New Zealand Winegrowers' Association chairman and Bannockburn's Carrick Winery owner Steve Green said the development signalled Central Otago pinot noir had ''come of age''.
''The international reputation of our wines has been recognised and a dedicated Central Otago pinot noir glass will sit alongside ... a Burgundy glass and the Champagne flute.
''A historical moment is about to occur in New Zealand's wine industry and Central Otago is preparing for the world stage.''
Riedel Glass Company chief executive Georg J. Riedel toured the wine region to gain a better appreciation of its pinot noir - chosen for the new glass because of its quality and intensity - before embarking on a tasting session to find the ''perfect glass''.
Mr Riedel, a 10th generation member of the Riedel family, led the interactive session with about 20 wine experts and local winemakers who sampled their own wines in 14 different types of glasses.
Each guest was asked to rate the glasses and award points to those they thought best reflected the way their wine should taste.
Scores were then collated and two glasses emerged as ''clear winners''.
Mr Riedel said using the right glass was ''crucial'' when enhancing the art of drinking wine and encouraged guests to ''forget about the look of the glass'' and ''feel the emotion of the wine''.
''The perfect pinot noir glass has a rounded, bulbous bottom and a thin pointed flow at the top.
''The glass controls the flow of wine to the palate in a spectacular way so the wine doesn't become better, it tastes better,'' he said.
Mr Green said it was testament to Mr Riedel's love of Central Otago's wines that he had travelled from the other side of the world to talk to winemakers and growers here and gather their thoughts.
''To have a company as influential as Riedel recognise our region's pinot noirs as stand-out and worthy of a specially designed glass is a proud moment in Central Otago's relatively short 30-year winegrowing history,'' he said.
The Riedel Central Otago pinot noir glass is planned for release by Hancocks Wine and Spirit Merchants next year.
