The Legend of the Unglazed Wine Cup

Published November 23, 2014

The following is a true story. My sister Sam gave me a wine cup in 2004 or so when she had newly discovered clay herself.

Wine cups

While she didn’t go on to become a potter, she sure started a trend that really began my career in clay. Each of the unglazed wine cups come with a scroll, which explains their existence.

“Once there was a potter who was approached by a little old lady who was carrying a small cup. The lady asked the potter if she could make her a cup like this one. “What is so special about this cup is that it has no glaze on the inside. For some reason I can drink wine from this cup without getting a headache. And, it’s small, so it will fit in my purse.” So the young potter made a cup for the lady and one for herself. She even gave her sister, Amy, one, who thought it was brilliant.

Amy thought this was a wonderful mystery and decided to investigate. She went to another potter who was a biologist. He too thought it was a mystery. Then she went to several vinters in the North Georgia Mountains. All the vintners claimed this relationship between clay and wine: red wine has tannins and histamines which are known to cause headaches. As red wines are made, they are passed through a bentonite (clay) filter to reduce both tannins and histamines.

The potter was fascinated, as she too loved red wines, and decided to make several cups for testing purposes. The little old lady was so pleased she bought one for herself and all her friends. The potter also gave them to all her friends, and they liked them so much they too orders some for their friends. And so on and so on until here today is YOUR very own wine cup that will fit in your purse.

“The truth is in the testing,” said the potter, Amy Strickland, “and we do plenty of testing!”

Welcome to the circle of friends who all believe in the magic of the unglazed wine cups!

Cheers!

PS – To date, after 6 years of making wine cups, I can say that I have them on every continent in the world, thanks to fellow believers who are also globe travelers. The only place they are not, that I know of, is Antartica. And if you are out there, in Antartica, and want one, send me shipping instructions!!! lol I’m just not sure how I’m going to get there….

Discussion

  1. Pj says:

    Can I order wine cups from you?? I bought one at Madison street festival and LOVE IT!

  2. Amy Strickland says:

    Hi Pj! Did I respond to you already on your request? You can order them from me! I’m sorry if I didn’t respond earlier – sometimes I think I do and I haven’t. I got a new computer for Christmas and am still on a severe learning curve :>).

    Thank you!
    Amy

  3. Louann Jones says:

    I would like to buy two wine cups. Can you send me ordering instructions? These are great!
    Thank you,
    Louann Jones

  4. Holly says:

    Were you at the Madison Al street festival in early Oct? Can we order the cups with the indent for one’ s thumb? Can the cup be used for white wine as well,or only red?We are visiting some dear friends in Mexico next month and have been racking our brains for a “hostess” present. Is ther a discount available for orders of larger numbers? Thanking you in advance for your kind assistance, anesthesia regards, Holly McRae

  5. Frances Pacheco says:

    I would love to buy a wine cup for my son. I sent you an email about a month ago and have been calling country cottage in Dahlonega, but they don’t seem to have any. Will you be making any more? I bought one for my daughter-in-law a couple years ago, and he keeps wanting to use hers. Please let me know how I can get one for him. Thank you. Frances Pacheco

  6. Sandra says:

    Can I order 2 unglazed cups please?

  7. Laurie Flynn says:

    Hi,
    I’m wondering how to order a few wine cups. I’m just wondering prices and shipping costs to Alberta, Canada

  8. Joe Kenny says:

    Looking to order 2-4 cups if you are still selling them

  9. Could I order 6 wine cups?

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