4 Best Wine Refrigerators for Small Spaces in 2022

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Want to store (and cool) wine in a compact space like an RV, a boat or yacht, or in a small apartment or condo? Wine refrigerators come in many different sizes, including large wine maturation cabinets, under counter coolers for entertaining, or stand-alone wine refrigerators. And, lucky for you, some of these refrigerators are quite compact.

As avid boating enthusiasts and road trippers dreaming of renovating an old RV for future travels, KnowWines explored compact wine refrigerators as well as solutions for keeping them closed when in transit. We share all our best recommendations and tips in today’s blog!

Before we continue with our recommendations for the best small wine refrigerators, though, a little about the KnowWines blog. We are an Amazon.com affiliate and we do receive a small commission if you purchase items through our affiliate links at no cost to you. The commissions we receive help us pay for web hosting fees, our podcast, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thanks for using our affiliate links and supporting our independent blog!

Introducing Compact Wine Coolers

Why select a compact wine cooler?

Compact wine refrigerators were designed to fit in small spaces, to keep just a few of your favorite wines on for a short journey - say a weekend or even a couple of weeks (time flies when you’re having fun!).

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In our past blog on the best wine refrigerators for wine lovers and podcast episode on wine cabinets, we really go into detail about what to look for in a wine refrigerator regardless of size, explaining the impacts of light, temperature, humidity, and vibration. When purchasing a larger wine refrigerator, however, you are typically purchasing one for your home, not travel.

Compact wine coolers for traveling in boats or RVs come in a broad range of capacities, widths, price points, and construction types. As in most competitive retail spaces, you pretty much get what you pay for.

At the lower end, you’re likely to get a noisier unit. Cheaper units also may not have the flexibility to install as a built-in or to rotate the door for a choice of left or right opening (this can be important in small spaces). Cheaper units also come with cheaper packing material. You might also sacrifice some temperature control. 

At the higher price point, you pay for a higher quality compressor and some aesthetic design elements like wood shelves. You’re also more likely to get an after-sales service number and someone you can contact if any issues arise or if you need a part.  

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What Are Typical Small Wine Cooler Bottle Capacities?

Small wine refrigerators come in eight, 16, 18, 24, 28, and 32 bottle capacities. However, these are just general guidelines. In communicating these capacities, manufacturers are typically referring to Bordeaux-style bottles.

What Are Typical Small Wine Cooler Dimensions?

Unless designed to be free-standing, most small wine coolers are designed to fit inside a standard base cabinet of 15”.  

How to Choose A Small Wine Refrigerator

Chances are you won’t need a compact wine refrigerator to age a collection of fine wines over a course of years.  You are likely looking for a unit that will store wines at about 55 degrees F for a period of weeks or months.  Unlike larger maturation coolers, some slightly different criteria come into play.

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Design for Holding Wine Bottles

While this might sound like a no-brainer, we do see a lot of ads for wine refrigerators which are simply dorm-sized refrigerators with wire racks.  These units are not designed for maintaining the correct humidity or for holding wines steady in a moving RV or yacht. Even in a small condo or apartment, this style of refrigerator is undesirable for wine storage as bottles will roll around within the unit.

Noise

For smaller refrigerators in more confined spaces, noise can become an issue, especially at the low-end price range. We love wine refrigerators with compressors as they typically last longer than thermoelectric units, reducing the need for replacing the unit frequently. Compressor units typically last 8-10 years and can last longer if you don’t mind replacing a part here or there as the unit ages.  In our reviews, we pay special attention to the quality of the compressor and the noise it generates (as experienced by customer ratings).

Dual Temperature or Single Temperature?

We love to keep our electronics simple and as low maintenance as possible. If you’ve ever owned a three-function printer, the joke is “which function will break first.” We recommend a single temperature unit, and keeping the single zone set for 55 degrees F.   

Built-In or Free-Standing Compact Wine Refrigerator?

If you plan to install a wine refrigeration unit in an RV or boat where the unit will be placed into some sort of cabinet that is designed to vent out front, be sure to read the fine print. Otherwise, the construction materials behind the refrigerator could get too hot and ignite, potentially starting a fire in your small space.

Do I Need a Warranty?

From our over ten years experience in owning various wine refrigerators, we’ve noticed that if you are going to have a problem with your unit it is going to likely be when the unit is fairly new. These coolers can get damaged during transit or installation.  We recommend purchasing a small wine refrigerator with a premium credit card that extends the manufacturer’s warranty. For these smaller units, we typically don’t purchase a separate small appliance warranty. 

Also, don’t install these or any wine refrigerators next to an oven. Small wine refrigerators tend to have fairly thin side-walls as compared to a conventional refrigerator, allowing oven heat to penetrate and damage the wine or refrigerator.

Our Favorite Compact Wine Refrigerators

Best 12” Wine Cooler

We like the Kalmera 12” wine cooler for its small size, low noise compressor, and aesthetics.  

If you have an existing space utilized by an old trash compactor that you want to remove, this 12” wine cooler might be good for that. This could also be a good compact wine refrigerator for installing in an RV.

Features we like are the easy-to-use buttons, double-layer glass for UV protection, and a carbon filter to reduce odors. If your power happens to go out, when the unit restarts it will go back to the temperature you set it at.

We also like the sliding wood racks that hold up to 18 Bordeaux bottles. The top shelf of the unit is 4” high, so it can accommodate larger bottles like super-premium Chardonnay from Napa or many of the odd rosé bottle sizes from Provence or the Rhone.  

The blue lights in the unit can be turned off if you find that they are too strong. 

The door handle can be removed as well!




Best 15” Wine Cooler

If you have 15” opening to work with, this 30-bottle wine chiller by Colzer might work for you.  

This unit has oak shelves and the shelf spacing is 3.5 inches, so it should accommodate champagne easily. 

Take note that some wider-based rose wines and super-premium wide-bottom wine bottles might not fit. Check the diameter of your wine bottles before purchasing this or any compact wine refrigerator.  




Best Thermoelectric Countertop Wine Cooler

If you don’t have a 12” or 15” space under your kitchen counter, then you may be interested in this countertop wine cooler. 

With a very small footprint (12. 3"(L) x 22. 6"(W) x 19. 2"(H)), it holds eight bottles of wine on chrome racks.

The thermoelectric cooling system makes for a fairly quiet unit, and the interior light is soft interior light is not distracting. If you have the countertop space, this could be an attractive addition to your kitchen.

Adjustable feet help this to fit more snugly beneath cabinets and shelves.

Best Cheap Small Wine Refrigerator

On a budget? Go for this Schmecke 12-Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler Refrigerator. This unit may be too noisy in a closed in space like a boat or RV, but if you are looking for a unit to place in a bonus room or other space you are not reading or sleeping in, this is a less expensive option. This may also be an affordable wine refrigerator for a hair or nail salon.  

 
 

How to Secure Your Wine Cabinet Door in an RV or Boat

If your small space wine cabinet install is going to be inside a larger moving home like and RV, boat, or (lucky you!) a yacht, then you will want to consider adding additional measures to ensure that the door does not come flying open on rough seas or when rounding a mountain bend.

One of the most attractive and robust systems we have found is this door locking system by Guardianite.  

We like how it attaches with the easy to remove the sticker, exposing the 3M adhesive. 

RV and boating enthusiasts will like how the latch falls away and does not get in the way.  

In Conclusion

When looking for a small wine refrigerator for an RV, boat, condo, or apartment, there are a few great 12”, 15” and countertop units out there on the market. For under-counter mounting, we recommend a wine cooler with a compressor. 

Ideally, the unit has a wooden shelf or bottle-shaped holders to keep wine steady, especially if you are taking wine on the road or on a yacht.

If you are taking wine on the road (or open seas) with you, remember that extreme vibration may accelerate the wine aging process. Hence we don’t recommend multi-year storage of wines in a small wine refrigerator. Instead, keep wines for aging back at home in a large stand-alone wine cabinet, an under-counter wine cabinet or at a storage unit specifically designed for storing wine.  

Happy travels!

The 6 Best Corkscrews and Wine Openers for 2022

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When it comes to opening a bottle of wine, there are a lot of products out there that can do the job.  Clever kitchen stores and gift shops market all types of wine openers to wine enthusiasts, either for our own use or as gifts.  Don’t fall prey to all those cheap wine openers marketed to the home wine consumer.  

When selecting a wine opener, consider the intended application to select the best wine opener:

  • Will you be traveling with the corkscrew?

  • Do you want to give the best wine key to a sommelier friend achieving her latest certification? 

  • Are you simply looking for a perfect wine opener, one that won’t fail three months from now

  • Are you wanting a double-hinged wine key that will fit in your sister’s small hand? 

  • Have you fallen for older wines (with their troublesome older corks!) and so need a traditional Ah-So style cork puller?

Before we share our list of 2022’s best wine openers, though, a little about the KnowWines blog. We’re an Amazon.com affiliate and we do receive a small commission if you purchase items through our affiliate links at no cost to you. The commissions help us pay for web hosting fees, our podcast, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thank you for using our affiliate links and supporting this independent blog!

Opening a bottle of wine

Since the invention of the wine bottle and cork in the late 17th century, mankind has been designing and patenting tools for getting corks out of bottles.  

Fast forward to today, where in the United States, about 80% of wine is purchased for home consumption.  That means a lot of wine openers in American homes and a proliferation of different types of wine openers and names for these wine-freeing devices.

Corkscrew innovations are a lot like other kitchen innovations, over-engineered with cheap parts to appeal to the gadget junkie. They often end up collecting dust in the kitchen drawer.  Alternatively, many corkscrews in the grocery store or hotel room are cheap knock-offs meant to be disposable.

Here, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite wine corkscrews for all wine consumers, from the best waiter’s corkscrew to the best high-tech version of a wine opener. These wine openers will appeal to casual users as well as serious enthusiasts and sommeliers.  

And in case you need an opener for older bottles with fragile corks, we share with you our recommendation for a cork puller. 

Last, we review one electronic wine opener for those with limited hand mobility or weak hands and or wrists.  

Wine Opener Terminology

Hugger Waiter Corkscrew

Hugger Waiter Corkscrew

What is a Waiter’s friend?  Wine Key? Sommelier’s Knife?  Butler’s Friend? Waiter’s Corkscrew?

Don’t be intimidated. These are all the same thing!

Based upon a German innovation dating back to the late 1880s, this device of many names has been a true friend to sommeliers, waiters, butlers, serious enthusiasts, and casual wine consumers alike.  The design of a sommelier’s knife has not diversified too much since its inception.

We continue to return to this kitchen multi-tool as it is reliable, takes up limited space, and feels robust enough to stand up to the task of liberating that great liquid from the bottle. 

The components of the wine key are the worm (metal helix), the handle, the boot-lever, the foil cutter, and optional bottle cap remover to remove the caps off of sodas or beer.

How To Use a Wine Key

Many wine opening devices on the market aim at simplifying the wine opening process. In practice, however, it is quite simple to use a wine key to open a bottle of wine. Most of us simply have not been trained on how to open a bottle of wine.  

For an introduction (or refresher!) on wine service, including the use of the wine key to open the bottle, check out this video.  

How To Open a Bottle of Wine with a Fragile Cork

Perhaps you have an older bottle and the cork just doesn’t look like it will hold together if you apply the force of the wine key worm to it. Or, perhaps you’ve used the waiter’s friend and $#*@!, the cork broke in half and now you are wondering how you are going to get the rest of the remaining cork out.

This is where the cork extractor or cork puller (also colloquially referred to as the Ah-So cork puller) comes in handy.

Check out this video on removing fragile corks from older wine bottles or retrieving the lodged piece of a broken cork.

When To Use An Electric Wine Opener

While we recommend the waiter’s friend for most wine opening experiences, we understand that they might not be easy to use for all wine enthusiasts.  

We are all differently abled when it comes to manual dexterity.  If you find removing the foil on the bottle, opening or closing the corkscrew, manipulating the worm and/or levering the cork out of the bottle painful or impossible, you may want to consider using an electric wine opener.

For our recommendation on the best electric opener, keep reading!

Our Wine Opener Recommendations

Best Waiter’s Friends

Hugger Waiter ABS Handle Corkscrew with Serrated Blade

Our favorite classic corkscrew—and of the best waiter’s corkscrews—is this Franmara Hugger from Italy.  The worm is nickel-plated with an etched line running down the spiral. The stainless steel serrated knife cuts through foil easily. The ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) handle is solid.  ABS plastic is quite similar to the strong and smooth three-polymer plastic used in LEGO building blocks and computer keyboards.  

 The corkscrew also features a two-step boot lever. The wine opener is built like a tank, and fits in the hand like a comfortable knife.  

This type of wine key is common in restaurants, wineries, and at catered events so home wine enthusiasts can rest assured that it will last a long time and can be replaced easily if lost. The matte finish of the handle gives it a classic look.  

Pros: 

  • The wine key’s larger size fits well in large hands

  • The serrated knife is large and can double for opening boxes

Cons:

  • Plastic handle might feel industrial to home users

  • The wine key’s larger size might feel too big in smaller hands

Pulltap's Genuine Classic 500 Double-Hinged Lever Waiters Wine Corkscrew Bottle Opener

Next up in best waiter’s corkscrews is Pulltap’s wine corkscrew from Barcelona, Spain. This one’s strong reputation for durability makes it one of the most replicated corkscrews, so beware of imitations with names similar to Pulltap!

The Pulltap has a solid body and a strong nickel-plated double-hinged lever. This body/handle has a smooth, ergonomic feel to it. The worm is Teflon coated, which makes it great for both natural and synthetic corks.  

Pros:

  • Ergonomic handle great for opening a lot of wines at a time

  • Retractable Teflon coated worm good for natural and synthetic corks

  • This corkscrew is available in multiple colors including classic and trending colors

Cons:

  • Smaller sized handle not ideal for large or extra-large hands

  • The stainless steel foil cutter blade is a little on the small side

Laguiole en Aubrac Wine Opener with Juniper Handle

If you (or a lucky recipient) wants a handmade corkscrew from France, Laguiole wine openers come with a wide array of handles including bone, stone, and specialty woods. The metal components are forged in France in mills near Thiels.  The craftsmen making these knives typically apprentice between one and three years. This may quite literally be the best corkscrew in the world.

Each individual knife is handmade by artisans from southern France and each is truly a piece of art. Laguiole is not a brand name, rather it is a generic name for a knife originating from Laguiole village. There are several markings on these knives that are of interest: a fly (la mouche) engraved on the springhead; a cross (Shepherd's cross) used by shepherds for prayer; and signature engraving on the spine of the knife, unique to the knife-maker. 

Pros:

  • Handcrafted in France by skilled artisans

  • Corkscrew and foil cutter forged from Sandvik brushed stainless steel

  • Bragging rights to the “best corkscrew in the world!”

Con:

  • Can be a little “stiff” to use when new, making it difficult to use at first if you are opening a lot of bottles in an evening

  • Single pull corkscrew (some people prefer double-stage corkscrew)

Best Key Chain Bottle Opener

Munkees 3-in-1 Mini Keychain Corkscrew & Bottle Opener Tool with Knife

If you are looking for a well-made corkscrew to keep on your keychain (ideal for outdoor pursuits), the Munkees Mini Corkscrew might be the best small corkscrew for camping or thru-hiking. With this easy-to-carry 3-inch mini wine key, you will never again have to research “how to open a bottle of wine without a corkscrew.”

In addition to being a corkscrew on a chain, the device has a bottle cap opener and a sharp knife. The tip of the corkscrew is secured and covered by the bottle cap opener.   

Pros:

  • Small size 

  • Can carry on a keychain

  • 30-day free return

Cons:

  • Does not have double-action or single-action lever - will need to use brute force to pull the cork out with the T-handle.

Best Cork Puller

Monopol Westmark Germany Steel Two-Prong Cork Puller with Cover

This cork puller is great when you need to uncork old vintage wine.  These two-prong cork pullers go by many names, including Ah-So cork puller, Butler’s Thief, Butler’s Friend, or Ah-So style Waiter’s Friend.  

To use one of these cork extractors, simply use a knife or foil cutter to remove the foil from the top of the wine bottle.  Hold the neck of the bottle firmly and insert the longest prong onto one side of the cork between the cork and the inside neck of the bottle, followed by the shortest prong.  Wiggle the extractor prongs while pushing downwards on the hand. Once the cork puller prongs are firmly tweezing the cork, slowly turn the cork puller while holding the bottle to extract the cork.

This particular cork puller is made in Germany and comes in an esthetically pleasing little black box with plush interior, making it a great gift. The steel prongs and die cast metal ergonomic handle and cover means it will likely outlast all of us! It comes with a five-year warranty.  

Pros:

  • Cork is not damaged during extraction, reducing the chances that little bits of cork crumbs fall into the bottle

  • Easy to clean

  • Low profile, making it one of the best small corkscrews for travel.

Cons:

  • Requires a little wiggling and pulling, which might be difficult for some with carpal tunnel or other wrist dexterity challenges

Best electric wine opener

Electric Wine Opener Rechargeable Automatic Corkscrew Wine Bottle Opener with Foil Cutter & USB Charging Cable Stainless Steel by Flasnake

While at KnowWines we prefer the classic styles of the waiter’s friend and cork extractors, we know that some wine consumers want or need an electric wine opener.  If you suffer from carpal tunnel, wrist pain, a broken arm, or have use of only one hand, classic wine openers won’t suffice.

In an electric wine opener, we looked for ease of use, sleek design aesthetics, noise level, and warranty.

This wine opener is very easy to use.  One simply needs to cut the foil using the included (free!) foil cutter, then use the down and up arrows on the electric wine opener to first insert the screw then retract the cork from the bottle.  We also liked the energy efficiency of the device - one can open up to 80 bottles on one full charge!

Pros:

  • Attractive beige box - great for gift-giving

  • Quiet

  • Contemporary stainless steel housing

  • Pretty blue and red lights light up during operation

  • Takes 100 - 240 V

The Wine Bottle Opener Round-Up

For almost all bottle opening applications, the classic Waiter’s Friend corkscrew will suffice.  

When selecting the best bottle opener, consider the user and the situation(s) in which bottles will be opened.

In the wine bar and restaurant community, you’ll find our first two picks for good reasons. The Hugger has the feel of a good multi-purpose chef’s knife, while the Pulltap feels like a great paring knife.  They are a good balance of cost and quality - if you lose one, it isn’t the end of the world.

For those looking for a gift for a serious wine collector or a sommelier achieving his/her most recent wine award, the Laguiole wine opener is a lifetime investment and celebration of enduring craftsmanship.  

Outdoor enthusiasts and college students will find the Monkees corkscrew and bottle combination with keychain a practical tool.

