The word “tastevin” is borrowed directly from French, where it means “wine taster,” and that’s a literal description of the object. Traditionally, a tastevin is a small silver or pewter shallow cup used by a sommelier for tasting wines and fully appreciating the flavors, aromas, and colors of the wine. The dimples and ridges on the surface of a tastevin reflect light in a dark wine cellar, allowing for better assessment. This type of cup was developed in Burgundy, France, but it’s not exclusive to the region.