Have you ever felt like a glass of wine, but hesitated to pour a glass because you knew what was left in the bottle would go to waste? Or perhaps you went ahead and opened the bottle, and found that what you didn’t drink that night had started to go bad the night after?
Wine preservation systems were created to help with these exact problems. You can have a glass today, and save what you don’t drink for days, weeks, months, or even years to come. Before we get into our list of top 5 Wine Preservation devices, there are a few things you should know…
A) How long can you keep a bottle of wine once opened?
Once opened, a bottle of wine can last for several days. Generally speaking, lighter white and red wines will last for 3-5 days, while full-bodied reds can last for up to a week. However, it's important to keep the wine properly sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, to slow down the oxidation process and preserve the flavor and aroma.
B) What is a wine preserver and how do they work?
A wine preserver is a device that helps keep wine fresh after it has been opened. It can help slow down the oxidation process that causes the wine to spoil.
There are several types of wine preservers available, but the most common types are vacuum sealers and blanket systems that use inert gas (such as Argon).
A vacuum sealer works by removing the air from the bottle using a pump or stopper that creates a vacuum seal. This prevents oxygen from coming into contact with the wine and slows down the oxidation process.
Argon gas blanket systems, such as Coravin Timeless and Pivot, allow you to pour your desired amount of wine while still preserving what’s left in the bottle. With the Coravin Wine Preservation System, every glass you pour tastes as good as the first, weeks, months or even years later.
It works by siphoning wine out of the bottle through the cork with a needle (Timeless) and replacing the poured wine with Argon gas.
The question remains: How to choose the right preservation device?
Here is our list of the Top 5 Wine Preservation Systems:
1. Coravin Timeless
No more wasted bottles, no more uncertainty, no more drinking white when you’d prefer red, and no more compromising on pairing the right wines with your meal. The Coravin Timeless System allows you to enjoy your finest wines without pulling the cork.
Once you insert the needle through the cork (or screw cap), tip the bottle and pour. Argon gas (from the Coravin capsules) pressurizes the bottle, allowing wine to flow out the spout, then blankets remaining wine with Argon gas ensuring what remains in the bottle will stay fresh and filled with the flavours and aromas the wine maker intended.
Guillaume Gentil | on Timeless
"The Coravin Timeless System is truly an ideal tasting companion for any wine lover who wants to enjoy wine without spoiling it. It has been a long time waiting for a product that is so easy to use, capable of preserving wine without spoiling it. I highly recommend it!"
Georgie Kinsella
@brightonwines | Coravin Timeless
"Coravin is my favourite wine gadget! It has completely changed the way I drink and enjoy wine… I just adore it! Before I had a Coravin, I was scared to open a ‘nice’ bottle as I would fear it it would just go to waste.... But now, I can try it and review the wines for my social media and my tastings and then, enjoy them at a much later date! Sometimes you just want a glass of that beautiful wine that you try and save and Coravin allows that! No more waiting around for the perfect opportunity to open it."
Sissi
Verified Coravin Timeless Buyer from Breuschwickersheim
"No need to wait until there are guests at the table to decide to open a good bottle... With this Coravin system we can choose to pair our meal at any time with a small glass of good wine. Plus, it doesn't push you to drink just because the bottle is open. In short ... it's great!"
Is this the right preservation system for you?
The Coravin Timeless device is a game changer.
If you love wine, and you want to be able to enjoy it whenever you want, then the Coravin Timeless device is for you.
This device allows you to enjoy a glass of wine without opening the bottle. Your expensive bottles can remain on your shelf for months, even years. No more waiting for a special occasion or holiday to open your expensive bottles—you can enjoy one whenever you want! And prepare meals that pair perfectly to the wine of your choice.
The Coravin Timeless device was rated one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2022, so it’s no surprise that it has become the perfect gift for hosts, connoisseurs and those with extensive wine cellars.
2. Vacuum
A vacuum wine preserver is a device used to remove air from a bottle of wine to help preserve it. This is done by inserting a stopper into the bottle's neck and attaching a hand pump or an electric pump to the stopper. The user then pumps out the air from the bottle until the desired level of vacuum is reached, which removes oxygen from the bottle and helps preserve it.
Is this the right wine preservation system for you?
Wines are delicate, and they can be damaged by the air around them. When you open a bottle of wine, air enters the bottle and starts to oxidize the wine. This oxidation process can cause the wine to lose its flavor, aroma, and color and eventually spoil. By removing the air from the bottle using a vacuum wine preserver, you can slow down the oxidation process and preserve the wine for a longer period of time.
The length of time that a vacuum wine preserver can preserve wine depends on several factors, such as the type of wine, the age of the wine, and the storage conditions. In general, a vacuum wine preserver can extend the shelf life of an opened bottle of wine for a few days to a week.
However, it is important to note that vacuum wine preservation is not a foolproof method of wine preservation; if you don't store your wines in ideal conditions or if you don't keep them cool enough, then they may still spoil over time.
3. Pivot
The Coravin Pivot system is here to help you match your wine to your mood, dinner courses, or the weather. The Coravin Pivot system differs from the original Timeless system in that the cork is removed from the bottle and the bottle is consumed within a few days or within a month.
How does it work? The Pivot stoppers fit snugly and securely onto the wine bottle, and with the closure cap snaps in place, meaning you can confidently store the bottle on its side without fear of wine dripping.