And for those who love the ease of use of an electronic wine opener, who may be suffering from carpal tunnel or arthritis, the Flasnake Electronic Wine Opener is a great choice.

We hope this blog helps you choose just the right corkscrew for yourself or a friend. For more great wine gift ideas, check out our ultimate guide to gifts for wine lovers.

Cheers!

The Best Champagne Buckets

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With the rise in popularity of sparkling wine and champagne, wine lovers have an increasing interest in sparkling wine accessories like champagne chiller buckets, champagne stoppers, and wine refrigerators. There’s a wide range of champagne buckets—also called champagne coolers and champagne holders—on the market, and these buckets are available at many price points. Here, we take a deeper dive into these products to help you make the best decision!

Before we continue with our review, though, a little about the KnowWines blog. We are an Amazon.com affiliate and we do receive a small commission if you purchase items through our affiliate links at no cost to you. The commissions we receive help us pay for web hosting fees, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thanks for using our affiliate links and supporting our independent blog!

Before Buying a Champagne Bucket

Do I need a champagne chiller bucket? Let’s try to answer that question for you by delving into the reason for their existence.

What is the Ideal Temperature for Serving Champagne?

Champagne and most sparkling wines taste best served at 8 to 10 C (47 to 50 F).  When champagne is too cold, it’s difficult to detect flavors and aromas. When champagne and many sparkling wines get above 12 C (or 55 F), then the wine can taste a little “flabby” (less crisp and refreshing). 

In summary, champagne and sparkling wines should be chilled before serving, and they should be kept cold while drinking for maximum enjoyment.

What is the Best Way to Chill Champagne?

On the internet, one can find dozens of methods for chilling champagne, but we prefer to go with what the pros do - using a champagne holder filed with ice and water. Why is using a champagne bucket the preferred method for sommeliers and wine professionals?

First, it takes twenty minutes to an hour to chill wine by simply placing it in the freezer (likely a full hour if the wine is at ambient temperature).  Also, if you forget about wine in the freezer compartment, you’ll have a messy disaster on your hand when the cork dislodges!

Cooling champagne in a refrigerator? It will take up to two hours for a wine to go from ambient temperature to 50 F.  

What about my wine cabinet?  Most wine refrigerators don’t get champagne or sparkling wines cool enough, so in addition to having a small wine refrigerator, you may also want a bucket for chilling.

Champagne or sparkling wine that’s been cooled to 50 F will quickly warm up in ambient temperatures - even faster in warm weather.  Once that chilled bottle of wine is opened, it will ideally be placed in an ice and water bath inside a champagne bucket. For this reason, champagne lovers may want to consider purchasing a champagne cooler bucket to keep the wine at serving temperature throughout a meal or evening.

How Do I Use a Champagne Bucket?

PRO TIP:

In a rush to chill down your champagne? Simply use soda water instead of tap water.

Simply fill the champagne bucket about 3/4 full with ice. Then, add water until the water line is about halfway up the side of the bucket. Finally, place the champagne or sparkling wine into the chiller bucket. If you are in a particularly warm location, consider covering the wine and bucket with a towel to reduce the speed of ice thaw.  

Never try to “pile drive” a glass bottles into a bucket of ice. For one thing, it will be a noisy process! Even more importantly, you could damage the bottle’s label or even cause a bottle to break if you hit it on a sharp piece of ice.  

What to Consider When Purchasing a Champagne Chiller Bucket?

There are a number of factors to consider when purchasing a champagne bucket.

Single Bottle Champagne Bucket - Or More?

The first major consideration when purchasing a champagne holder is the number of bottles you would like to chill. Champagne buckets that hold one or two bottles are sufficient for most wine lovers. However, if you entertain large crowds, consider getting a bucket that holds a minimum of four bottles of wine. Also, you may want to check out our article on champagne bottle sleeves, which are a portable alternative to a champagne bucket.

Construction of Champagne Bucket

Acrylic champagne buckets are typically your best bet for a cheap champagne bucket.  

For those wine enthusiasts who don’t want a see-through ice bucket, and who are seeking to replicate a restaurant experience in a home or special events venue, stainless steel is typically the way to go.

Folks wanting something a little different than stainless may seek out hammered copper, hammered aluminum, or another decorative champagne bucket.

If you are looking to splurge, then consider silver or crystal champagne buckets.  

Single-walled or Double-walled Champagne Bucket?

Regardless of the construction, consider if you want a single-walled or double-walled champagne bucket. Note that a single-walled champagne bucket may sweat, causing water to pool under it. This might be fine if you’re primarily using it outdoors (say, on a patio), but if you plan to entertain indoors, double-walled may be a better fit.

Champagne Bucket With or Without a Stand?

Finally, do you want the champagne holder to stand by itself or simply sit on the serving table? Using a stand will free up some serving space, as well as reduce the likelihood that the bucket sweats on a countertop. A champagne bucket sans stand saves you from having to store both a stand and champagne bucket. 

Best Champagne Buckets

Below find five of our favorite champagne buckets based upon the size, type, and construction.

Best Single Champagne Bucket (Includes Stand)

This single champagne bucket with a stand comes in stainless steel. What we like about this wine chiller is that it has handles for carrying the bucket to prevent smudging as well as to easily move the bucket and its contents.  

The bucket and stand are also solid and heavy - the combined weight of the stand and bucket is six pounds. If you are looking for a champagne bucket with a stand to put next to a hut tub or a raised table, this might be a good one for you. A floor standing champagne bucket can also be a great addition to decor for true wine lovers!

Pros:

  • Simple, elegant look

  • Robust 18/8 stainless steel construction

  • Can be used indoors or outdoors, with or without stand

Cons:

  • We wish that the bucket was about one inch taller so that the neck of champagne bottles don’t stick up so much






Best Multi-Bottle Champagne Bucket

If you entertain frequently or are looking for a relatively smudge-free stain stainless steel, this may be the multi-bottle champagne bucket for you.

The bucket comes in stainless steel and also in copper. In addition to keeping champagne cold, the bucket can accommodate sodas and beer. The bucket holds up to four wines comfortably.

When not in use, one could use the bucket as a decorative planter if storage space is tight.

 
 

Pros:

  • Constructed out of 18/8 stainless steel

  • Double-walled for sweat-free experience

  • Available in stainless steel and copper

Cons:

  • Large size (15.4 x 7.5), might be difficult to store if you have a small home

Best Clear Single Wine Champagne Bucket

Perhaps simply you need an affordable champagne bucket that doesn’t “look cheap”.  This could be a good option if you need more than one champagne bucket for weddings or a corporate celebration.

 
 

Pros:

  • Diamond-shaped texture hides the appearance of partially melted ice 

  • Acrylic is light, yet strong

  • Won’t tip over with a bottle in it 

Cons:

  • Susceptible to scratching

  • Single-wall, needs a tray or towels under the bucket for use on a wood table or in case of high outdoor temperatures as the bucket may sweat while the ice melts

Best Crystal Champagne Bucket

If you are looking for a crystal champagne cooler that doubles as a piece of art, consider the Riedel Crystal Champagne Cooler. And it comes in 2020 Pantone color of the year - classic blue! This is handmade, mouth-blown crystal champagne cooler made in Kufstein, Austria. The Riedel company has been making fine glassware in Austria for over 250 years and is lead by 10th generation businessman and glassmaker Georg Josef Riedel. This is much more than just a champagne bottle holder and provides a beautiful alternative to the traditional metal champagne bucket!

 
 

Pros:

  • Collector’s item

  • Handmade

Cons:

  • Not double-walled

Best Luxury Champagne Bucket

This sturdy, multi-bottle champagne chiller in crafted in a French style. We love the the Fleur di Lis crest. This champagne bottle holder is a spurge, but it will last forever and look beautiful when you entertain!

 
 

Pros:

  • Collector’s item, classic Old World style

  • Hand cast

  • Holds several bottles at once

Cons:

  • On the pricier side

Best Double-Walled Champagne Holder

This champagne chiller features a double-walled construction that insulates chilled bottles, keeping them cold for hours! And it works for white wine bottles as well as champagne bottles. Perfect for those really hot summer nights.

 
 

Pros:

  • Double-walled insulation keeps bottle cool for a long time

  • Sleek design

Cons:

  • Only holds one bottle

Champagne Ice Mold Ice Bucket

Prefer a champagne bucket that looks a little more “outside the box”? This single bottle champagne bucket allows you to design your own champagne bottle sleeve with ice and fruit. If you are looking for a fun gift for a champagne lover on your list, this might be just the thing!

Pros:

  • Fun!

  • Unique

Cons:

  • May be time-intensive to set up properly

Best Cheap Champagne Bucket

And by “cheap,” we mean budget friendly! This is good quality, made-in-the-USA champagne bucket with a price point that definitely won’t break the bank. This is an ideal champagne bucket if you’re hosting an event and want a champagne chiller bucket on every table.

 
 

Pros:

  • Very affordable

  • Can buy several at once for entertaining

Cons:

  • Not double-walled

  • Not as sturdy as other champagne chiller buckets

Champagne Buckets Wrap-Up

The main purpose of a champagne bucket is to chill a bottle of wine and keep wine cold throughout the drinking experience, preferably between 8 and 10 C (47 to 50 F). We recommend choosing a double wall champagne bucket so that you don’t get condensation on a permeable surface like wood.

As you can see, there are many types and styles of champagne buckets available at all price points. Whether you go with a metal champagne bucket, a crystal wine bucket, or a luxury work of art wine bucket, we hope you find one that meets your needs!

Do you have a favorite champagne bucket?  If so, let us know in the comments below.

Cheers!

All About Wine Glass Polishing Cloths

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Many wine accessories are “nice-to-have’s,” but aren’t really necessary to the enjoyment and exploration of fine wine. As an emerging wine enthusiast, you might be wondering which wine accessories are essential and which fall into this “nice-but-not-necessary” category. Here’s a quick answer: your minimalist wine accessories kit should contain the following:

  • Good corkscrew

  • Good glassware

  • Decanter

  • Glass polishing cloth

Wine polishing cloths are used to polish slightly damp wine glasses to prevent water spots, and if you’re tasting wine regularly or sharing with friends, you’ll wish you had one! In today’s blog, we’ll give you a run-down on how to polish crystal glassware, and the very best wine polishing cloths for the job.

Before we continue with our recommendations, though, a little bit about the KnowWines blog. We are an Amazon.com affiliate and we do receive a small commission if you purchase items through our affiliate links at no cost to you. The commissions we receive help us pay for web hosting fees, our podcast, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thanks for using our affiliate links and supporting our independent blog!

How to Clean a Wine Glass

All the polishing in the world won’t properly clean a dirty wine glass, so first let’s start with a clean wine glass! (Also, a clean wine glass isn’t something to look forward to if it is heavily scented with a strongly scented dish detergent, but we’ll get to that in a second!).

The two areas of a wine glass that typically become dirty are inside the bowl (when one accidentally leaves a wine glass out overnight and the contents dry in the glass) and the rim, where lipstick stains collect. 

For the cleaning task we recommend a lightly or unscented dish soap like this one:

 
 

If you discover stains inside the glassware, we recommend placing part of a denture cleaner tablet inside the glass and filling it halfway with water. Then, rinse the glass carefully after an overnight soak.  

 
 

If you’re using a glass brush to clean, use it carefully (if you attempt too much elbow grease, you’ll end up with a broken glass) and keep it clean and dry (a smelly glass brush will make your glass smell like a dirty sponge - gross!).

Before polishing your washed wine glass with a wine glass polishing cloth, check around the rim for any lipstick residue. Lipstick often contains wax that is difficult to remove. Fort his reason, we recommend cleaning this area with dish detergent and warm water to dissolve the wax and lipstick pigment.  

How to Polish a Wine Glass

The easiest time for polishing glassware is right after you have washed it and before it has dried. If you happen into your favorite wine bar in an early afternoon, you will often see staff polishing the glassware to a shine. 

Here’s how to polish glassware:

First, pick up a wine polishing cloth with your left hand. Pick up a still-damp wine glass and place the base of the wine glass in your left hand as well. Polish the base and stem with a portion of the polishing cloth in your right hand.

Then with your right hand, carefully drape a portion of the wine polishing cloth into the inside of the bowl. Don’t ram a large portion of cloth inside the glass - just enough for you to remove any remaining liquid. Last, polish the outside of the wine glass bowl while still holding the base in your left hand.    

Make sure you don’t twist the stem of the glass when you are polishing the bowl. This is an easy mistake to make, as much glassware on the market today is constructed of two or three separate pieces that are fused together in the factory (and thus can break apart if not handled properly). Typically, higher end wine glassware like Gabriel Glas and Zalto are comprised of a single piece of glass.

To care for your wine glass polishing cloth after use, simply launder them with like-colored laundry. To be extra careful, you could use a delicate garment bag. We hang our cloth up to air dry.

Wine Glasses and Water Spots

If you forget to polish your wine glasses immediately after washing, you may return to your glassware only to find that they’ve dried with annoying and unsightly water spots. Never fear! There’s no need to wash all your glasses again. Instead, simply boil a small amount of water in a saucepan.  Carefully invert the wine glass above the steam until the bowl is slightly moistened.  Then commence with polishing! We love this little trick (although we prefer to avoid water spots in the first place!).

The Best Glass Polishing Cloths

If you’re a budding wine enthusiast, you may not have a large wine glass polishing cloth yet. No worries. We’ve got you covered with the details on a few of our favorites.

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Best Extra Large Wine Glass Polishing Cloth

Many people prefer to have different types of glassware for different types of wines. If this is the case with you, you may have extra large glasses (for which you’ll need an extra large polishing cloth). An oversized polishing cloth is also nice for an event such as a wine tasting or a happy-hour get together, when your guests will be using several glasses. The size of this cloth will allow you to polish several glasses in a row while still having dry, clean cloth to work with.

This extra large polishing cloth by Wine Folly is our favorite. Just check out how much fabric you get to work with on this large Spiegel wine glass! Also, the design is not only beautiful, it also includes polishing instructions! Extra bonus that the cloth is not white. The dark, multi-colored design makes it easier to keep clean.

If you find the size of this polishing cloth to be a bit overwhelming, though, you may want to consider the Riedel polishing cloth, linked below.

Take a look:

 
 

Best Large Wine Glass Polishing Cloth

Perhaps you enjoy white wines and your wine glasses are of a universal size, like the Gabriel Glas or dessert wine glasses. For universal and smaller glassware we recommend the Riedel wine glass polishing cloth. These cloths will shine up your glasses beautifully. They also hold up well after laundering due to the no-fray edge. After laundering our Riedel polishing cloth many times, we have seen no reduction in cloth quality.

 
 

Alternatives to Wine Glass Polishing Cloths

Not ready to invest in that Riedel wine polishing cloth? You may already have some cloths in your home that will work to polish crystal glassware. Any flour sack will do, as will any lint-free cloth such as cheesecloth or brushed cotton. The cloth is a good candidate if it does not leave any lint particles on the glassware. 

What About Microfiber Wine Glass Polishing Cloths?

Most microfiber wine polishing cloths are too small. They are often not large enough to accommodate holding the base of the glass and then draping a portion into the bowl. Also, many microfiber wine glass polishing cloths start to fray or pill after several spins through the washer and drier. We do use microfiber cloths, but we prefer to use them for washing, or for polishing smaller glassware like cocktail glasses. 

The Wine Glass Polishing Cloth Wrap-Up

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Wine glass polishing cloths like those by Wine Folly and Riedel are one of the essential wine accessories that are often overlooked by home wine enthusiasts. For successful wine glass polishing our advice is to buy a large or extra large cloth designed for the purpose. These are well made and last for years. 

Also, a few closing reminders:

For a clear and shining wine glass, you need to start with a clean wine glass free of residues and soap odors. 

Don’t twist the wine glass while polishing glassware, or you may end up accidentally separating the stem from the bowl, resulting in a broken glass, or worse a cut from broken glass that could result in a trip to Urgent Care for stitches. Ouch.

We hope you find just the right wine polishing cloth for your needs, and that it beautifully complements your “wine essentials” kit.

And in case your new polishing cloth has inspired you to invest in new glassware, check out our article on the 19 Best Wine Glasses for 2022!

Cheers!

Yeti Rambler Insulated Wine Tumbler

Entertaining (and being entertained) al fresco is fabulous. What’s not so fabulous is pouring a refreshing glass of Pinot Grigio while setting up the patio for a dinner party, only to return to a lukewarm glass of wine.  Or perhaps you’ve attended attended a holiday market with mulled or gluhwein only to find it cold in just a few minutes. Also, wine glasses can shatter on patios or at poolside, which is why most outdoor venues don’t allow glass. All good reasons to invest in an insulated wine tumbler, either for yourself or as a gift for a fellow wine lover!

Before Buying a Wine Tumbler

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At KnowWines, we love pairing a beautiful outdoor setting with a great wine. If you also enjoy outdoor entertaining, outdoor concerts and sporting events, camping, and/or boating, an insulated wine tumbler is essential. This tumbler would also make a thoughtful gift for a wine enthusiast, especially if they also the outdoors.

Here’s what to consider:

The ability to maintain desired temperature should be your first concern when purchasing a wine tumbler. Other factors to consider are the conditions in which you’ll be using the tumbler, durability, look, feel, and ease of cleaning.  

You’ve probably experienced double-walled beverage mugs for keeping coffee warm. In the past few years, similarly constructed tumblers became available for wine. We supposed you could put your coffee mug on double duty and use it for wine, but this is less than ideal aesthetically. Also, you don’t want residual coffee flavors to interfere with the wine’s flavor and aroma. Disposable cups are also not ideal. A tumbler is a great upgrade.

Does your wine tumbler need a lid?  Lids are only needed if the tumbler will be used in areas where flying insects, splashing water, or sand could get in the wine tumbler (like the beach). Remember that using a lid when drinking wine can greatly diminish the pleasure of drinking wine, especially aromatic wines like Riesling and Pinot Noir.

From our own experience and from reviewing dozens of wine tumblers online, our number one recommendation is the YETI Rambler 10 oz. Insulated Wine Tumbler. We especially love the YETI Wine Tumbler 2 pack—one glass for you & one for your bestie! Check out this handsomely packaged Yet wine set:

 
 


The Yeti Rambler 10oz Insulated Wine Tumbler

Yeti is a trusted and premium brand for not only outdoor coolers, but also outdoor gear and drinkware. The brand has been around since 2008 and is considered the market leader. Their cooler and beverage products have a reputation for durability. The Yeti 10 oz. Rambler Insulated Wine Tumbler was officially released in spring of 2018.

This Yeti wine glass is designed to have the look and feel of a premium product while also keeping wine cool (or warm in the case of mulled wine) and remaining durable in outdoor conditions. It is also made to clean easily and resist wine stains.  The Yeti wine set comes in a box with care instructions and a registration card for a five-year product warranty.

The product is for wine lovers looking for a premium tumbler to keep their wine at an enjoyable temperature for an extended period of time. The product is not for people who want a lid for their wine tumbler included with purchase.

Pros

  • Keeps wine at the desired temperature range when compared to traditional drinkware

  • Premium look and feel

  • Trusted drinkware brand

  • Durable

  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • Limited number of colors

  • Some users want a lid included with purchase (sold separately)

  • Some users report a “stainless steel” smell during first few uses

  • Reduced ability to swirl wine in the tumbler when compared to traditional wine glassware

Features and Benefits

Packaging

We tested the YETI Wine Tumbler 2 pack. Standard colors are sold as two-packs or singles, and tumblers in seasonal or trendy colors are sold as singles. The two-pack is secured by an adhesive glue to the sturdy cardboard box to keep the tumblers from rolling around during shipping and while sitting in store displays. We found the tumblers easy to remove from the package. Some online comments indicate that the adhesive can be difficult to remove, but we did not find that in our case.

Upon removing the wine tumblers from their box, we found product inserts in each tumbler. These inserts provide instruction on how one can register their product on the YETI website.  Washing is by hand or dishwasher.

Measurements

The tumbler is 4.5 inches tall and 3.5 inches wide. The weight is about 8.12 ounces when empty.

Look and Feel

Before placing wine in the tumbler, we took some time looking at and feeling the tumblers.  We noticed a consistent and visually appealing paint job with no bumps or thin spots in the paint. The YETI logo is prominent in two places on the tumbler, on one side as a raised logo and the other side in stainless. The logo is tastefully done and does not detract from the minimalist aesthetic. Yeti wine tumbler colors range from white and black to “King Crab” orange and “Prickly Pear” pink. It’s great to have choices!

The Yeti wine glass is narrower at the top and rounder at the bottom, replicating the look of luxury stemless glassware. However, when peering into the tumbler, we noticed that the walls of the tumbler are not bell-shaped like the exterior of the tumbler. The lip of the tumbler was much thinner than that on other insulated beverage containers like coffee mugs, however it was thicker than most wine glassware. We knew we would need to test swirling and the impact on aromas of this design (more on that below!).

Our testers had medium to large hands. We found the tumblers easy to handle and did not notice any sharp edges. The texture of the paint was smooth and pleasant. One tester had recently put on hand lotion and commented that this might make the tumbler slippery in the hand. We also noted that friends with smaller hands might find the tumbler a little on the large side.  

Our testers appreciated that the tumbler is not clear, so no one can see what you are drinking.  One tester does not drink alcoholic drinks, and liked the idea of having the tumbler at parties and filling it with cool sparkling water or fruit juice.  

Temperature Assessment

The tumbler uses YETI’s double-wall and vacuum construction aimed at keeping cold beverages cold and warm beverages warm.  We wanted to see how long the YETI 10oz Rambler Wine Tumbler would keep the wine at ideal drinking temperature.

We tested the YETI Wine Tumbler in two situations: keeping a serving of Pinot Noir cool on a warm day and keeping a serving of gluhwein warm on a cool day.

Warm Weather, Cool Wine

We compared the performance of the YETI Rambler Insulated Wine Tumbler to our favorite Riedel glasses. Many consider the ideal drinking temperature for Pinot Noir to be between 55 and 60 F, which is difficult to maintain long-term in warm conditions in traditional glassware.  

 
 

We refrigerated a bottle of Pinot Noir overnight. The next afternoon, we removed the Pinot Noir from the refrigerator. When the wine was 48 F, we weighed 5 oz of the wine and placed it in the room temperature YETI Rambler Insulated Wine Tumbler.  We weighed 5 oz of the same wine and placed it in the Riedel glass.

We took the tumbler and glass outside on the deck, where it was 78 F and partly cloudy with humidity 35%. We used a dual probe thermometer to monitor temperature.  We placed one probe in the wine in the YETI tumbler and another probe in the Riedel glass of wine and waited for the warm up.

Within 20 minutes, the Riedel glass wine was up to 60 F, and by 45 minutes, the Riedel glass wine was up to 65 F.  It took the YETI tumbler 1 hour and 15 minutes for the wine to get to 55 F, and after 2 hours, the wine in the YETI tumbler was 60 F.  

Cool Weather, Warm Mulled Wine

Most North American users would use the YETI Rambler Insulated Tumbler during the warmer months, however drinking mulled or gluhwein in the winter months is popular with the increasing number of outdoor holiday markets throughout the world (Christkindlmarkt, as they are called in Germany). Many consider the ideal drinking temperature of gluhwein to be 130 F.  

To simulate cool weather conditions for Christmas markets, we heated gluhwein to 185 F. We measured 5 oz of the hot gluhwein and placed it in a room temperature YETI wine mug, and placed another 5 oz of hot gluhwein in a room temperature traditional Christkindlmarkt mug.  For those events, it would be nice for the wine to stay warm for an extended period of time.

We placed the YETI wine mug and the Christkindlmarkt mug into a 42 F refrigerator to simulate a cool December afternoon and used a dual probe thermometer to monitor the falling temperatures of the gluhwein.

Within ten minutes, the gluhwein in the traditional mug had cooled to 130 F and within 20 minutes, the temperature was a lukewarm 105 F.  It took 20 minutes for the gluhwein to cool to 130 F and it was 45 minutes until the gluhwein was lukewarm at 105 F.

In conclusion, the YETI Rambler 10 oz. Insulated Wine Tumbler kept wines within ideal drinking temperatures at least twice as long as traditional wine vessels.  

Drinking Assessment

The YETI tumbler tumbler holds 10 oz of liquid. For context, most bartenders and sommeliers serve a 5-oz pour.

Since the tumbler performed quite well in its ability to hold the temperature of wine at ideal drinking temperatures, we wanted to test the impact of the tumbler on aromas and taste compared to drinking from a premium wine glass.

First we swirled the wines in the tumbler and glass. Swirling in the tumbler is just not as fun and impactful as using the Riedel glass, as the side walls in the tumbler are too straight.  

Secondly, we sniffed the wines. There was a perceptible difference between the aromas in the YETI tumbler and the Riedel glass. The Pinot Noir’s fruity aromas and spice from oak aging were more distinct in the Riedel glass.  

Third, we tasted the wines in the tumbler and glass (we know, hard work!). Drinking out of the YETI Wine Tumbler was not the same as drinking wine out of a Riedel glass. However, drinking wine out of the YETI Wine Tumbler was more pleasurable than drinking it out of a coffee mug or plastic cup. We did not smell any off aromas or detect off flavors in the tumbler.    

Cleaning the Tumbler

Washing instructions indicate that you can clean the YETI Wine Tumbler by hand or in the dishwasher. We washed the YETI Wine Tumblers thoroughly before use, as some online reviewers indicated a stainless steel smell when first using the tumblers.

During our testing we put one YETI insulated wine tumbler into the dishwasher three times and the other one we washed by hand. We didn’t notice any change in color or feel of the paint.

The YETI website claims that the tumbler does not stain, and we found this to be true.    

Social Proof

In addition to our own testing, we did online research and discovered that the reviews were overwhelmingly positive. The most positive reviews are in line with our experience —  people love the look and feel of the YETI insulated wine tumbler, and it keeps their favorite wine and other beverages cold. The few negative reviews we found were from individuals looking to replicate the fine wine experience they are used to in a glass. Like them, we found that swirling can be a little difficult and some wine aromas are muted when compared to traditional glassware. Our tumblers did not have the “stainless steel” smell to them that very few other reviewers found.  

Alternatives

Overall, we found the YETI 10 oz Rambler Insulated Wine Tumbler a great fit for drinking “everyday” wines in outdoor conditions. Here we indicate a few more premium options if the size of the YETI tumbler does not fit the place you intend to use it (say, in your beach chair’s cup holder).

For those with smaller hands and/or wanting more pastel color options, we recommend the Hydro Flask 10 oz:

 
 

For those who want a more “grippy” and textured surface, the Sunwill:

 
 

For those who are concerned about a stainless steel smell or taste and want to see wine in the tumbler, or who want to use the tumbler for wine slushies and have concerns about a metal tumbler sweating, we recommend Tervis:

 
 

For those wanting a fine wine drinking experience with an insulated wine tumbler similar to that with your favorite glassware, you might be out of luck. We’ve yet to find a super-thin rimmed insulated wine tumbler on the market.  

YETI Wine Tumbler vs Corkcicle

Because there’s quite a lot of comparison between these two brands, we didn’t want to close our this article without pointing you towards our review of the Corkcicle Wine Tumbler. There are many similarities in these products—they both hold 10 oz, offer an attractive design, and are comparable in price. Thus, your decision will really come down to the details of durability and length of time that the tumbler can keep a beverage hot or cold. We hope this review in combination with the Corkcicle review will help you make a decision!

Other Yeti Wine Products

Does Yeti have a wine glass with a stem?

Because Yeti is in the business of making durable products for outdoor use, they don’t carry a wine glass with a stem. They do, however, have a taller, tapered version of the Yeti wine Rambler that might appeal to you if you prefer a taller glass. This one is also great for coffee or a pint of beer!

 
 

Does Yeti have a highball glass?

No highball glass (though the taller mug above might work!), but they do have a stylish lowball class. This one is perfect for chilled summer drinks or warm ones in the winter. Spiked cider, anyone?

 
 

Does Yeti have a cocktail glass?

Well, they don’t call it a cocktail glass, but we think this Yeti tumbler with a straw is perfect for sipping summer mojitos.

 
 

Conclusion

The YETI wine cooler keeps your wine within the ideal drinking window at least twice as long as premium wine glassware. The tumbler is ideal for use in areas where premium wine glassware is not allowed or could easily break. With its sleek design, the YETI 10 oz. Rambler Insulated Wine Tumbler has the look and feel of a premium tumbler and is available in classic and limited trending colors. Also, it’s easy to clean by hand and in the dishwasher.  

We recommend the YETI 10 oz Rambler Insulated Wine Tumbler for drinking value, mid-priced, and premium wines. We would not recommend them for super-premium and luxury wines as the lip width and interior vessel shape are not optimal for enjoying fine wine.

Buy the YETI 10 oz Rambler Insulated Wine Tumbler (and its lid) here:

Enjoy those outdoor beverages.

Cheers from KnowWines!

VinGardeValise Review

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If you are traveling to wine country and need a suitcase to carry back your finds, the VinGardeValise may be for you.  We’ve owned a VinGardeValise for seven years and have taken it on the road internationally and across the country at least four times per year.

Before we continue with our review, though, a little about the KnowWines blog. We are an Amazon.com affiliate and we do receive a small commission if you purchase items through our affiliate links at no cost to you. The commissions we receive help us pay for web hosting fees, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thanks for using our affiliate links and supporting our independent blog!

History of the VinGardeValise

The VinGardeValise was invented by Barry Wax and has been on the market since 2014.  The first advertisement for this item is fun and descriptive, showing people throwing suitcases of wine down flights of stairs. Soon after seeing this video, I was at Clos du Val in Napa Valley where they were selling a few of these in the tasting room. I was enamored with its look and quality, so I picked one up.  

Wine Bottle Suitcases: Do You Need One?

No, you don’t really need the VinGardeValise. In fact, there are several other approaches to packing wine in a suitcase that you may want to try first. However, if you are frequently flying with wine and want a hard-sided suitcase designed for this specific use rather than leveraging or jury-rigging a solution, we highly recommend the VinGardeValise.

 
 

VinGardeValise: Special Features

When VinGardeValise was first released, the company encouraged feedback for future product releases. This customer feedback has led to various sizes and features over the years.

VinGardeValise, Various Sizes

12 Bottle Wine Suitcase

 
 

8 Bottle Wine Suitcase

 
 

5 Bottle Wine Suitcase

 
 

Colors of VinGardeValise

The attractive, hard-sheel exterior design of the VinGardeValise comes in Black, Burgundy, and Silver. You can select the color that goes best with your wardrobe or the rest of your luggage. Need two VinGardeValise wine suitcases? Get a silver one for your white and bubbly wines, and a burgandy one for the reds!

Construction of the VinGarde Valise

The VinGardeValise is constructed of a proprietary compound shell and foam inserts.  Older models had symmetrical wheels that worked quite well. The newer models have Hinomoto wheels which are even easier to maneuver, especially around the airport. 

Robustness of the VinGardeValise

Like we said, we’ve had our VinGardeValise for about seven years. Here are some photos of how the item as held up over the years. 

The inserts and interior have held up exceptionally well.  It still handles like a high-end suitcase.  

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Over the years, the exterior shell has understandably taken a little bit of a beating due to normal wear and tear in airports, trains, and cars.  Thanks to the dark coloring, however, the scuffs are hard to notice.

 
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The zippers have also held up well.  We’ve used other high-end suitcases for our regular luggage needs and have found that the zipper is usually the first items to malfunction. This has not been the case with the VinGardeValise. We’ve also never run into any issues with the straps around the suitcase.  We sometimes have wished that the straps were not there, as it is one more closure to deal with. However, it likely serves as an additional measure to keep the suitcase intact and keep its shape.

 
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Using the VinGardeValise for Liquor or Beer

If you purchase and travel with beer bombers, any of the VinGardeValise suitcases will work just fine for your 750 mL beer bottles. Here’s a photo of the VinGardeValise I have holding several types of alcohol.

 
 

If you will be traveling with smaller bottles of beer, you may want to consider the BiereGardeValise, which holds up to 19 beer bottles.  

 
 

How to Travel With Wine in a Suitcase

The main points to keep in mind when traveling with wine are to avoid too much heat or too much cold and try to minimize vibration as much as possible. Once you arrive home with your bottles, let them sit for at least two weeks before opening, to allow the contents to settle. Read our blog on how to check when when you fly for more tips on traveling with wine.

If you have a fairly short connection, chances are the foam insulation and hard shell will keep your wines nice and cool.  However, if you have a long haul flight during the peak of summer, you may want to consider one of these specially made Chiller Sheets that come in two sizes: one for the 12 bottle model and another for the 8 bottle model.  

 
 

While these chiller sheets are quite handy, I’ve found they don’t fit well into most itty-bitty hotel freezers so I’ve not taken the chiller sheet on any recent trips.  

Setting the Lock on Your VinGardeValise

If you’ve purchased a VinGardeValise but accidentally threw away or lost your lock set instructions (or you just drank too much wine to remember the code), check out this video for instructions on how to reset your VinGardeValise code.

VinGardeValise and Luggage Fees

The VinGardeValise was designed to avoid excess weight and, as such, excess luggage fees. When full of bottles, it weighs less than 50 lbs.

Where to buy VinGardeValise

We hope you enjoy traveling with your new VinGardeValise!

Cheers!

Best Wine Cork Holders

Are you or someone you know really into collecting wine corks?  Do you own a wine bar or bottle shop and are looking for a functional or artistic way to collect all those used corks?

wine cork holder

While a wine cork holder is not a necessity, it is a fun and attractive way to display your wine cork collection. Whether you are looking for a small, decorative wine cork collector to hold just a few used wine corks or a large wine cork holder for a friend who loves to collect ALL the wine corks, we’ve got something on this list that will serve your needs.

In this blog, we’ve included several unique and best ideas for wine cork storage and decor. Before we continue with our reviews and recommendations, though, a little about the KnowWines blog: We’re an Amazon.com affiliate and we do receive a small commission if you purchase items through our affiliate links at no cost to you. The commissions help us pay for web hosting fees, our podcast, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thank you for using our affiliate links and supporting this independent blog!

And now for our wine cork storage ideas (let us know which ones you use in the comments below!).

The KnowWines Favorite Cork Display Option

The Metal Wine Monogram Cork Holder

 
 

This wine cork monogram holds about ninety corks and mounts on the wall without adhesives. It is available in many different letters. This wine cork decor may be good for a housewarming gift, or to spell out your surname or the name of your wine bar.  We love wine cork display idea, especially because the corks don’t fall out!  

What can I do with old corks?

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Some wine lovers like to collect labels and/or corks.  An extensive search into the different types of wine cork holders on the market yielded quite a diverse array of decor items to either collect or recycle your wine corks. Wine cork holders come in a variety of sizes, with some designed to hold just a few special corks, and others designed to store hundreds of wine corks. You can also choose from mass-produced and trending wine cork holders or a one-of-a-kind variety.

If you are looking for the best wine cork holder as a gift, here are a few things to look for:

  • What is the decor of the recipient’s home?  Consider matching the wine cork holder with their personal style.

  • Does the recipient have a small space or a large space to display corks?

  • Does the recipient want to show off one wine cork, a few wine corks, or many?

  • Is the recipient a crafter or would they prefer a no-assembly-required gift?

  • Is there a special occasion or theme for the gift-giving?

The benefit of a wine bottle cork holder is its ability to contain one or more wine corks in an organized and thoughtful manner.  The best wine cork holder is one that you or the gift recipient will use for some time.  If you are looking to pair the cork holder with a personalized wine journal (perfect gift for the wine lover in your life!), check out our article on wine journals.

Clearly, one does not need a wine cork holder if they enjoy wine.  Wine cork keepers are simply a decorative tool to contain corks for collections, for reusing corks, or for remembering a special occasion. As such, wine cork holders are not for the following types of people:

  • People who do not drink wine.

  • People under the legal drinking age (although there’s nothing illegal about collecting wine corks).

  • People preferring minimalist decor and don’t display a great deal of wall or countertop decor.

Best Wine Cork Holder for a Wine Bar

If you own a wine bar or bottle shop, you may simply need an inexpensive way to collect corks for aesthetic reasons or for upcycling. Many tasting rooms use simple, clear wine bucket as a wine cork storage container. Take a look:

 
 

Pros:

  • Transparent acrylic, so corks are visible

  • Easy to clean, no metal or wood surfaces for liquids to pool in

  • Multi-tasker, can be utilized to cool wines by adding cool water and ice

Cons:

  • Dust, foils, and any wine that might end up in the container will be visible to guests 

  • Not very decorative

Best Wine Cork Collector for Large Collections

This wine cork storage container for people with large collections (up to 2000 corks) is also an impressive piece of furniture. This piece is great for collectors with appreciate wine country rustic or Tuscan Italian decor and who want to add a little wine country ambiance to their cellar, kitchen, or living room. The piece stands a little over 27 inches high and is a little over 22 inches in diameter. It is almost all metal, with a wooden top great for displaying a decanter, glassware, or wine books.

 
 

Pros:

  • Pairs well with several home decor styles, especially rustic elegant or wine country decor

  • Ability to personalize, just use these chalk markers (affiliate link) to personalize the nameplate

  • A smaller, 400-cork option from Home-X (affiliate link) is available (20 inches x 14 inches x 14 inches) if the Wine Enthusiast Barrel Cork Catcher side table is too large

Cons:

  • Needs a couple of hundred corks before you can really see the dual purpose (end table AND cork collector)

  • The end table has a small opening in the back to insert corks (the natural tendency is to fill from the top)

Best Wall-Mounted Personalized Wine Cork Holder

This is a pleasing, personalized wine bottle cork collector in basic black. We purchased this wine cork monogram a few months ago and have liked it. This metal wine cork holder holds about 90 wine corks.  

 
 

Pros:

  • Customizable, get just one letter for your surname, or multiple letters to spell your initials, your favorite wine region, or wine shop business name

  • Easy to install with a single nail

  • Can also stand freely on a countertop or ledge

  • Attractive cork display for your home

Cons:

  • Some buyers have received monogram cork holders that are damaged in shipping. Visually inspect the item after shipping to be sure that the letter is free of scratches and is not bent/misshapen

  • Some letters will stand up on their own more easily others (e.g. a “W” has two touch points versus a “T” which could be top-heavy)

Best “Go Big or Go Home” Wine Cork Holder

This oversized wine glass is great for people who want to make a statement with their wine cork collection. This is a fun option for a home game room or for displaying in a bar or restaurant.

 
 

Pros:

  • Holds up to 200 wine corks

  • Made of real glass

  • Fun home decor for wine lovers

Cons:

  • Fragile, could tip over easily if children or pets are present

Wine Cork Holder Kits that put Corks to Work

If you or a gift recipient are seeking a wine cork holder that is both decorative and useful, these two items may be for you!

Wine Cork Trivet

This trivet provides a way to use and occasionally display a few corks. You provide the corks! Simply screw your favorite corks, or get some recycled corks (affiliate link) onto the wireframe and you are ready to go!

 
 

Pros:

  • Easy to put together

  • Requires only seven corks (you provide the corks)

  • Practical, useful

Cons:

  • Uses only natural corks - synthetic corks might melt under a hot pot!

  • Champagne corks might be too “lumpy” for this wine craft

Wine Cork Lazy Susan

This Lazy Susan is a fun craft for your dining room or bar countertop. This solid wood cork display holds about 130 corks, measures 19 inches in diameter, and weighs about ten pounds, even before you add the corks. Play around with the cork orientation to customize the look.

 
 

Pros:

  • Solid wood construction

  • Fun “puzzle” project

Cons:

  • Requires over 120 corks before it looks complete - you provide the cork collection

  • You might need to (carefully) shave some corks to get them to fit

  • The glass might not be easy to remove from the wood frame before inserting the corks

Best Wine Cork Holder Shadow Boxes

For those wanting to display their wine cork collection in a more artistic fashion, these three options may be for you.

Personalized Wine Cork Shadow Box

This shadow box measures 6 inches x 9 inches and is solid wood (pine).  

 
 

Pros:

  • Solid wood and glass

  • Customizable

  • Does not require a large collection of corks to get started

Cons:

  • The clear cover is plastic - some buyers may be expecting glass

Plain Cork Shadow Box

For those seeking a plain shadow box, this 11 x 12 wood wine cork holder can stand up on its own on a shelf or counter or can be installed on the wall. Wine corks are easy to insert through the top of the shadow box

 
 

Pros:

  • Solid wood construction

  • No hand-lettering on the glass

  • Lighting inside shadow box!

Cons:

  • The plain brown wood trim might not appeal to everyone

Large Wine Cork Shadow Box

This is a uniquely designed wine cork shadow box that holds significantly more wine bottle corks than the above options.

 
 

Pros:

  • Great for lovers of rustic farmhouse decor

  • Holds 60+ wine bottle cords

  • Options to wall mount or set up as free-standing on table or kitchen counter

Cons:

  • Specific style may not appeal to all aesthetics

Best Wine Cork Cage for Cat + Wine Lovers

For those wine cork collectors looking for a cage, there are many options available. Wine cork cages come in many shapes and sizes. What is great about these cages is that one can combine two interests: say, their love of wine and their love for cats! Wine cork cages are good for cork collectors who want a free-standing container to store corks - with a little whimsy! 

This particular wine cork display is made of sturdy metal and holds about 40 corks. Standing a little over 12 inches tall, it would fit above many cabinets, above the refrigerator or on the countertop under cabinets.

 
 

Pros:

  • Don’t need to start with a bunch of corks, so you can start your collection one at a time

  • All metal construction (bronze)

Cons:

  • Can’t mount on the wall

Best Wine Cork Key Chain

Make your own key chain with your favorite wine cork (or corks) leftover from wine travels, a bachelorette party, milestone birthday, or retirement party. With your favorite corks in hand, you can have key chain mementos for your special occasion within minutes. These metal alloy key chains include everything you need except the cork: metal alloy key ring, small chain, and screw to attach the used wine cork. 

 
 

Pros:

  • Inexpensive

  • Easy to use

  • Can be used on natural or synthetic cork

Cons:

  • The chain may not be long enough - depends upon how much chain you like to have dangle between the keyring and the cork

Still Have Too Many Corks?

Turns out there are plenty of household uses for used wine corks, from pot holders to DIY candles to cord bundlers. Check out this ingenious how-to video to learn all the ways you can re-use your wine corks:

No Corks? No Problem! Buy Wine Corks for Crafts or Decor

Perhaps you would like to gift the wine cork holder recipient with some wine corks already inside so that it does not look naked and empty. Or maybe you often to drink wine with screwcaps and feel that it will take you years to fill up the wine cork holder. No problem! Authentic wine corks are available online.

 
 

Pros:

  • Use for any crafting project where wine corks are needed, including trivets, wreaths, or corkboards

  • Environmentally friendly - already used or repurposed

  • Different colors and brands from all around the United States

Cons: 

  • Might include sparkling wine corks that might not fit well with your gift or craft, depending upon application 

Upcycling Used Wine Corks: Our Conclusion

Wine cork holders are a great way to display used wine corks. There are several decor options out there for upcycling wine corks after enjoying wine. Some of these options are functional as well as fun. Some require a little work to put together or fill.

Our favorite monogram wine cork holder fits several needs: It’s attractive wall art in basic black, easy to fill, personalized, and has the look of a shadow box without the glass. Our monogram wine cork holder arrived in good condition with no scratches or dents. We like the possibility of adding more letters as our cork collection grows.

What is your favorite way to collect or reuse wine corks?  Let us know in the comments box below.




How to Put a Cork back in a Wine Bottle

Wine corks

In many cases, the contents of a wine bottle are consumed within hours of opening the bottle. In this case, the bottle can be recycled and the cork disposed of (or saved for your cork collection). However, there are many instances in which you may wish to re-cork your wine bottle. For example:

  • You opened the wrong bottle of wine (oops!).

  • You opened several bottles of wine for a gathering of friends, but a few bottles were left untouched.

  • You opened a bottle of wine and enjoyed a glass or two, but want to save the last two glasses for the next evening.

In these cases, you’ll need to learn how to put the cork back in the bottle in order to preserve the wine. In today’s blog, we review how to put the cork back in a wine bottle. We also share some alternative solutions for resealing your wine bottle (without the cork).

Before we uncork the details, though, a little bit about the KnowWines blog. We are an Amazon.com affiliate and we do receive a small commission if you purchase items through our affiliate links at no cost to you. The commissions we receive help us pay for web hosting fees, our podcast, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thanks for using our affiliate links and supporting our independent blog!

Reseal Your Wine with Its Original Cork

The cheapest way to reseal your wine is to put the original cork back in the bottle. Before you try to reinsert the original cork, however, be sure to inspect it. A cork that is crumbling or cracked won’t preserve the wine and you may end up with debris in your wine. If your cork is sturdy and intact, congratulations! You now have a free wine stopper! Here’s how to put the cork back in the wine bottle.

The Tilt & Twist Method

Here are the steps for putting the cork back into the bottle when you’ve had enough to drink & want to preserve the remaining wine:

  • Set the wine bottle on a solid surface, like a table or countertop.

  • Wipe the cork with a napkin or cloth to remove any debris.

  • Put the cork into the same position it was in when it came out of the bottle (in other words: the portion that was in the bottle is what is should be going back into the bottle).

  • Ease the cork into the bottle by tilting the cork so that a portion is inside the bottle and a portion is resting on the lip of the bottle

  • In one motion, twist and push down on the cork.

  • With your palm, push the cork about halfway into the bottle.

Voila! Cork re-inserted. Tomorrow’s wine, ready to drink!

The Wax Paper Method

The wax paper method is another creative solution for re-inserting the cork into a wine bottle. This is a good approach if you’ve tried the Tilt and Twist method, but just can’t get the cork back into the bottle. In this method, the wax paper acts as a lubricant. Here’s how it works:

  • Cut a square of wax paper that will wrap around the bottom of the cork and go partway up the sides.

  • Wrap the wax paper around the cork (the top of cork will be exposed) and then position the cork over the bottle at an angle (as in the Tilt and Twist method, above).

  • Holding the bottle firmly on a solid surface, gently press the cork back into the bottle. In this method, try to avoid twisting so as not to tear or wrinkle the wax paper.

If you prefer a visual, here’s a quick video illustrating the wax paper method for re-inserting a wine bottle cork:

 
 

Ditch the Cork & Use a Wine Stopper

There will be situations when putting the cork back into the bottle just isn’t an option. Maybe the cork is damaged, or maybe you lost it. In these cases, it’s a good idea to use a simple wine stopper.

This stainless steel wine bottle stopper, which fits neatly over the top of the bottle and expands to prevent oxidation, is a great option:

 
 

Use a Wine Preserver System

If you want to save the remaining wine in the bottle for more than a day or two, we recommend a wine-preserving tool like the Repour Wine Saver. With this tool, you can enjoy a bottle of wine over the course of a week or two!

 
 

Don’t Open the Bottle of Wine At All

Amazingly, it is actually possible to enjoy a glass of wine without opening the bottle at all. Yes, really!

The Coravin System allows one to aspirate a volume (typically 90 mL) from a wine bottle without removing the cork. As the wine is aspirated, the liquid is displaced by an inert gas. This allows a wine lover to drink a treasured bottle over days or even months. This is probably not a good choice for the casual wine drinker, as it comes at a higher price point. However, if you are in the wine trade and regularly need to sample wines for customers, or if you collect fine wines yourself and want to sample them as they age, this could be a great choice.

 
 

The Wine Resealing Wrap-Up

If you’re going to finish your bottle of wine in a day or two and the cork is still intact, use the Tilt and Twist method or the wax paper trick to get that cork back into the bottle.

If the cork is damaged or missing, use a simple stainless steel wine stopper.

If you want to enjoy the wine over the course of a week or two (or don’t want to open the bottle at all!), try a wine preservation system like Repour or Coravin.

And if all this re-sealing the wine bottle business is just too much work, go for the screw-top varieties!

Cheers!

Source: Photo by Jonathan Borba from Pexels

How to Open a Wine Bottle Without an Opener

You booked the AirBnb, packed your favorite weekend clothes, grabbed a nice bottle of wine, and hit the road. After a few hours of driving, you’re all settled in your cozy AirBnb, there’s a fire burning in the fireplace, and you’re ready to pop open that wine bottle and pour yourself a nice glass of Cabernet.

And that’s when you realize you have no wine bottle opener. Ouch!

We’ve all been there, and we’ve all probably tried some crazy things to get that bottle open. So, if you’re reading this blog with an unopened wine bottle by your side—we’ve got you covered. In today’s KnowWines blog, we share a few successful methods for opening a wine bottle without an opener.

Before we start problem solving, though, a little bit about the KnowWines blog. We are an Amazon.com affiliate and we do receive a small commission if you purchase items through our affiliate links at no cost to you. The commissions we receive help us pay for web hosting fees, our podcast, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thanks for using our affiliate links and supporting our independent blog!

What tools will I need to open a bottle of wine without an opener?

If you ask around, you’ll hear all kinds of cooky methods & tools for opening wine bottles, from bike pumps to boots. For this article, we’re assuming minimal access to things like bike pumps. Instead, we’re sharing ways to open a wine bottle with easy-to-find household items. Specifically:

  • a thick-bottomed shoe

  • a key

  • a long-handled wooden kitchen spoon

  • a lighter

With each of these methods, you’ll need to use a knife (or your fingernails) to remove the foil or wax from the top of the bottle, thus exposing the cork that you’re trying to remove!

How to Open a Wine Bottle with a Shoe

This is a pretty wild method for opening a bottle of wine, but there are dozens of online videos (and hundreds of firsthand accounts) to tell you that it actually works. If you choose to use this method, though, be sure to use a thick-bottomed shoe so that you don’t end up with a broken bottle of wine (and a big mess). Also, choose a wall that doesn’t have neighbors on the other side of it!

This video shows you how to open a wine bottle with a shoe:

How to Open a Wine Bottle with a Key

This method is a pretty smart one, and since you almost always have keys on you, it’s also a good one to know about. The key with this method is to be sure that the key is inserted at an angle. This will allow you to turn the cork in such a way that it shimmies up the sides of the bottle’s neck, eventually far enough that you can pull it out yourself.

Here’s a video to show you how to open a wine bottle with a key:

How to Open a Wine Bottle with a Wooden Spoon

This method is probably the simplest one of the bunch; all you need is a long-handled wooden kitchen spoon. To free the cork, simply place the end of the spoon on the top of the cork and push down (we recommend sitting in a chair with the bottle between your legs). With enough pressure, the cork will be pushed down into the bottle. With this method, you won’t be able to retrieve the cork, so if you like to collect corks to display later, this isn’t the method for you! Also, be aware that wine can splash out of the bottle if the cork is pressed into the bottle too forcefully—so stay away from carpet and think about what you’re wearing before you get started.

Watch this video to see the wooden spoon bottle opening method in action:

How to Open a Wine Bottle with a Lighter

As with all of the other methods, be sure to remove the foil or wax around the bottle so that the cork is exposed. Then, use a lighter to apply heat to the neck of the bottle, just beneath the cork. You’re not trying to heat up the cork itself, but rather the air underneath it. The heated air will expand and eventually, this expansion will start to push the cork up so that you can remove it by hand.

Watch this video to see the lighter method in action:

What kind of wine opener should I travel with?

We hope that you have your bottle of wine opened by now and are enjoying your first glass. If so, you’ll probably agree that each of these methods—though handy when you’re in a jam—aren’t ideal for opening a great bottle of wine. A traditional wine key or other wine bottle opener is definitely your best bet. This might be a good time, then, to think about purchasing a wine opener specifically for travel! If you’re traveling by plane, current TSA guidelines probably won’t allow a wine key on board, but if you’re traveling by car, here are a couple of compact and easy-to-use wine openers definitely fit the bill:

2-in-1 Keychain Wine & Bottle Opener

 
 

Wine Key Bottle Opener

 
 

Good luck opening that bottle! We hope these tips were helpful.

Cheers!

Is the Coravin Pivot Worth the Money?

Coravin Pivot Review.JPG

The folks at Coravin are famous for the Coravin wine preservation system, a tool that allows subsampling of wine from a bottle intended for long-term storage. Now, Coravin has developed another creative solution for wine lovers who want to enjoy a bottle of wine up to four weeks: The Coravin Pivot.

Before we share our thoughts on the Coravin Pivot, though, a little bit about the KnowWines blog. We are an Amazon.com affiliate and we do receive a small commission if you purchase items through our affiliate links at no cost to you. The commissions we receive help us pay for web hosting fees, our podcast, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thanks for using our affiliate links and supporting our independent blog!

What is the Coravin Pivot?

The Coravin Pivot is a device that enables injection of food-grade argon gas into an open wine bottle to preserve wine.  This enables wine lovers to drink a bottle of wine at their own pace—over a period of days, or even over an entire month. 

The Coravin Pivot package comes with the following:

  • An injection device (four colors available: black, teal, grey and coral)

  • One argon gas cylinder

  • Two proprietary Pivot stoppers

  • A card stock Quick Start Guide

Take a closer look at the product itself:

 
 

How Does the Coravin Pivot Work?

Coravin has became popular with wine collectors and restaurants by inventing and improving a needle and argon gas system for subsampling wine from a bottle without removing the cork. This allowed wine enthusiasts to try a collectable wine over a period of months or years.

The Coravin Pivot system differs from the original Coravin 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 preserving argon gas is trapped in the bottle by pre-inserting a stopper (the proprietary Pivot stopper) into the top of the bottle.

Here’s a short video by Coravin on various applications of the Coravin Pivot for everyday wines:

 
 

How Do You Use the Coravin Pivot?

The Coravin Pivot comes with a one page Quick Start Guide that’s easy to follow. There are two easy steps that take under a minute before you enjoy your wine.

Installing the Capsule

Coravin Pivot Argon Capsule.JPG

To install the Capsule onto the Coravin device, simply unscrew the black capsule cup and insert the capsule onto the device. Then, quickly screw the cup onto the system until tight (so that the argon gas does not escape).

Pouring Wine

Open the wine bottle (cork or screw cap, doesn’t matter). Wipe the inside lip of the bottle with a cloth to dry it and ensure that the stopper is dry as well. Then, insert the stopper. Insert the wine tube into the stopper until you hear a click. Hold the bottle and tip the spout over your glass.  Simply press and hold the button to pour and release the button to stop pouring.  

When you are done serving, remove the Coravin system from the bottle and close the stopper. Easy peasy!

Does the Coravin Pivot Really Work?

We tested our teal unit over a one month period.

Since we had only the two stoppers, we used one stopper for a red wine (Oregon Pinot Noir) and one for a white wine (Spanish Albarino), which are our go-to varieties for everyday drinking.

At one week, both wines tasted quite good. We could tell that the wines were very slightly muted but tasted so much better and fresher than if we had just stored them in the refrigerator with their cork.

At one month, both wines were drinkable. However, the aromas and flavors were more muted. Neither bottle had aromas of oxidation at one month. While not as enjoyable, we had no problem finishing or cooking with the wines at the end of one month. 

In summary, we highly recommend the Coravin Pivot for folks who want to enjoy a wine 7-10 days after opening, and perhaps a couple weeks later for more intense wines.

Coravin Pivot vs Other Coravin Products

Here’s our rundown of how the Coravin Pivot compares to other Coravin products:

  • The Coravin Pivot is easier to use than other Coravin products like the Model 6.  The dispensing mechanism is easier to use; there is no needle involved and no pumping action on the button is necessary while dispensing.

  • The Coravin Pivot is less expensive than the other Coravin products.  It’s about half the price.

  • The Coravin Pivot pours faster than other Coravin products.

  • You can get more pours out of a Coravin Pivot than the other Coravin products I’ve tried over the years. I was able to get 37 pours out of one argon capsule.

  • However, the original Coravin products, like the Model 6 and Model 5, all preserve wine for much longer than the Pivot. The original Coravin products perform better for expensive or fragile wines.

Do I Need a Coravin Pivot?

Not all wine lovers need a Coravin Pivot. However, there are some wine lovers who might get a lot of use from it:

  • Those studying for the WSET Diploma or Sommelier courses would benefit immensely from this tool. 

  • Wine shops or those showing their wines to several wine shops during the course of a day or week would benefit from the Coravin Pivot.

  • Wine enthusiasts who want to pace the consumption of a wine over a few days or a week may enjoy this system as the flavor is less muted when stored under argon gas than ambient air.

Is the Coravin Pivot a Good Gift?

The Coravin Pivot is a great gift for someone who is a fan of Coravin but has not splurged on one of the previous systems or was looking for something at a lower price point to use with everyday wines.

The Coravin Pivot is also a nice gift for someone who would prefer to drink a bottle of wine over days and weeks. It’s good for wine lovers who like to buy wines in the $15 to $50 range and plan to enjoy those wines over a week. If you enjoy sub-$15 wines, then I’d recommend the Vacu Vin which is more economical.

 
 

The Coravin Pivot is a good gift for someone studying for a wine certification like the WSET Diploma (DipWSET). Or for wine lovers who like to blind taste wines for fun with friends.  

Finally, the Coravin Pivot could be a good gift for a couple or roommates when one person loves red wine and the other loves white wine. With the Coravin Pivot, they can consume a bottle over days or a month without losing their wine to oxidation.

Where Can I Get Coravin Pivot Capsule Refils?

First, note that you can get 20 or more pours per Capsule. We were able to get 37 out of our first capsule. However, when you do need them, Coravin Pivot Capsule refills are often available at your local wine shop, box stores, and online.

 
 

The Coravin Pivot Verdict: Is it Worth the Money?

When we purchased the Pivot for our review, we were honestly a little skeptical. The company already has several good products on the market and continues to make improvements to their needle based units.

This particular Coravin product is more practical for a wider base of consumers—namely, those of us who like to drink moderately priced wines over days or weeks and don’t want the hassle of storing and managing bottles that have been micro-sampled by units like the Coravin 6.  

The Coravin Pivot is also available at a better price point, below $100 in many markets. Also, since the product is fairly new and not a lot of people know about it yet, it might make for an impressive gift, as most people associate Coravin with a higher price point product.

However you decide to preserve your wine, we hope you also enjoy every sip!

Cheers!






Corkcicle Wine Tumblers - Are They Worth The Price?

Corkcicle Wine Tumbler Display.jpg

Have a lot to celebrate this summer? Even if all you’re celebrating is summer itself, it’s nice to have a cold drink in hand during those hot summer evenings. But while you’re relaxing solo (not all of us are ready for being with lots of people yet!) or entertaining a crowd—especially outdoors—keeping your wine and cocktails cool during the warmer months can be a challenge. 

At KnowWines, we’ve reviewed several products for keeping wine cold, from the Corkcicle In-Bottle Wine Chiller to the Yeti Tumbler. Lately, we’ve seen the Corkcicle Wine Tumbler at area beach shops and wanted to test them out.  An investment in any wine tumbler is easily $20, so we wanted to see if they are really worth the price (and of course, share our findings with our readers!).

Before we share our notes on the Corkcicle Tumbler, though, a little bit about the KnowWines blog. We are an Amazon.com affiliate and we do receive a small commission if you purchase items through our affiliate links at no cost to you. The commissions we receive help us pay for web hosting fees, our podcast, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thanks for using our affiliate links and supporting our independent blog!

What is the Corkcicle Wine Tumbler?

Corkcicle Wine Tumblers, like most products in this category, are constructed of food grade 18/8 stainless steel and are vacuum sealed, ensuring triple insulation.

 
 

“Triple insulation” means that your double-walled wine tumbler has one layer on the inside, one layer on the outside, and one layer of airtight space in-between when insulated. This airtight layer is the “vacuum sealed” component of the Corkcicle Wine Tumbler. What does this mean to the consumer? Well, when your hand touches the exterior of the tumbler when your cool beverage is inside the tumbler, this insulating air layer minimizes the heat (or cold) exchange between you and the beverage. This means that your beverage will stay at its original temperature for potentially a very long time.

Important tip, though: Don’t be fooled by plastic imitation tumblers. In these lower end wine tumblers, there may be just plain air (not vacuum sealed) or cheap foam between the two layers.

Do I really need a Corkcicle Wine Tumbler?

There are many ways to keep your wine cool, so you don’t necessarily need a Corkcicle Wine Tumbler. However, if you do spend a lot of time outdoors in the warmer months and want to keep your wine cool and bug-free, you may want to consider picking up a Corkcicle Wine Tumbler (or two).

Who is Corkcicle & where are Corkcicles made?

Corkcicle is a U.S. brand based in Orlando, Florida. Corkcicle started in 2010, with their first product being the Corkcicle Air Wine Bottle Chiller.  Since 2010, the company has expanded its line to over 20 products for keeping beverages cool.

 Corkcicle wine tumblers are manufactured in China.

What’s great about the Corkcicle Wine Tumbler?

To start, the Corkcicle Wine Tumbler works as promised. These tumblers do keep wine cool for up to an hour, and even longer in milder temperatures.  Here are a few other things we appreciate about the Corkcicle Wine Tumbler:

  • The tumbler has a thumb imprint, unlike competing tumblers which may be round without someplace to rest your thumb for a better grip.

  • The tumbler comes in many colors and patterns, unlike competitor tumblers which often are available in solid colors only. The tumbler also has a non-slip bottom.

  • The Corkcicle Wine Tumbler comes with a lid. Some competing products may require you to purchase the lid separately.  

  • The Cockcicle Wine Tumbler tends to cost a little less than the YETI Wine Tumbler, however some limited edition tumblers may sell for more.

  • The Corkcicle Wine Tumbler comes in 12 ounce capacity, while the YETI wine tumbler holds 10 ounces.

Corkcicle Wine Tumblers Come With A Lid.jpg

What are the Downsides to the Corkcicle Wine Tumbler?

The Corkcicle Wine Tumbler will withstand a lot more wear and tear than a plastic wine tumbler. However, when holding the Corkcicle Wine Tumbler next to the Yeti Wine Tumbler, the Corkcicle felt a little less robust. 

Overall, reviews indicate that the Corkcicle tends to show more wear over time than the YETI after a few months use, especially when dropped onto a hard surface. Additionally, the plastic wine tumbler lid feels a little less robust than the YETI wine tumbler lid.  

Is Corkcicle Wine Tumbler Better than the YETI Wine Tumbler?

Ultimately, the Corkcicle Wine Tumbler and the YETI Wine Tumbler both excel at keeping wine cool.  

If you are a little on the clumsy side and are prone to dropping tumblers, The YETI Wine Tumbler is a little more robust than the Corkcicle Wine Rumbler. The paint on the Yeti product seems to hold up a little longer than on the Corkcicle.  

What size is the Corkcicle Wine Tumbler?

The Corkcicle Wine Tumblers holds 12 oz of wine. This is about the same amount that a standard wine glass will hold.

Where can I get a Corkcicle Wine Tumbler?

Corkcicle wine tumblers are sold online through their store on Amazon.Com and at Nordstrom.Com. You can also find Corkcicle Wine Tumbler in many wine shops and gourmet kitchen stores.

Where can I get a replacement seal or lid for my Corkcicle Wine Tumbler?

The Corkcicle wine tumbler comes with a lid.  If you need a replacement seal for your lid, they can be ordered here:

 
 

To replace your entire Corkcicle Wine Tumbler lid, replacements can be found on their website.

Should I get a Corkcicle Wine Tumbler or give a wine tumbler as a gift?

With so many choices of colors and multi-color designs, the Corkcicle Wine Tumbler makes a great gift for anyone who enjoys wine. You can even pair it with a great bottle of wine for an extra special gift. If you do decide to do a Corkcicle Wine Tumbler + bottle of wine gift, we have some creative ideas for how to gift it.

The Corkcicle Wine Tumbler Conclusion

The Corkcicle Wine Tumbler is a good choice for those who love the YETI Wine Tumbler, but want a tumbler that comes in more color & design options than the YETI. 

This tumbler is also a good choice if you are looking for a stainless steel, vacuum sealed wine tumbler with a lid to keep your wine cool and keep out bugs, dirt, or pool splashes.

The Corkcicle Wine Tumbler is reusable and should provide months and potentially years of use. Replacement seals or lids are available if you should happen to drop your tumbler and break the lid.

Finally, the tumbler does not shatter when dropped and keeps wine cool for an hour or longer.

 
 

Enjoy chilling out with your wine this summer!

Cheers!

How to Make a Wine Bottle Tiki Torch

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Did you know that you can recycle a wine bottle by utilizing it as a tiki torch?  Now that the KnowWines crew has moved to in a small patio home with a wood fence, the surroundings were perfect for a fence mounted wine bottle tiki torch. This is a fun craft for spring and summer months when warm summer breezes also bring buzzing and biting insects.

Before we dive into this fun craft though, a little bit about the KnowWines blog. We are an Amazon.com affiliate and we do receive a small commission if you purchase items through our affiliate links at no cost to you. The commissions we receive help us pay for web hosting fees, our podcast, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thanks for using our affiliate links and supporting our independent blog!

Wine Bottle Torch? Whiskey Bottle Torch?

First you’ll need to decide —do you want a wine bottle torch or a whiskey bottle torch? Then you’ll need to decide if you want to keep the label on the bottle or if you want to remove the label. Thankfully the wick in any tiki torch kit is universal for wine or whiskey bottles, so you can also decide after you’ve gathered the rest of your tiki torch supplies.

What Supplies Do I Need to Make a Wine Bottle Tiki Torch?

In addition to a wine (or whiskey) bottle, you will need the following:

Tiki Torch Kit

We liked the LANMU wine or whiskey tiki torch kit from Amazon. It comes with the wick, a clamp, two washers, a wick cap, and a wick holder.  Also included are additional screws for attaching your wine bottle tiki torch to a fence post, as well as two screw anchors if you desire to attach the torch to a concrete surface. 

 
 

Citronella Scented Tiki Torch Fuel 

You can get citronella scented tiki torch fuel online (ASIN B00CAG45MQ ) or pick some up at your local hardware store.  We prefer the Tiki brand as it’s super easy to pour. 

 
 

For one wine bottle tiki torch, you’ll need at least 750 mL (25 ounces) of tiki torch fuel. If you only want to fill your wine bottle half full, then 50 ounces will fill four wine bottle torches. 

Warning: Be sure sure to keep this product out of the reach of pets or small children — place it on a high shelf in the garage or in a locked cabinet with other household or automotive chemicals.

Phillips Screwdriver for Installation

We happen to have an abundance of screwdrivers we’ve accumulated over the years, so we already had a Phillips screwdriver on hand. If that’s not the case for you, however, we recommend one like this:

 
 

Gloves for Protection

If you’re concerned about getting the citronella tiki oil on your hands, consider wearing disposable gloves when you are transferring oil into the wine bottle.

And if you’re concerned about breaking the wine bottle with your super-human hand strength, then we recommend wearing leather gloves when attaching the clamp to the wine bottle neck. 

How to Assemble Your Wine Bottle Tiki Torch

The wine or whiskey bottle tiki torch is very easy to assemble. Let’s get started!

  1. Place the two washers on the wick holder (on the bottom side of the wick holder that goes into the bottle).  

  2. Slide the wick into the wick holder, leaving about one inch of the wick sticking out to light later.

  3. Attach the clamp to the empty wine bottle neck using the provided screws.

  4. Attach the wick cover to the clamp.

  5. Attach the wine bottle tiki torch to a wooden (or concrete) surface using the provided screws.

  6. Fill the bottle with tiki torch fuel. Alternatively, you can fill the wine bottle with tiki torch fuel before attaching it to a fence if a second person is available to hold the wine bottle during installation.

  7. Insert the pre-moistened wick into the wine bottle. Alternatively, just wait a few minutes until the oil works its way up the wick via capillary action before lighting.

  8. Light and enjoy!

Prefer a video?  LANMU gives these easy YouTube instructions for assembling the tiki torch:

 
 

Tips for Making Your DIY Wine Bottle Tiki Torch

In summary, it took two of us less than five minutes to assemble and mount the wine bottle tiki torch. This was one of the easiest and fastest DIY projects we’ve ever done. While someone could easily do this project themselves, it would go much faster with two people.

There were only two aspects of this project we would like to see improved:

  • The cap seemed a little small for the wick, but perhaps it won’t look so small once the wick burns down a bit.

  • The screws provided were on the cheap side.

    • The screws included in the kit were sufficient to do the job of mounting the clamp to the neck of the wine bottle, though they were a little short.

    • The screws included in the kit were sufficient for mounting the tiki torch to a pine privacy fence. If you need to mount the tiki torch to a concrete wall or other hard substrate, we recommend that you purchase more substantial screws and anchors and use a drill with a concrete bit to install.

How to Mount a Wine Bottle Tiki Torch to Concrete, Brick, or Stone

Instead of using the provided screws and anchor, we recommend purchasing this item if you don’t already have it - a masonry bit for a power drill and an assortment of masonry anchors and masonry screws.

 
 

Keep in mind that this masonry bit set is intended for smaller projects (like installing a small tiki torch to concrete, brick, or stone!) and not for installing large objects such as a 40 pound mirror.

Wine Bottle Tiki Torch: The KnowWines Conclusion

If you are looking to add some fun decor to your deck or patio with the added bonus of recycling a wine bottle and repelling biting insects with citronella, you may enjoy this small DIY project.

Overall, the project was easy to complete and the tools provided in the kit were sufficient for the task of installing the wine bottle tiki torch onto a pine privacy fence. If you need to instal the wine bottle torch on a sturdier surface, we highly recommend purchasing the proposed alternative masonry bit, anchor, and screws for a more robust install.

Cheers!

Best Large Wine Refrigerators in 2022

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Looking for a large wine cooler in 2022? Here’s our review of what to look for in a large capacity wine refrigerators in the current year.

First, know that you can trust our reviews on wine refrigeration. Our founder Jolene Unland has worked with refrigeration of all types for over 20 years as an agriculture scientist. During her WSET Advanced Certification in Wine studies, she learned the proper storage and serving temperature of wines both in aging and in serving. She’s also owned several different wine refrigerators over the years and reviewed them here on the KnowWines blog.

If it turns out that a large wine cabinet is too big of an investment at this time, we have also reviewed the best wine refrigerators for wine lovers in the 50+ bottle size range as well as smaller wine cooling units for apartments, RVs, or boats.

If you do plan to read on about larger wine refrigerators, though, you should know a few things about the KnowWines Blog. We are an Amazon.com affiliate and we do receive a small commission if you purchase items through our affiliate links at no cost to you. The commissions we receive help us pay for web hosting fees, our podcast, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thanks for using our affiliate links and supporting our independent blog!

What to Consider When Purchasing a Large Wine Refrigerator

Large wine cabinets are a big investment. When shopping for a large wine refrigerator, we’ve used the following criteria, resulting the acquisition of large wine refrigerators that lasted more than 7 years. One unit is 11 years old and is still running great!

Compressor vs ThermoElectric Wine Refrigerators

We have a strong preference for large wine cabinets with compressors - for more on that debate check out our article on the best wine refrigerators for wine lovers. Thankfully, almost all large wine refrigerators utilize compressors for cooling.

Dual-Temperature or Single-Temperature Large Wine Cooler?

In general, the fewer bells and whistles an electronic item has, the less that can go wrong! Unless you are purchasing a large wine refrigerator for a restaurant where you need bottles ready to go at 45 F for whites and 55 F or so for reds, there’s no reason to go for a dual temperature large wine refrigerator. If you are storing wines for aging, then select a single temperature large wine cooler, and have an ice bucket or wine bottle chiller on hand for cooling sparkling or white wines.

What is a Large Wine Cooler?

A large wine refrigerator is a cabinet that contains more than 50 bottles of wine. A large wine cooler typically does not fit below the counter in a bar or kitchen. Large wine refrigerators are used for storing and aging wines for commercial or retail purposes, or for home use by wine collectors.  

What is the Capacity of a Large Wine Cooler?

A large wine refrigerator typically holds over 50 to about 300 bottles of wine.

The capacity of large wine coolers is impacted by the following factors:

  • Size of bottles collected. Larger format bottles like magnums reduce bottle capacity in a large wine cooler.

  • Diameter of bottles collected. Most large wine coolers give capacity in standard Bordeaux bottle sizes, but Champagne and Bourgogne wine bottles may have larger diameters. For example, if a large wine cabinet indicates that one can store 12 bottles on a shelf, one may be able to store only 10 Pinot Noir bottles or as many as 13 German Riesling bottles or 15, 350mL Sauturnes bottles.

  • Style of shelving system inside the unit. Does the unit have racks for stacking bottles or single bottle holders?

How Much Do Large Wine Refrigerators Weigh?

Large wine refrigerators can weigh from 180 lbs up to 350 lbs, with most weighing in around 260 lbs.

Keep this weight in mind when ordering a large wine refrigerator. If you are not home when the unit arrives, the unit might be sitting on your front porch, and it will be too large for one person to move.  

How Wide is a Large Wine Cabinet?

Almost all large wine refrigerators measure 24 inches, with the exception of Eurocave, which can measure 26 inches wide.

What is the Cost of a Large Wine Cooler?

The cost of a large wine refrigerator can vary widely. In general, large wine coolers can cost anywhere from $800 to $4,000 and beyond.  

What Brands Make Large Wine Refrigerators?

The brands that make large wine refrigerators include Eurocave, Zephyr, EdgeStar, Lanbo, Allavino, and more.

There are also budget brands of wine coolers. These include BODGA, COLZER, Whytner, and more.

What are the Best Large Wine Refrigerators?

Eurocave

The gold standard for large wine refrigerators is the Eurocave. Currently, Wine Enthusiast is the only seller of Eurocave in the USA.  We own a Eurocave and reviewed it here recently.

Zephyr Presrv Single Zone Wine Fridge

In our recent podcast with Roy Wilson, Wilson mentioned several new innovations coming up in wine storage. In the US market, Zephyr is one of the first to roll out products featuring the latest in compressor technology, glass doors, and LED lighting (especially light color choices). The Zephyr also includes some fun bells and whistles, including 3 different choices in the color of LED lights, a five-bottle display rack, a reversible door, and a charcoal filter.

If what you’re really wanting is a Eurocave, but the price is a little out of your reach, consider this: the Zephyr offers a two-year warranty on most parts and a five-year warranty on the compressor, which is a little more impressive than other large wine refrigerators sold online.

In addition to its superior warranty and compressor technology, it seems that Zephyr is also ahead of the curve in understanding the needs of collectors who collect wine bottles in various sizes. Check out this video with Liren Baker of Kitchen Confidante showing larger bottle sizes, like premium and luxury Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, fitting easily inside the unit!

 
 

The newest Zephyr single-temperature unit is the 148 bottle Zephyr Presrv:

  • Zephyr Presrv Single Zone Wine Refrigerator 148 Bottles

 
 

EdgeStar

EdgeStar is located in Austin, Texas. It has over 50 employees and 12 distribution centers throughout the US. This company does a good job of making its user manual available on the Amazon sales page so you can see all the details regarding operation and installation before purchase. Their units come with a one year warranty.

Both EdgeStar units featured here have stainless steel doors, reversible doors, LED lighting, metal wood-front shelves, and even cooling technology that ensures a uniform temperature inside the unit. 

  • EdgeStar 111-Bottle Large Wine Refrigerator

    This model by EdgeStar is a good solution for homeowners who’ve exceeded the capacity of an under-counter unit and are considering having a built-in wine refrigerator in their kitchen or bar.

 
 

  • EdgeStar 151 Bottle Large Wine Refrigerator

    If EdgeStar’s 111-Bottle large wine cooler does not meet your needs, this unit holds 151 Bordeaux style bottles.  Like the 111-Bottle unit, this unit can be stand-alone or built in. 

 
 

Lanbo

This unit has a unique shelving system that is a fan favorite - it efficiently stores bottles on rolling wood shelves.  The rolling racks are all wood and cradle each bottle, unlike many competitors with metal or a combination of wood and metal shelves.  The upside of rolling shelves is that all the bottles lie in one layer - no need to unstack 14 bottles to get to the one you need!

Lanbo has an office in Walnut, California, and makes its user manuals available on its website and Amazon sales page. Their units come with a one-year warranty for most parts and labor, as well as a 36-month warranty on the compressor.  

  • Lanbo Single Zone Large Wine Cabinet - 289 bottle capacity

 
 

Allavino

Allavino has been selling luxury large wine cabinets for over 20 years.  Their sales group is located in San Diego, CA.  Like EdgeStar, Allavino does an excellent job making its user manuals available on sales pages for easy reference.  Allavino does have a one-year warranty on most parts, as well as a five year warranty on its compressors.

Allavino is known for its flex-count bottle shelving, which cradles each bottle.  Their innovative shelving system allows for a few more bottles per unit than their competitors.

  • Allavino 128-bottle Large Wine Refrigerator

    This large wine cooler accommodates 128 Bordeaux-style bottles.  The door is not reversible, so make sure when you order a unit that you select the correct door opening configuration (left or right) for your application.  

 
 

  • Allavino 177-bottle Large Wine Refrigerator

    This large wine cabinet accommodates 177 Bordeaux-style bottles.  Like its little brother, the door is not reversible, so make sure that you order the right door opening configuration. 

 
 

Whytner

Whytner also has US-based customer support for their units.  Their two single-temperature units feature wood front shelves and wire support for individual bottles.  

This brand is a good option for those wanting a large wine cabinet in the price mid-point range with a stainless steel front.  This product comes with a one-year warranty.

  • Whytner 100-bottle Wine Refrigerator

 
 

  • Whytner 166-bottle Wine Refrigerator

 
 

COLZER

To our awareness, there’s not a sales support contact for COLZER in the United States. Unlike its competitors, it was challenging to find a user manual on any sales pages. However, they have put a lot of effort into photos to describe the unit on sales pages.  

COLZER is a good budget brand for large wine refrigerators if you are storing Bordeaux bottles and other narrow-diameter bottles. If your collection includes a lot of magnums, Champagne, or larger Burgundy bottles, you may want to go with one of the more premium options. In this COLZER model, larger diameter bottles can go only on the bottom shelf.

COLZER often has coupons on Amazon to help you save additional money. This unit also has more LED lights than other units, which might be a plus, depending on the style you’re looking for. COLZER also offerS a one-year warranty, which is a little less than other brands we’ve reviewed. If you want to extend the warranty, check with your credit card for coverage or purchase an appliance warranty from the retailer. 

  • COLZER 154

 
 

A Few More Notes on Large Wine Refrigerators:

If you’re sold on the idea of purchasing one of these large wine refrigerators for your home or business, you may also be interested in the technical side of wine storage, or you may find that you’re inspired to go even bigger with your collection.

Where can I Learn More About the Technical Side of Wine Storage?

Here are a few great resources (two from our very own blog & podcast):

 
Wine Cellars: An Exploration of Stylish Storage
By Skinner Bappsc (HMS -- Exsci) (Hons) Gchighered PhD Aep, Tina
Buy on Amazon
 

What If I Want to Store More Than 1,000 Wine Bottles?

Have more than 1000 wine bottles?  Even the large wine refrigerators reviewed here will not meet your needs.  

Solutions may include off-site wine storage ine a locker at Extra Space Storage, or investment in a wine cave if you plan on living in your home for several years.  A compromise could be installing a Zephyr unit in your home and keeping your aging wines in off-site storage.

In Conclusion

Going forward, the innovation in the large wine refrigerator space will be LED lighting, sleek stainless design, and flexible shelving. Large wine refrigerator brands targeted to US audiences will follow these trends set by European makers like Eurocave.

For 2022, the best option for a large wine refrigerator that you can purchase online is the Zephyr Presrv wine cabinet.  

We look forward to updating this list as new models from various manufacturers arrive.

Cheers!




Best Open Wine Chillers

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We’ve tried several methods for chilling wines, including ice buckets and the Corkcicle Air. Open wine chillers can be a great tool for caterers, wineries, open bars in warm climates, wine bottle shop owners, and the residential wine enthusiast.

For those looking for a great open-top wine chiller for two, four, six,or more wine bottles, we like the Vinotemp Open Wine Chiller for residential applications and the Summit Appliance units for commercial applications. 

Before we continue with our review, though, a little about the KnowWines blog. We are an Amazon.com affiliate and we do receive a small commission if you purchase items through our affiliate links at no cost to you. The commissions we receive help us pay for web hosting fees, our podcast, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thanks for using our affiliate links and supporting our independent blog!

What is an Open Wine Chiller?

Using an open wine chiller is essentially the same as using an ice bucket, just without the fuss of ice and water. This type of chilling device keeps open bottles of wine chilled right before serving. Open wine chillers are often used by caterers or folks who frequently entertain for large crowds like corporate events or weddings.

An open wine chiller can also be used by wine bottle shop owners to chill a wine purchased by a customer who desires to drink the bottle within the next hour or so at a neighboring restaurant, park, or other venue.

The open wine chiller mechanism is typically thermoelectric (meaning, it does not have a compressor).  However, compressor models are available in larger sizes (below).

Here’s an example of one of the best-selling residential open wine chillers by Vinotemp:

 
 

What are the Advantages of an Open Wine Chiller?

When considering an open wine chiller, some advantages over other wine chilling devices include the following:

  • Open wine chillers are free from the mess of water and ice. This makes them ideal for wooden tables and for the integrity of your wine label, especially if you want to keep a wine label for a keepsake.

  • The temperature of an open chiller can range from 41 F to 66 F. This offers a great lower temperature range for sparkling, sweet, and dry white wines, and the upper temperature range is great for red wines.

  • Open wine chillers keep the wine bottle upright - no chance to have the wine bottle tip over in a large ice bucket.

What are some Disadvantages of Open Wine Chillers

While open wine chillers are very convenient, there are some downsides. You may want to consider the following:

  • Open wine chillers are more expensive than ice and buckets, so they may not be worth the investment if you don’t entertain often.

  • These chillers may not accommodate wine bottles with larger diameters, like some Pinot Noir or Champagne bottles.

  • Open wine chillers require an electrical outlet, which is inconvenient if you don’t have an electrical outlet at your venue. If you do need to run a cable, make sure it is one rated for outdoor applications, like this one:   

 
 

Do I Need an Open Wine Chiller?

If you don’t frequently entertain, you likely don’t need an open wine chiller. Also, if the location where you will be serving wine does not have an electrical outlet, then the open wine chiller won’t work for you. Instead, consider single bottle wine cooler sleeves, which can be very effective in chilling bottles.

If you are really interested in an open wine chiller but don’t like that the Vinotemp open wine chiller does not have a stopper mechanism, consider this wine chiller - also from Vinotemp - that has a vacuum sealing mechanism:  

 
 

Open Wine Chillers by Vinotemp and Summit Appliance

Vinotemp has a variety of thermoelectric and smaller capacity open wine chillers. Take a look at the two Vinotemp models most popular with homeowners and wine bottle shops:

Two Bottle Open Wine Chiller by Vinotemp

 
 

Four Bottle Open Wine Chiller by Vinotemp 

The two-bottle unit weighs just over 9 pounds, while this four-bottle unit is a little over 18 pounds. Both have digital interfaces, little vibration, and run quietly.

Your units should certainly last more than a year. However, having purchased a number of wine refrigerators and electronics over the years, I recommend purchasing an extended warranty. Alternatively, use a premium credit card that offers extended warranties on electronics - just check with your credit card before making the purchase.  

 
 

Twelve and Six Bottle Open Wine Chiller by Summit Appliance

If two or four bottle systems by Vinotemp are not sufficient capacity for your needs, Summit has this sleek and attractive unit that accommodates twelve bottles!

 
 

The Summit Appliance 12-Bottle Open Wine Cooler also has a little six bottle sibling:

The Summit Appliance six and twelve bottles units use compressors for cooling technology. These units should provide years of service for any commercial environment like a wine bar, winery, or bottle shop. The sleek, brushed, stainless steel exterior is gorgeous and it also features beautiful LED lighting. You’ll need a substantial table for either unit, as they weigh over 70 pounds each.

Extended warranties are also available for the twelve bottle unit once the manufacturer’s warranty expires.

Open Wine Chillers: Conclusion

If your home or commercial environment require an open wine chiller, both the Vinotemp (for residential) and Summit Appliance (commercial) should meet your needs. These chillers offer a fast, easy way to chill wine for tasting, entertainment, and more. We hope you find just the one to help you chill out and enjoy your next glass of wine.

Cheers!


The Best Wine Refrigerators for Wine Lovers

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In this article, we take a look at the highest-rated small wine refrigerators that are ideal for storing approximately 50 bottles of wine.

This type of refrigerator may appeal to any of the following wine lovers:

  • Those seeking a step up from a lower-end wine cabinet or perhaps a temporary solution before taking the plunge to a larger cellar down the road.

  • Those undergoing a kitchen remodel who are seeking a sleek, under counter wine refrigerator to fit in with new appliances.

  • Those who have collected a few bottles from their wedding year or a child’s birth year and are seeking a storage solution for those special bottles.   

  • Single people or couples who have downsized and want to age just a few special bottles.

Before we continue with our reviews and recommendations, though, a little about the KnowWines blog. We’re an Amazon.com affiliate and we do receive a small commission if you purchase items through our affiliate links at no cost to you. The commissions help us pay for web hosting fees, our podcast, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thank you for using our affiliate links and supporting this independent blog!

Do you need a small wine refrigerator?

Before moving on to our recommendations, let’s take a deeper dive into understanding the benefits of small wine refrigerators. It’s important to consider the environmental factors that impact wine and why wines benefit from being stored in cellars. Ideal conditions for wine storage include cool, stable temperature, relatively high humidity, and no light or vibrations. If you drink wines within a couple of weeks of purchasing your wines, then you can get by without a wine refrigerator because the changes caused by improper storage take time to develop.

If you’ve tried some older, properly aged wines — perhaps a Mosel Riesling from the 1980s or a Napa Cabernet from the 1990s — and didn’t enjoy the aged wines, then your preferences don’t warrant investment in a wine refrigerator. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying many age-worthy wines when they are young (though we do recommend a bit of research at your local bottle shop on decanting times!).

If you do enjoy storing wine to age, however, you may already have some stored in your kitchen island, coat closet, basement, or bar. It’s not uncommon for wine enthusiasts to have wines stashed throughout their home in several places. Over an extended time, however, these wines can deteriorate if not stored properly.  

Want to learn more about wine storage? Check out our podcast interview with wine storage expert Roy Wilson.

Assassins of Wine

What Temperature Should Wine Be Stored?

Temperature variation is one of the biggest enemies of wines as it ages. Wines should be stored at around 55 F (typical cave temperature), however, a range of 50 to 58 F is often considered acceptable.

You might think, “Hey, why can’t I store my wine in my refrigerator for the long term, or perhaps in the beer fridge in the garage?” Well, a few unfortunate things can happen when the wine is stored at too cool of a temperature for extended periods. The cool temps can slow down the aging process, the cork can dry out and allow refrigerator smells to seep into the wine (gross!), or the wine can be agitated when jostling around food or beer in the fridge, thus damaging the closure or label. Also, if the wine is pushed to the back of the refrigerator, there’s the possibility of freezing which may result in the cork getting pushed out.

Storage in a dark closet also may seem ideal but will have mixed results over multiple years. If the air conditioning in the house or apartment breaks down, temperatures can escalate. Prolonged periods can lead to the wine taking on a stewed or cooked flavor. Some wines may also start to take on a vinegar taste as the aging process is accelerated.

What Are The Effects Of Light On Wine?

Like temperature, too much light can also make wine deteriorate. This phenomenon is not unique to wine, as some beers are also known to suffer from light-strike. Simply, light is a form of radiation. Ultraviolet and blue portions of the light spectrum carry more energy than the red portion.  

Wine (and beer) have naturally sulfurous compounds. When light strikes wine, unwelcome chemical reactions can occur, leading to “skunky” aromas and flavors. Different colors of glass do provide more protection than others (e.g. dark brown or amber glass), however green and clear bottles are more common.

Since wine cabinet door selection has more to do with the aesthetics of a room these days, those of us wanting to age wines want to reduce light damage as much as possible. Wine refrigerators with dark glass or a solid door significantly reduce the possibility of light getting into the bottles.

What is the Optimal Humidity Level for Storing Wine?

When storing wines, most bottles are stored on their sides. This keeps the cork moist and keeps it from drying out, reducing the likelihood that too much oxygen will enter the bottle.  

A typical food refrigerator is a low humidity environment. In there, the cork can dry out. Corks can also dry out in arid environments, like the desert southwest of the USA. The ideal humidity level is around 70%.

Once oxygen has gotten into the wine bottles due to improper storage, the wine will quickly oxidize. Oxidation causes aromas and flavors to change. This negative impact is irreversible.

Does Vibration Ruin Wine?

Like light damage, damage caused by vibration is the direct result of energy being transferred to the contents of the bottle. This time it is kinetic energy and not radiation. Vibration damage can result from storing wine on top of a refrigerator or near another vibrating appliance like a treadmill, washer, or dryer. Wine stored under stairs may also suffer from vibration damage.  

The exact biochemical causes are not yet well known, however food chemistry research shows that wines exposed to vibration can lead to a reduction in esters, resulting in dull flavors.  Additionally, wines exposed to vibration can taste sweeter as the amount of propanol and isoamyl alcohol increases as tartaric acids, succinic acids, and esters decrease.

For more on wine assassins (and how to tell if your wine has really gone bad), check out our blog on wine faults.

Advantages of Small Wine Refrigerators

Now that you understand the environmental risks to wine in suboptimal storage conditions, let’s move on to those refrigerators!

When selecting a small wine refrigerator, one of the common regrets is getting too small of a wine cabinet.  As your passion grows, some of the smaller 18-24 bottle wine refrigerators can be outpaced by your collection habit.  

Many small wine refrigerators are also targeting a more entry-level clientele and are more likely to have thermoelectric coolers rather than compressors. Too small of a wine refrigerator also makes it difficult to maintain humidity.

Alternatively, some people purchase a wine refrigerator that is too big. The best large wine refrigerators are thousands of dollars and are designed for storing wines for 20 years or more. If you move frequently, large wine refrigerators are difficult to move! Your new or downsized home may not be able to accommodate a magnificently large wine refrigerator.  

Much like the “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” story, here we review the “just right” wine refrigerators that can fit under the counter or stand-alone in a den or walkout basement.  

Things to look For in your Wine Refrigerator

Warranty

Most small wine refrigerators in the size and price category we reviewed come with a one year warranty on some components and a five-year warranty on the cooling system.  If you purchase your wine refrigerator online, through a retailer like Amazon, you can also get major appliance warranties (affiliate link) at the same time as purchase.

To extend the warranty of any durable good like a wine cabinet, consider using a premium credit card with extended warranty provisions to make the purchase. Check with your credit card company to see if they offer extended warranties with this type of purchase. In our experience, American Express, for example, offers a doubling of the manufacturer’s warranty for many electronics when purchased with their card.  

Last but not least, keep an electronic record of the customer service number in case you have any issues with your wine refrigerator.  

Wine Cooler Reliability

Most issues that buyers face when ordering small wine refrigerators have to do with the initial delivery and installation. Typical issues include damage during shipping such as scratches and dents. Delivery issues are the most frequent cause of poor reviews.

If the unit arrives in good condition and is installed properly, expect about five years of use and potentially up to ten years.

Environmental conditions that shorten the lifespan of small wine refrigerators are typically related to ambient temperature and humidity. Wine refrigerators used in extreme conditions like a garage in Florida or a cold basement in North Dakota may have a shorter lifespan. Another situation that may shorten the lifespan of small wine cabinets is frequent moving. We lost a 7-year old unit during an in-state move recently when the movers damaged the back of the unit.  

When selecting a small wine refrigerator, pay attention to how much clearance is required under the unit for optimal performance. If the unit vents to the front, it can be used as an under-counter unit or as a stand-alone unit. If the wine cabinet vents only to the back, make sure that the unit is not installed flat against a wall. Attending to these small details will extend the life of your unit and reduce the chances of overheating.

Cooling Technology and Energy Efficiency

Small wine refrigerators are excluded from the federal Energy Star energy program. Some wine refrigerators are more energy-efficient than others.  

Thermoelectric units are typically more energy-efficient and are best suited for small living spaces like a studio apartment or condo.  

Compressor units use refrigerants like standard refrigerators. They may be less energy efficient than thermoelectric units and may be a little noisier, especially at lower price points. However, they tend to last longer and work in a broader range of ambient environmental conditions. The more life one gets out of a wine refrigerator means fewer units purchased over one’s lifetime and less landfill accumulation of dead units.  

Noise and Design Aesthetic

Following delivery issues and bottle count, the third most likely source of complaints on small wine refrigerators is noise. Remember, any durable good with a fan makes noise, and sensitivity to this noise varies by person. In this price category, we found that these units will be between 25 and 45 decibels, about the noise level of a quiet conversation.  

