The idea is to glue them together side by side to form a panel that will become the base for the holder.
After cutting, each strip is sanded lightly to remove any blade marks. Taking the time to prep the strips properly ensures tighter glue joints and a cleaner final product.
Laminating the Panel
Once the strips are prepped, they’re glued together and clamped tightly. Gary recommends allowing the glue to set overnight to ensure a strong bond.
Proper clamping is important here. Using even pressure across the entire panel helps prevent gaps and shifting as the glue sets. This gives the project a clean, solid starting point for shaping.
Cutting the Holder Shape
After the glue dries, the panel is cut to shape. A rectangular form is the most common, but Gary often adds curves or beveled edges for a softer, more refined look.
To create space for the wine bottle and glasses, three holes are drilled using a Forstner bit. The center hole fits over the wine bottle neck, while the two side holes are sized to cradle the base of standard wine glass stems.
Experimenting with the placement of the holes can help you dial in the look and balance. Just make sure everything stays centered so the holder doesn’t tip once loaded.
Refining the Design
To make the holder stand out even more, curves or cutouts can be added along the sides. Gary uses flexible templates and a bandsaw to shape the edges, then smooths the curves with a sander.
These small design choices give the project a more handmade feel. While it remains a simple build, the attention to detail adds value, especially if you’re planning to sell or gift the finished product.
Sanding and Finishing
Once the shape is finalized, the piece is sanded thoroughly. Gary works through several grits, making sure all edges and surfaces are smooth to the touch.
For the finish, food-safe mineral oil is applied. It’s easy to use, safe for gift items like this, and helps bring out the natural color and grain of the wood. After letting it soak in, the excess is wiped off, leaving a subtle sheen.
A Project Worth Repeating
One of the best things about this project is how easy it is to batch out. Once you’ve dialed in the dimensions and workflow, you can build several holders in a single afternoon.
That makes it a great project for last-minute gifts, holiday fairs, or Etsy shops. And since each one can be customized with wood choice, curves, or even engraving, you can keep things fresh without redesigning the whole process.
A Functional, Beautiful Gift
Gary’s version of the wine bottle glass holder is a perfect example of a woodworking project that’s both practical and personal. It’s a compact piece that brings a touch of handmade charm to any kitchen, dining area, or patio setup.
Whether you’re making one for yourself, a loved one, or a customer, it’s a build that delivers both satisfaction in the shop and appreciation from those who receive it.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Gary’s channel: