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!

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!

How to Move a Wine Refrigerator

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Millions of Americans have moved and are moving in 2021. People are taking advantage of low interest rates for home loans, capitalizing on the flexibility of working remotely, or are changing jobs or retiring.

If you’re moving this year, and moving a wine cabinet is part of your relocation journey, this article is a must-read. At KnowWines, we moved two Eurocave wine cabinets in 2020 and again in 2021, so we have a lot of experience to share about how to move a wine cabinet on your own. Here, we share our tips and tricks.

Before we get moving, 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!

Why Move Your Own Wine Cabinet?

You may already have the tools needed for moving appliances like a truck or trailer, a hand truck, and some strong and enthusiastic friends happy to help in exchange for some free wine.  

Or, you simply might not have had the time or money to line up a professional mover. Whatever the reason, if you have the right equipment and some help you can probably move your own wine fridge.    

How Do You Move Any Size Wine Fridge?

No matter the size of your fridge, you can follow these steps to move a wine cabinet:

  • Assemble your moving supplies, vehicle/trailer, and helpers (specifically, you’ll need a hand truck rated for carrying the weight of your fridge, bubble wrap, packing tape, and moving blankets).

  • Remove your wines from your wine cabinet.

  • Unplug the unit.

  • Secure the shelving and any other moving (or loose) parts inside the cabinet.

  • Secure the wine cabinet door.

  • Secure the electrical cord.

  • Wipe down any condensation underneath or behind the unit.

  • Take the opportunity to clean the coils on the back of the unit with a vacuum or dust cloth.

  • Wrap the unit with a moving blanket.

  • Secure the wine cabinet onto the hand truck (or dolly) using a ratchet strap.

  • Load the wine cabinet onto your truck/trailer/box truck.

  • Unload the wine cabinet from the truck.

  • Level the cabinet.

  • Re-install shelving if it was removed earlier.

  • Let the wine refrigerator sit for 24 to 48 hours (48 hours preferred).

  • Plug the wine cabinet into its new home and let it come to 55 F overnight.

  • Place your wines back into the wine refrigerator.

Here’s a quick shopping list of our favorite appliance moving supplies which can be procured online, at a local hardware shop, or second-hand through Facebook Marketplace.

Hand Truck / Dolly

 
 

Reusable Moving Blankets

 
 

Ratchet Straps

 
 

Bubble Wrap

 
 

How Do You Move a Large Wine Fridge?

The steps for moving the large wine refrigerator are listed above in moving any wine fridge.





Moving a large wine fridge (one like the Eurocave Performance series) or any unit holding over 100 bottles will require three people at minimum - two for heavy lifting and one for guiding.

How Do You Move a Small Wine Fridge?

The steps are similar to moving a large one, but some steps may not apply:

  • Your unit may not have removable shelving, so placing some bubble wrap or a towel between the shelves and door may be enough to prevent damage.

  • Your unit may not have adjustable feet for leveling the cabinet at the new location.

  • When moving a small wine fridge, you may be able to place a piece of cardboard (or some other simple household item) between the hand truck (dolly) and the small wine cabinet to avoid scratching, in which case you will not need a moving blanket.  

  • If the fridge small enough, you may be able to lift it yourself (or just with the help of a single friend) and not need a dolly or hand truck.  

Otherwise the process is the same for moving any wine fridge, as listed above.

Should I Clean my Wine Cabinet Before Moving?

Yes! Clean your wine refrigerator inside and out with a slightly dam washcloth and gentle cleaner. Dry any remaining liquid inside the unit with an absorbent towel. Removing dampness will prevent the growth of mold and foul odors inside the cabinet, especially if the unit is sitting for more than a few days during your move.

Also, don’t forget to use this as an opportunity to vacuum the coils on the back of the unit!

Should I Remove Shelving from my Wine Cabinet Before Moving?

If the shelving that holds the wine bottles is removable, we suggest that you remove the shelves and any other mobile components inside the unit. This will prevent the shelves or other components (like a hygrometer) from falling or banging around during the move. 
Moving components inside the cabinet cause damage to the glass, walls, or other shelves during transport if not secured.

Another option for securing shelving is to wedge bubble wrap between the shelves and the door and then secure the bubble wrap with gentle paint tape or moving tape that will not damage the finish of your fridge.

 
 

How Should I Move a Wine Fridge a Short Distance?