Think about where the wine refrigerator will be located. If it will be in a living or entertaining area, or in your bedroom, pay special attention to the noise emitted by the unit. If the unit will be in an unfinished walkout basement or utility room, then noise might be less of a concern.  

Since wine is a luxury good and many of these units end up in kitchens, most wine refrigerators are aesthetically pleasing. Consider whether or not you like the color of the LED lights and trim finish (stainless or black). Also, do you prefer (or need) a left or right opening wine cabinet?

Bottle Size Flexibility

Keep in mind that bottle capacity is typically referring to Bordeaux style bottles. Chances are, most wine enthusiasts have bottles that range in size and shape. Frequently, consumers are disappointed when they can’t fit all the expected bottles in the cabinet when the sales literature notes a capacity of, say 56 bottles. Second to delivery issues, the bottle capacity count is a frequent cause of low reviews.  

Wine bottle sizes vary by wine style and region. Champagne and Burgundy bottles typically have a fuller, rounder base, while Bordeaux style bottles are more rectangular in shape.  Flute-shaped Riesling bottles have longer tapered necks.

If your collection has wines from many regions, you will likely need to spend more for flexibility in the interior shelving system, or just live with a fewer number of bottles than the labeled capacity.   

Other Considerations

We reviewed only single-zone temperature zone units, small wine cabinets. Dual-zone wine cabinets tout flexibility, however, we like fewer moving parts that have the potential to break down. We suggest keeping things simple by planning ahead: just slip that rosé or Sauvignon Blanc into your regular refrigerator or an ice bucket 20 minutes before serving if you enjoy them below 55 F.  

We have found that wine cabinets with the same capacity can vary a lot in price. Typically, higher-priced units have the following features:

  • Better shipping pallet and packaging material

  • Less assembly

  • More responsive customer service

  • More robust individual components (e.g. glass layers, more metal thickness, heavier duty compressor, shelf quality)

  • Higher-end look with trendy finishes

  • More shelving flexibility

If you have minor children in the house, or you rent out your home on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo, we strongly suggest getting a wine refrigerator with a lock.  

Most small wine refrigerators will not need a lot of cleaning or maintenance, other than checking to see if the temperature and humidity are near the ideal conditions.  

If you are concerned about your small wine refrigerator temperature and humidity (let’s say while you are out of town or in case of power loss), you may want to consider putting one of these Moat Temperature & Humidity Wireless Smart Sensors in the wine cabinet. It will send you an alert if either is out of the specifications you set.

 
 

Now, let’s get to those small wine refrigerators!

Best Unit for Diverse Bottle Sizes:

Allavino FlexCount - 56 Bottle Single Zone Wine Cellar Refrigerator

Of all the units we reviewed in this product category, this one had the longest warranty. The cooling technology is a compressor. The noise level reported is around 40 decibels or less.

The small wine refrigerator comes well packaged and on a pallet. Minimal assembly is required and the small wine refrigerator is easy to get up and running. You can choose if you want the door to open from the left or right. The wine refrigerator is front venting and can be installed under a countertop or as a stand-alone unit.

What sets this unit apart from the others is its FlexCount shelving. It can accommodate many different sizes of bottles. This FlexCount shelving is not only practical, its sleek design makes it look premium and contemporary. The wine refrigerator comes with a lock.

Here’s your link for more information on the Allavino wine refrigerator:

 
 

Best Unit with Traditional Wood Shelving

Lanbo Built-in Compressor Wine Fridge Cooler With Reversible Door 52 Bottles

For wine enthusiasts who love the look of traditional wood shelves, this unit may suit your needs. It is also a front venting unit, enabling under-counter or stand-alone installation.  This unit comes with adjustable feet, carbon filtration, a safety lock, door alarm to let you know if the door is ajar.

The door is reversible and includes a lock.  The unit fits 52 standard wine bottles, so if your collection contains wider Bourgogne style bottles or broad-shouldered Cabernet Sauvignon bottles, you likely are not going to get 52 bottles in the unit.

Here’s your link for more information on the Lanbo wine refrigerator:

 
 

Best Unit for Basement Bars:

NewAir Built-In Wine Cooler and Refrigerator, 52 Bottle Capacity Fridge with Triple-Layer Tempered Glass Door

If you’re looking for a small wine refrigerator for your basement bar and don’t need the “wow” factor but still want a visually appealing refrigerator, this one may meet your needs.  Like the previous two models, this one also has a compressor cooler. It has a noise level of just under 40 decibels, a reversible door, beech wood shelves, and a moisture container to help with maintaining humidity.  It is also front venting, perfect for under counter or stand alone installations and has a lock. It comes with a one year warranty.

A few potential downsides: it appears as if the legs are not adjustable so one will need to use wood shims to balance the unit on an uneven floor. Some users report that the temperature needs to be reset when electricity goes out and that the bright blue LEDs are very bright.

Here’s your link for more information on the NewAir wine refrigerator:

 
 

Best Budget Option:

Kalamera 50 Bottle Compressor Wine Refrigerator Single Zone with Touch Control

This small, quiet wine refrigerator is ideal for townhomes, smaller condominiums, or office spaces.

Budget does not mean giving up on aesthetics. This small wine refrigerator has pleasing blue LED lights, a stainless steel door, and double layer glass. Unlike the other units, it has thermoelectric cooling technology, making it very quiet. At 82 lbs., it was the lightest small wine refrigerator we reviewed. The beech racks are removable to accommodate the wider bottle bases of wines like Pinot Noir and Champagne. It has a one year warranty and does not have a lock.  

Some potential downsides: if you have a lot of non standard wine bottles, you may only be able to fit about 40 bottles. The door is not reversible and the unit does not have a lock. The unit vents toward the back, so it is best used as a stand alone unit and not as an under counter installation.  

Here’s your link for more information on the Kalamera wine refrigerator:

 
 

Conclusion

We’ve four similar sized small wine refrigerators for a variety of circumstances, from a premium unit suitable for kitchen installation to a stand-alone wine refrigerator perfect for a condo or small business.

If I needed a small wine refrigerator for a home remodel or for a condo, I would select the Allavino (affiliate link). It’s a great value for those interested in something like a EuroCave, but wanting a smaller capacity at a lower price point. We like it due to its flexibility of bottle size and five-year warranty on the compressor, as well as other positive reviews we found on the internet regarding delivery and responsiveness of customer service to delivery issues.  

At the end of the day, each of these units covers the intended purpose: keeping about 50 wines cool at a stable temperature with enough humidity and minimal light exposure and vibration.  

Best of luck in selecting your wine refrigerator!

Cheers!

Are Zalto Wine Glasses Worth It?

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A few years ago the Zalto wine glass took the wine world by storm. These high-end crystal wine glasses, handblown in Austria, have ultra-thin bowls and are heralded by wine enthusiasts and magazines as vessels that actually make your wine smell and taste better. In today’s blog, we share the various styles of Zalto wine glasses and also compare Zalto glasses with our other favorite luxury crystal wine glasses. 

Before we continue with our reviews and recommendations, though, a little about the KnowWines blog. We’re an Amazon.com affiliate and we do receive a small commission if you purchase items through our affiliate links at no cost to you. The commissions help us pay for web hosting fees, our podcast, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thank you for using our affiliate links and supporting this independent blog!

What Are Zalto Wine Glasses?

The Zalto Story

Zalto wine glasses were developed by Hans Denk, a famous wine expert in Austria. These finely crafted wine glasses are crystal, lead-free, and handblown.

The story goes that the angles of Zalto wine glasses mirror the angles of the tilt angles of the earth: 24 degrees, 48 degrees, and 72 degrees. The concept of tilt angles, which supposedly improve taste, is not unique to Zalto - apparently, the Romans used a similar approach when building storage containers.  

Here’s the classic Zalto Denk’Art Universal Glass:

 
 

Handblown Glass

Essentially, Zalto wine glasses are made one at a time - a unique feature in any modern product! The glass itself is comprised of three parts: the bowl, the stem, and the base. These three pieces are made individually and are then put together by the artisan glassmaker.

Here’s a video detailing Zalto’s process of handblowing their glasses:

 
 

Zalto’s Hometown in Austria

All Zalto wine glasses are made by the Zalto Glasshutte in the town of Neunagelberg, which is about two hours north and west of Vienna, Austria.  Artisans have been making wine in this area since at least the 1300s. 

 
 
 

Where to Buy Zalto Wine Glasses

Some independent wine stores (like Red Bank Wine in Wilmington, North Carolina) sell Zalto wine glasses. Your local wine retailer may have some on hand to try before committing to a glass. If your local wine shop does not have Zalto glasses, then check out the Zalto shop on Amazon (affiliate link) or Wine Enthusiast.

Wine Glass Styles

Zalto and Riedel (affiliate link) both have lines of glassware that are designed for specific wine styles. Below, we’ve shared the Zalto styles we’ve enjoyed.

Zalto Universal Wine Glass

Personally, we prefer Universal wine glass styles. If you select wine glasses that are specific to a certain type of wine, your cupboard can fill up pretty quickly, and not everyone has room for all those glasses! We particularly enjoy the Zalto Universal glass with robust wines like Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and the wines of Bordeaux.

 
 

Zalto Wine Glass Champagne

While it’s true that having too many types of wine glasses on hand can overwhelm your wine glass storage, it’s also true that you’ll never regret having great champagne glasses. Special events deserve bubbly, and bubbly tastes better from glasses like these:

 
 

Zalto Wine Glass Bordeaux

Here is Zalto’s beautifully shaped wine glass, specifically for Bordeaux:

 
 

Zalto Burgundy Wine Glass

And if Burgandy is your drink of choice, Zalto has a glass for that, too:

 
 

Zalto White Wine Glass

Now, on to the whites. You won’t regret sipping a crisp, cold white wine out of this glass on a warm day:

 
 

Zalto Sweet Wine Glass

If you really love your dessert wine, try the Zalto glass for sweet wine:

 
 

Zalto Beer Glass

Love the (or not so occasional) occasional beer? Or, have a partner who prefers beer over wine? Grab a duo of these beauties:

 
 

How To Care For Zalto Glasses

Zalto recommends using the dishwasher for cleaning its glassware. However, in our experience, there are a few extra steps you’ll want to consider when using the dishwasher. Consider doing the following:

  • Leave plenty of space between the Zalto glass and other items in the dishwasher.

  • Avoid phosphate-free dishwasher soap.

  • Use less dishwasher soap than usual, as excessive dishwasher soap may cause buildup on the glass, causing it to get hazy.

  • Don’t use a long steamer cycle after the washing.

We don’t know about you, but we’d prefer to wash the glasses by hand than to wash them again after a faulty dishwasher run.We clean our glassware with hot water, unscented dish detergent, and then dry and polish before storage with a wine glass polishing cloth.

Zalto Universal vs Gabriel Glas

And now for a comparison between two luxury crystal wine glass brands: Zalto and the Gabriel Glas Gold wine glasses we recently reviewed.

Both the Zalto and the Gabriel Glas Gold are luxury crystal wine glasses. The difference between the two is that the Gabriel Glas Gold glass is made as one piece, whereas the Zalto is constructed of three pieces.

KnowWines is a team of two. My husband loves the Zalto. However, I’m partial to Gabriel Glas Gold. When swirling the glass, I feel that the Zalto is a little clunkier, while the Gabriel Glas is more “fluid.”

Zalto glasses are heavier in the hand than the Gabriel Glas Gold.  The weight and feel of the Zalto Universal wine glass is similar to the Gabriel Glas StandArt:

 
 

Do I Need a Zalto Universal Wine Glass?

No, you do not need a Zalto wine glass to enjoy wine. In fact, at KnowWines we reserve the use of these luxury wine glasses for wines at $30 and above. I’m not about to break these fine glasses on everyday-type wines (and if we’re on a boat or the back patio, we’ll even go for unbreakable wine glasses!).

Remember, too, that when you’re using luxury wine glasses like Zaltos, you need to plan to clean them carefully after use. I suspect that a number of these glasses are broken by folks trying to hurry through the cleaning process or they break the stem from the bowl by putting too much pressure and torque on the glass while quickly drying.  

If you’re willing to put in the time and investment, these glasses can really be a joy to drink from!

Unbreakable Wine Glasses

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Classic wine glasses are beautiful, but they can break easily, especially if you err on the side of clumsiness. If you want to enjoy wine without the fear of breaking glass, you may want to invest in a couple of unbreakable wine glasses. Unbreakable wine glasses are made from a variety of materials, including stainless steel, silicone, and plastic.

Before we continue with our review, though, a little about the KnowWines blog. We are an Amazon.com affiliate and we do receive a small commission if you purchase items through our affiliate links at no cost to you. The commissions we receive help us pay for web hosting fees, products to test, our podcast, and other costs associated with running this site. Thanks for using our affiliate links and supporting our independent blog!

What Is an Unbreakable Wine Glass?

Typically, an unbreakable wine glass is (ironically) not made out of glass. Thanks to innovations in molds and polymers, there are several beverage sipping options that are truly unbreakable!  Typically, unbreakable wine glassware is constructed of stainless steel and plastics such as Tritan, acrylic, or silicone.

These Glasses Are Really Unbreakable?

Unbreakable glassware may be labeled as shatter-resistant or shatter-proof. What’s the difference? Shatter-resistant glassware has been coated with or made from materials that will keep the container from shattering into tiny pieces if dropped (though it may still crack and break). Shatter-proof glassware, on the other hand, will not shatter or break when dropped. You really can throw it around or knock it off the counter. It may break, but usually only in an extreme situation (like being run over by a car!).

Want visual proof?  Check out this video of two young women proving how robust unbreakable wine glasses are these days. 

Do I Need Unbreakable Wine Glasses?

Unbreakable wine glasses can be a solution for wine lovers who are afraid of breaking glasses due to clumsiness or inebriation. They can also be great in households with small children or pets who inadvertently knock over glassware.  

Unbreakable wine glasses are a great option for parties or weddings that take place outdoors in areas where going barefoot is the norm - like beaches, swimming pools, and boats.  

Finally, unbreakable wine glasses are a good option if you like the idea of having a wine glass or two stowed away in a classic large Longchamp Le Pliage nylon handbag (affiliate link) or the TUMI unisex Voyageur duffle bag (affiliate link) for a weekend trip.    

Will Unbreakable Wine Glasses Detract From the Experience of Drinking Wine?

The world of wine can be broken down (more or less) into two categories: beverage wine and fine wine. Most wines you find at big-box stores and larger grocery chains are beverage wine, designed to drink right after purchasing and without a lot of fuss.  Fine wine, on the other hand, can be found at independent wine shops and specialty boutique grocery stores as well as online retailers and select wine clubs.  

Unbreakable wine glasses will not deter from enjoyable consumption of beverage wine.  

When drinking fine wine, however, you may find that unbreakable wine glasses take away from the experience, especially when it comes to capturing the aromas of wine and the feel of a thick glass rim in their mouth (rather than the preferred thin rim for fine wine glasses).  

What About Stemless Wine Glasses?

We are not big fans of stemless wine glasses as the liquid in the glass quickly warms in the hand, causing the wine to become dull and “flabby.” However, if the stemless wine glass is constructed of insulating materials - like a double-walled stainless steel wine glass (affiliate link) - this is less of a concern. Insulated stemless wine glasses are a great fit for outdoor drinking situations like the pool or beach.  

What Are The Downsides of Unbreakable Wine Glasses?

In addition to being suboptimal for fine wine experiences, there are a few downsides to unbreakable wine glasses. One downside of unbreakable wine glasses is that many are single-use and thus, not environmentally friendly.

Cheaper unbreakable wine glasses can have visible seams on the bowl, which can be rough on the mouth in addition to being unseemly.  Also, cheaper plastics can often be cloudy. As the price of the cup increases, so does typically the quality of construction and the visibility of the wine.  

Finally, while most unbreakable wine glasses are made of food-grade materials, like the popular govino stemless wine glasses, you’ll want to double-check really inexpensive unbreakable wine glasses for food-grade material construction before you drink out of them.

Best Unbreakable Wine Glasses

We love taking wine for a walk on the beach or a ride on a boat. We’ve tried several different types of unbreakable wine glasses in these environments. In our search for the best unbreakable wine glasses, we focused our selections on reusable unbreakable wine glasses and glasses that will work in a variety of situations.

Best Wine Glass For Clumsy People

If you (or a friend you’ll be buying a gift for) are very clumsy with wine glassware, this shatterproof wine glass made of Tritan materials in the USA is a great option.

 
 

We like these “glasses” as they really do look like “real” wine glasses. They’ve got a stem and substantial foot, making them a step up from stemless glassware. They are also reusable and dishwasher safe. However, don’t place them in a dishwasher set on the highest temperature setting as they might melt or bend. We do wish the bowl was a little bit bigger. And like any molded item, quality may vary across the various lots.   

Best Silicone Wine Glass for Hot Tubbing

If you enjoy relaxing in a hot tub after a day of skiing or work, these silicone glasses may work for inexpensive wine or fun cocktails. They’re unbreakable and don’t have sharp edges in case they are crushed underfoot or fall into the hot tub. What sets this silicone wine glass apart from the others is its wider opening, making it less likely that your nose will hit the rim when imbibing.  

 
 

There are two potential downsides to silicone wine glasses. One is that they can attract dirt (like dust or fine sand) easily. This might be unappetizing to some wine drinkers. The second downside is that the glass is “squishy” in one’s hand, unlike firm glassware or stainless steel. This might not work for folks wanting the feeling of a firm glass in their hands. 

Best Shatter-Resistant Glass Wine Glass

Still want an actual glass wine glass, but need it to be more robust than expensive crystal? Then this wine glass may work for you. Most fine crystal glassware is mouth-blown, resulting in a super-thin stem and bowl. These Paksh wine glasses are made in a mold, resulting in a thicker base, bowl, and stem.

 
 

It’s important to note that these glasses are not shatter-proof. They are simply thicker and more durable than fine crystal glassware.
While these are a good solution for clumsy folks who still love an actual glass wine glass, they might be too thick for anyone looking to drink fine wine. Wine glasses made in a mold may also have small quality defects simply due to the fact that they are made in bulk. 

 Best Double-Walled Stainless Steel Wine Glass 

The Yeti Rambler Stainless Insulated Wine Tumbler is a great stemless wine glass for outdoors as the wine is not heated through contact with your hands.  

 
 

To learn more, check out our full review of the Yeti Wine Tumbler. Another wine tumbler option to consider is the Corkcicle Tumbler (affiliate link).

Best Reusable Tritan Unbreakable Wine Glass (Made in America)

Fans of Tervis for reusable water containers? You may like this wine glass made by Tervis for drinking wine at the beach or on your patio. You can purchase the tumblers with or without lids. While you can wash them in the dishwasher, we find that our Tervis tumblers hold up best when washed by hand.