Simply tip, hold the button and pour. The spout pours wine nearly as fast as if it was coming straight out of the bottle. As you pour, Argon gas is released in the bottle, preserving what remains in the bottle for up to 4 weeks.
Andrea Zigrossi
Influencer and Wine Discoverer 🍇 @trotterwine
"In just a few steps you can open a bottle of wine and keep it perfectly preserved for up to 4 weeks. After uncorking the bottle, you just have to insert the Pivot Stopper and then put the Coravin Pivot on the bottle. Then only tilt the bottle and press the button to pour the wine. Saying it is easy, doing it even more!"
George Miliotes, MS
Owner of Wine Bar George at Disney Springs® at Walt Disney World® Resort
"The beautiful thing about Coravin Timeless is that it allows us to leverage discussions with guests and open them up to new experiences.
We love the newer Coravin Pivot. Whether we're using it for our most popular wines because of its quick pour abilities, or wines with extra-long corks or vin-lok closure, it is an integral part of our program."
Brett Zimmerman, MS
Owner, Boulder Wine Merchant
"The Coravin® Pivot™ Wine Preservation System is essential for any serious wine drinker. This simple yet innovative creation offers a reasonably priced option to ensure fresh, uncompromising wine for up to a month after opening the bottle. Pivot™ will undoubtedly improve the quality of your wine enjoyment experience. After all, life is too short to drink oxidized wines."
Is this the right wine preservation system for you?
The Coravin Pivot is a great gift for someone who is a fan of Coravin but has not splurged on one of the pricier systems or was looking for something at a lower price point to use with everyday wines.
The Coravin Pivot is ideal for those who like to drink moderately priced wines and don't want to waste what they don't drink (due to oxidation). Sip on a glass today, and discover the same fresh and delicious aromas coming out of the glass as when you first uncorked the wines.
The Coravin Pivot is also perfect for anyone who wants to be able to enjoy a glass of wine every night without breaking their budget. It's an affordable way to enjoy your favorite wines without having to worry about wasting any wine due to oxidation or cork taint.
4. Sparkling
You deserve to enjoy the best of life and wine is no exception. The Coravin Sparkling Wine Preservation System ensures that your favourite sparkling wines remain delicious and crisp for up to 4 weeks. With this easy-to-use system, you can pour yourself a glass of your favourite bubbly, close the bottle with the Coravin Sparkling Stopper and then use the Coravin Sparkling System to insert CO2 back into the bottle.
Anthony
@dew_on_the_vine | Coravin Sparkling
"Coravin's Sparkling wine system has transformed how we drink sparkling wines. Personal use or business use this is a fantastic product giving you the option to have a single glass of bubbles over 3 weeks, as required.
This means on more expensive wines you can enjoy the same bottle on several separate occasions. Coravin sparkling is easy to use and leaves the wine you come back too still outstanding quality. Bravo."
Katie Bracken
Coravin Sparkling
"The Coravin sparkling system is an absolute must have for any sparkling wine lover. With the Coravin system I’ve drunk champagne 10 days after opening and I was still as fresh as the first glass, perfect for when you fancy just one glass but do not want to waste the rest of the contents. I also have a friend that always drinks apérol spritz, now I do not have to buy a new Prosecco every time that she visits me. It’s an absolute game changer 10/10 from me."
India Donisi
@winespicegirl | Coravin Sparkling
“Coravin sparkling has made my daily life extra effervescent. Where I used to be reluctant to open a nice bottle of Champagne because I knew it would never be empty, now I open a bottle every week to toast life, the sun and the achievement of small and big successes. It is wonderful that the quality remains stable and that I can vary between different Champagne houses and cuvées.”
Is this the right wine preservation system for you?
The Coravin Sparkling device is the perfect gift for anyone who loves Champagne, Cava, Prosecco or Sparkling Wine.
With the Coravin Sparkling device you can drink your favourite Sparking wine, Champagne, Cava or Prosseco and save what's left in the bottle for up to 4 weeks. Great for nights where you want a little bubbly, or just a splash of sparkling wine in your Summer cocktail.
5. Seal/Blocker
Wine stoppers are a convenient and affordable solution for preserving opened bottles of wine for a day or two. They create an airtight seal, preventing air from entering the bottle and causing the wine to oxidize and spoil.
To use a wine stopper, simply insert it into the neck of the bottle and press down firmly to create an airtight seal. Wine stoppers are typically used for short-term wine storage, as they do not remove air from the bottle and can only slow down the oxidation process.
Is this the right wine preservation system for you?
Wine stoppers are particularly useful when you want to enjoy a glass or two of wine but don't want to consume the entire bottle at once. They are also useful when you have leftover wine after a party or dinner and want to save it for later. By using a wine stopper to seal the bottle, you can keep the wine fresh and enjoyable for just a few short days.
In Conclusion
When choosing the right wine preservation system, there are a few factors to consider. First and foremost, the type of wine you plan to preserve will play a role in selecting the right preservation system. If you have an extensive wine cellar with many bottles (old and new) the Timeless may be ideal for you. However, if you’re looking to up your wine game, but still drink reasonably priced bottles, opt for the Pivot.
Additionally, wine preservation systems can vary in price, so it's important to consider your budget when selecting a system or purchasing one as a gift.
Ultimately, the best wine preservation system for you will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and specific needs. It may be helpful to read reviews, watch videos and do some research before making a purchase to ensure you select the system perfectly suited to your wine drinking and preservation needs.