 
 

One of the downsides of this unbreakable wine glass is its size. It holds only 9 oz, while other glasses we’ve reviewed hold a little more wine. 

Unbreakable Wine Glasses Breakdown

Innovative polymers, as well as stainless steel wine glasses, provide a safe option for drinking wine in areas where conventional glassware is not allowed.  

For the benefit of durability, wine enthusiasts should expect to give up the thin rim common in crystal glassware. Other sacrifices include not being able to see through a stainless steel bowl to admire the color of a wine.  

Our experience also indicates that you get what you pay for, meaning that as price increases, characteristics like glass clarity increase and weight decreases.

In conclusion, we recommend having a couple of unbreakable wine glasses to take with you if you like to enjoy wine in venues where glassware is not allowed.  Since the type of activity you enjoy influences the ideal unbreakable wine glass for you, it’s a close call to choose a favorite.

If we had to pick just one of these unbreakable wine glasses, we would go with the Yeti tumbler. This tumbler is stylish, has a pleasing shape, and keeps wine cool in our (very hot!) North Carolina summers. Also, the lid conveniently keeps sand and bugs out of the wine while we are at the beach or in the yard (always a plus!).

Whatever you decide, we hope this review was helpful, and we hope that you find just the right unbreakable wine glasses for all of your indoor and outdoor adventures!

Cheers!

Coravin Review

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So, you’re looking for a wine tool that will dispense wine from the bottle without removing the cork? Amazingly, such a device does indeed exist: the Coravin System. The Coravin System is a combination of components that allows one to aspirate a volume (typically 90 mL) from a wine bottle without removing the cork. As the wine is aspirated, the liquid is displaced by an inert gas. This allows a wine lover to drink a treasured bottle over days or even months. 

You might be wondering, however, if these devices really work as advertised. In today’s blog, we’ll give you a rundown on the best Coravin models available. We’ll also dig a little further into the benefits and drawbacks of this innovative device so that you have the knowledge you need to make your own decision.

Before we continue, though, a little about the KnowWines blog. We’re an Amazon.com affiliate and we do receive a small commission if you purchase items through our affiliate links at no cost to you. The commissions help us pay for web hosting fees, our podcast, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thanks for using our affiliate links and supporting our independent blog!

First, Our Top Coravin Pick

The Coravin Model Five

A quick internet search will yield a potpourri of Coravin models. For those outside the trade, it might be challenging to study all the features. Your best bet is probably this mid-level Coravin System that balances aesthetics and durability and is targeted toward wine professionals. Meet the Coravin Model Five!

 
 

Other Coravin Models Worth Considering

The Coravin Model Eleven Fully Automatic Wine Preservation System  

This Coravin Model Eleven the ultimate gift for that special wine lover in your life who has a passion for all things wireless and is a total gadget fanatic.

 
 

This particular package is Coravin’s top offering for 2021. The Coravin Model Eleven is Bluetooth enabled and connects to an App called Coravin Moments which gives ideas on wine pairings with food and pop culture themes, including music.  

In addition to the aspiration device and Bluetooth functionality, the bundle comes with an elegant display vase, six capsules (which will allow you to pour about 90 glasses of wine), an aerator (to aerate wine as it is dispensed into the glass), and a carrying case for travel.  The bundle also includes six Coravin Screw Caps (affiliate link), which allows you to sample from screw cap wines by pouring wine from the bottle and displacing the poured liquids with inert gas using this special screw cap replacement.  

This bundle would be a good gift for a wine collector who is fascinated by wine, gadgets, and the arts. The ideal recipient likely has a wine collection, a wine cave, or wine refrigerator and enjoys seeing how specific wines evolve during aging. 

This might also be a good gift for single fine wine lovers or households within which only one person enjoys fine wine, as it allows for a wine to be consumed over a period of days, weeks, or months (even one or two years!) without removing the cork.    

For the wine lover who has to think more strategically about paying the rent (and doesn’t care so much about all the bells and whistles), the Coravin models below may be more appealing.

Coravin Model One: The Least Expensive Option 

Think of this as Coravin’s “base model.” In this model, many of the chrome parts featured in the other Coravin models have been replaced with a polymer. Also, there’s no textured grip. “Under the hood,” however, the moving components are essentially the same. This is a great value if you’ve had your eye on a Coravin but are worried about cost.

 
 

Coravin Model Two Premium Wine Preservation System

While Model Eleven has all the high end bells and whistles, the Model Two is a happy medium between the luxury and the base models. With this model, you’ll sacrifice the Bluetooth and a few other bells and whistles, but you’ll still get an ergonomically designed unit with more stainless steel, zinc, and chrome compared to the Model One. For anyone who has been seeking a Coravin for at-home use, this is a great model.

 
 

Coravin Models New in 2020

Coravin Model Three Advanced Wine Bottle Opener and Preservation System


The 2020 Model Three allows the user to slide the Coravin onto the bottle versus the manual clamping of earlier models. While the original versions have been historically easier to use, Coravin has further reduced the amount of force needed to attach the device to the top of the bottle. These new models are easier to use for those with smaller hands or less hand strength.  

Another 2020 improvement is that the Model Three is relatively lightweight. In some of the earlier models, the weight of the Coravin was significant enough to cause concern that it might cause the bottle to topple over if left on top. Since the Coravin is used primarily by folks in the wine trade, it would be embarrassing and unprofessional to have a bottle tip over while pouring fine wine for a customer.

Last but not least, these new models can be used on screw cap wines! Simply replace the bottle’s original screw cap with a rubber seal.  

 
 

Coravin Model Six Advanced Wine Bottle Opener and Preservation System

For those who want a little more flair and love the look of stainless steel with a flash of color, the Model 6 is a step up. We love this one in candy apple red!

 
 

Coravin Model Five Premium Wine Preservation System

Last but not least, the Model 5 is targeted more towards trade professionals. Previously, we were fans of the Model Two, but we’re liking this Model Five even more. It’s the best of both worlds - solid construction and a sleek look without any extraneous gadgetry. The mid-range price doesn’t hurt, either!

 
 

A Little Background on Coravin

Where Is Coravin Made?

Most Coravin packages we’ve seen indicate that the Coravin System is made in China, though the capsules are made in Austria.

The company is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts and there is a European office in The Netherlands. 

Where Can I Buy A Coravin?

Coravin is available at independent wine shops, some big box retailers, and online.  

We highly recommend that you stop by your local independent bottle shop and ask them to share their Coravin tips/tricks before you take the leap and buy one yourself. They have likely seen all the models and can recommend favorites. They may also demonstrate how the Coravin is used or even let you try it yourself so that you can get a sense of hey the device will handle.

Once I Get a Coravin, How Do I Use It?

This video is a great primer on using the most recent Coravin models. It also answers many frequently asked questions about the Coravin wine preservation process.

 
 

The Coravin Conclusion

Do you need a Coravin Wine System?

In truth, most wine enthusiasts don’t need a Coravin wine preservation system. There are several other wine preservation systems that can do the trick.

However, if you are in the wine trade and need to consistently give samples to buyers or customers from premium bottles, then yes, you should consider the Coravin Model 5.  

Also, if you collect fine wine and want to sample some of the wines in your collection without opening the bottles, then you may enjoy having a Coravin (especially if you live alone or are the only one in your home who enjoys fine wine).

Good luck with your Coravin decision!

Cheers!

Does Champagne Go Bad?

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In the past few years, wine lovers have been buying sparkling wines like Prosecco, Cremant, Cava, and wines from Champagne not only for the holidays or special celebrations but also for everyday drinking. With the increased frequency of consumption comes a common question: How long does champagne keep? Many of us are increasingly mindful of drinking in moderation and less likely to drink an entire bottle in one evening. Perhaps you are a single sparkling wine lover or your partner does not like sparkling wine and you need some advice on making champagne last. Here are some tips and tricks on storing opened champagne - or any other sparkling wine.

Before we continue with our review, a little about the KnowWines blog. We are an Amazon.com affiliate and we do receive a small commission if you purchase items through our affiliate links at no cost to you. The commissions we receive help us pay for web hosting fees, our podcast, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thanks for using our affiliate links and supporting our independent blog!

How long does an open bottle of champagne keep?

An open bottle of champagne sealed with a stopper and placed in the refrigerator will keep for at least 24 hours. It is possible to use an inexpensive bottle stopper like this one (affiliate link) made of food-grade silicone. Keep in mind, though, if there is enough pressure from the bubbles, the stopper may become dislodged while it is stored, causing the the champagne to go flat.

 
 

With a stopper like this, the wine will start to lose some of its bubbles and freshness fairly quickly. However, it will still be good enough to make mimosas or other mixed drinks for a day or two!

Some people who like less aggressive bubbles may actually prefer champagne or sparkling wine on the second day. After three days, most sparkling wines become flat (not sparkling).

How do I keep an open bottle of champagne fresh?

When champagne or sparkling wine loses its freshness, it is simply due to the natural oxidation of the wine over time as it is exposed to air (read more about drinking your already-opened wine in our “How to Tell If Your Wine is Bad” blog!). To minimize the oxygen coming into contact with the leftover champagne in the bottle, there are a few options to seal the bottle that are a little better than a simple bottle stopper.

The first is the Kloveo champagne stopper (affiliate link), a highly rated stopper made in Italy.

 
 

We’ve used the Champagne Stopper by Kloveo for a few years, especially for inexpensive domestic sparkling wine or cremant.

For more expensive non-vintage or vintage champagne, we use the Repour Wine Preserver.

 
 

Check out our full review on the Repour Wine Saver, including our field test on a bottle of champagne.

For both the Kloveo and the Repour, bottles should stay standing up in the refrigerator once the enclosure has been placed on the bottle opening.

How do I keep an open bottle of champagne bubbly?

Regardless of the enclosure, the reason we recommend keeping an opened champagne or sparkling wine in the refrigerator is to slow down the loss of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is more soluble in wine (and any other beverage) when temperatures are lower.

Can old champagne make me sick?

Old champagne (or any sparkling wine for that matter) will not make you sick (unless of course, you overindulge). If you are concerned about the quality of an older wine, assess it just as you would a container of milk you’ve had opened a few days in your refrigerator. If it looks unpleasant, smells unpleasant, and a few small drops on your tongue taste unpleasant, then yes, the wine has gone bad but won’t make you sick.

How long can I keep an open bottle of champagne in the refrigerator?

We recommend drinking any remnant champagne within 24 hours. However, when using the Repour Wine Saver (affiliate link), we’ve had some champagne that was still bubbly and fresh enough to drink three days later.

Will champagne freeze?

Yes, champagne (and any other sparkling wine) can freeze.

It is generally not a good idea to place sparkling wines in the freezer simply for the reason that one can forget the wine in the freezer. Upon opening the freezer door the next day, you can be greeted with a wine popsicle - and typically the cork has been compromised or pushed out of the bottle. While one can thaw and drink most still wines, sparkling wines often lose some of their bubbles after being frozen.

How long can I keep champagne or sparkling wine unopened? Does champagne expire?

When purchasing any sparkling wine or non-vintage champagne, a good rule of thumb is that it is still fresh and effervescent a few years after bottling. If you can’t find the year when the wine was bottled on the label, ask the wine bottle shop owner or staff. Some premium and luxury sparkling wines and non-vintage champagnes can be stored even longer than a few years. If your wine is vintage champagne (meaning that there is a vintage, or year, on the front of the bottle) these wines can age 15 years or more.

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Not sure if your bottle is vintage champagne? Here’s an example of vintage champagne (left) next to non-vintage champagne (right). If it’s not clear if your particular wine is vintage champagne or not, you can scan a photo of it into an App like Vivino or CellarTracker (or ask your local wine bottle shop for help!).

Americans are trained to look for expiration dates on all sorts of goods, but expiration dates are uncommon in wines. Preferences vary significantly when it comes to consuming aged sparkling wines. If you are not sure if you like the taste of aged vintage champagne, consider looking for it by the glass at a restaurant or wine bar around the winter holidays and splurge on a glass. It’s much better to learn your taste preference by the glass rather than investing in a bottle you might not enjoy years down the road.

How do I store sparkling wine at home?

If you are going to drink your sparkling wine in a few weeks, then it is fine to store it at room temperature, away from light and heat. Don’t store it in the refrigerator long-term, as the cork might dry out, resulting in loss of carbonation or oxidation of the sparkling wine.

If you are going to store sparkling wine or champagne from a favorite producer over months or years, consider investing in a small wine refrigerator like this one. Or store in a closet as recommended by Roy Wilson, our recent podcast guest.

 
 

For more ideas on wine storage, read our detailed article on storing wine in your home as well as our reviews on small wine refrigerators and larger wine cabinets.

Does Champagne go Bad?

In conclusion, if you store your wine well before consuming it, and have an appropriate stopper to place in the bottle after opening, you can get one or more days of enjoyment out of that special champagne or sparkling wine.

The two enemies of any type of opened bottle of sparkling wine are oxidation and loss of carbon dioxide, which are fought valiantly by using a stopper and refrigeration, respectively. With those two in place, you can unwin(e)d for a day or two after opening that chilled sparkler!

Have you enjoyed champagne or sparkling wine a day or two after opening? Share your experience (or questions!) below.

Cheers!

The Beginner's Guide to Wine Foil Cutters

In any kitchen store, big-box store wine aisle, online wine marketer, or brick-and-mortar bottle shop, you’re bound to find a selection of wine foil cutters. But do you really need one, especially when there are so many other fun wine gadgets to shop for, like wine charms, decorative wine bottle stoppers, and cork holders? In this week’s blog, we share everything there is to know about wine foils (why they’re there in the first place, and how to remove them) and wine foil cutters (are they useful, or just more clutter?). Finally, we’ll share recommendations for our favorite wine bottle foil cutters.

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Before we continue with our recommendations, though, a little about the KnowWines blog. We are an Amazon.com affiliate and we do receive a small commission if you purchase items through our affiliate links at no cost to you. The commissions we receive help us pay for web hosting fees, our podcast, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thanks for using our affiliate links and supporting our independent blog!

Why is There Foil on My Wine Bottle?

Historically, foil or wax has been used for years to prevent damage to a cork by rural and urban cellar-dwelling animals like mice, opossums, and an assortment of insects.  

These days, most of us don’t need to worry about a stray raccoon in the pantry or a cork weevil infestation in a walk-out basement cellar. Regardless, most wineries still use some sort of foil or wax out of a sense of tradition.

There is a trend to move away from wine foils by some winemakers as they do contribute to waste in the environment.  

Since these foils are now decorative, winemakers can take advantage of this little bit of marketing space by printing them with nuggets of information like agriculture practices, clever quotes, funny photo, or other details related to their brand. The time you go to the grocery store take a look at a few foils and observe the diversity in how this small space is utilized.

What is Wine Foil Made Of?

Today’s foils are made of tin, aluminum, or shrink-wrap plastic.

Before the late 1990s, wine foils often were made of lead. Thankfully, these types of labels have been phased out, since trace amounts of the toxic element could possibly get into the wine (not a good addition to your drink!).

How are Wine Foils Placed on Wine Bottles?

Ever wonder how those foils get on the bottles? Us, too! Here’s a short video describing how the new foils are placed on a recently filled wine bottles.

 
 

How To Remove Foil From a Wine Bottle

There are several ways to remove foil from a wine bottle, including the use of a wine foil cutter. Here’s an overview of different approaches:

The “I Need Wine Now” Approach

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Sometimes, you just really need that glass of wine (like, now!).

When those moments arise, you can always insert the corkscrew right through the foil, pop out the cork, and and pour yourself a glass!

The downside of this method is that it’s messy. The still-attached foil coming into contact with the wine as it’s poured could be unhygienic.

Also, you won’t get a clean pour if the lip of the bottle is covered with torn pieces of foil.

How Sommeliers Open A Bottle of Wine

Sommeliers use the knife blade of a corkscrew to cut away the top portion of the foil. This is a more sophisticated approach and is fun to learn if you want to impress your guests. This video by the Wine and Spirit Education Trust is created for the benefit of future sommeliers and wine industry experts, so it’s a perfect primer for how to open, serve, and pour wine!

 
 

Cutting Wine Foil with a Foil Cutter

Wine foil cutters come in a variety of shapes. Usually, they are comprised of a smooth surface that fits in the hand. On the underside of the wine foil cutter are blades that cut the foil when the foil cutter is rotated on the top of the wine bottle.

Using a wine foil cutter leaves a nice clean cut on the wine foil. It is also a less intimidating approach than removing the wine bottle foil with a teen-tiny knife! Wine foil cutters are easy to use, and they can be a nice addition to your collection of wine accessories. You’ll just want to make sure you get a quality wine cutter with nice, sharp blades (more on that later!).

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What are the Best Wine Foil Cutters?

The best wine foil cutter makes those clear, crisp foil cuts every time with ease. We’ve lined up four of our favorite wine foil cutters. Check them out:

Le Creuset: Our Top Choice Wine Foil Cutter

This Le Creuset brand is indicative of high-quality kitchen tools, and this black nickel wine foil cutter is no exception. A four-wheel system with razor-sharp blades cuts the foil quickly and effortlessly, leaving a clean line with just a quarter-turn of your wrist. Also, this wine foil cutter is attractive and fits perfectly into your palm. Simply a great wine gadget that makes a lovely present for friends and emerging wine enthusiasts.

 
 

Best Economical Wine Foil Cutter

This set of wine foil cutters comes with an unbeatable price tag and a magnetic storage design so that you can keep it handy on your refrigerator. Plus, the fact that this is a set of two means you can store one on your fridge and the other on a wine cart, RV, boat, or beach house. These are also lightweight and inexpensive, which makes them perfect for throwing in the picnic basket or your wine purse or bag.

 
 

Best Unique Wine Foil Cutter

Beach house, here we come! This novelty wine foil cutter has summer vacation written all over it. Perfect for cutting the foil on a bottle of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Grüner Veltliner on a warm summer evening. This one also doubles as a refrigerator magnet when it’s not busy opening bottles!

 
 

Best Wine Foil Cutter to Give As a Gift

This new-in-2020 wine foil cutter comes in three attractive colors and includes attractive packaging, which makes it easy to store and perfect for wrapping. Hostess gift, anyone? This one is also lightweight, easy to use, and won’t break the bank.

 
 

That’s a (Foil) Wrap!

Thanks for joining us on this wine foil journey. We love sharing wine knowledge and recommending the best products for wine enthusiasts.

Remember that, while wine bottle foil cutters aren’t necessary nor expensive, they’re an easier option for removing the wine foil from a bottle than the small knife of a corkscrew for budding wine enthusiasts. And they’re much less messy than the “I Need Wine Now” approach.

Finally, high-quality wine foil cutters can make great gifts or great additions to your at-home wine accessories collection.

Cheers!