If you are moving a wine refrigerator down the hall or down the street for example, you may not need a truck or trailer. You may be able to simply secure the wine cabinet onto the dolly or hand truck, and with the help of another individual to serve as spotter, simply navigate down the hall or street to the new location.

If you go this route, make sure to adequately wrap the empty wine cabinet with a moving blanket so that the exterior does not get scratched during transit. Also take care to not tip the cabinet more than 45 degrees during loading or transport. And last, make sure to let the unit sit for 24 to 48 hours before plugging in again. 

Can I Move A Wine Cabinet On Its Side?

Unless this type of transport is specifically mentioned in the user manual of the wine refrigerator, do not move a wine cabinet on its side. 

The folks over at Hunker offer a good outline of bad things that can happen to a wine (or any refrigerator) if it is laid on its side. The most problematic issues with moving a refrigerator this way are compressor oil getting into refrigerant lines OR the door and hinges being damaged during transit.

How Do I Transport a EuroCave?

Most EuroCave wine cabinets weigh in excess of 200 pounds. You will need to follow the instructions listed at the top of the article for preparing, moving, and post-move set-up. Additionally, you will need a truck or trailer to move the cabinet. You’ll also need two to three strong individuals to help with the move.

How Long Do I Let a Wine Cabinet Sit Before Plugging It In?

Let your wine cabinet set for 24 to 48 hours so that any compressor lubricant (oil) that may have gone into the coolant lines settles out. This is an important step! You may be excited to get your refrigerator set up in your new space (we get it), but exercise a little patience to ensure the integrity of your wine refrigerator.

How Do I Keep a Wine Refrigerator in Storage?

If you are going to store your wine cabinet in a storage unit, make sure that the unit is clean and the inside of the cabinet is free from moisture when you place it in storage.  

To prevent moisture from being trapped in the fridge and causing moldy or foul odors, place a piece of cardboard between the door and box so that there is a crack of at least ½ inch to allow for circulation of air inside the unit.  

And of course you will want to store your wine fridge upright. Beyond these steps, there is little else you need to do.

Moving Your Wine Fridge: The KnowWines Conclusion

We recognize that not everyone is able to organize professional movers to move a wine cabinet for a myriad of reasons.

If you find yourself in need of moving a wine refrigerator, be sure you have the right supplies and some friends, a truck, or a trailer. Then follow the steps at the beginning of this blog to make sure your wine refrigerator makes to your new home in working order!

Now that you know how to move your wine fridge, it’s time to start packing all those wine glasses - here’s how. Good luck with your move!

Cheers!

How To Get Red Wine Out of Carpet Every Time

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If you have any amount of carpet in the space where you entertain, chances are you’ve either

a) already spilled red wine on your carpet or

b) you anticipate one of your guests spilling red wine on your (or your rental’s) carpet in the near future.

To be prepared for these situations—or for treating red wine stains after an accident—we’ve laid out several options for removing those pesky stains. 

Before we share our eight methods for how to get red wine out of carpet, 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!

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Red Wine Stains: Cleaning Solutions Compared

We purchased a sample of carpet from Home Depot as our testing surface. For the wine, we went with a Pinot Noir already open from the previous night’s festivities (4th of July).  

We used a teaspoon to pour 5 mL (one teaspoon) of wine on ten places on the carpet.

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After conducting some online research, we found a common theme in red wine stain removal advice: gently dab at the stain as soon as possible to absorb as much liquid as possible. So, for nine of the spots, I dabbed each one for about one minute with a soft inexpensive white cotton washcloth before continuing with the stain treatments. 

So, can you really get out a red wine stain with just dabbing?

After dabbing the nine spots on the carpet, we have to agree with previous posters—the simple act of dabbing the stain with a dry, white (or very light-colored) cotton washcloth greatly reduced the appearance of red wine on the carpet by over 50 percent!

Word to the wise, though: Don’t use a dark washcloth or a washcloth that is new and has never been washed, as it might bleed when coming in contact with the liquid, creating an even bigger stain!

Also, don’t rub the red wine stain. Just dab! Depending upon the construction of the carpet, rigorous rubbing may damage delicate fibers.

So if you are hosting a party where wine stains are a possibility, your first first line of defense is simply a few cheap hand towels like these:

 
 

Does Cold Water Get Red Wine out of the Carpet?

Method: After dabbing the wet wine stain spot with the cotton cloth, we applied 10 mL (2 teaspoons) of cold water to the spill area. We then dabbed that area with a clean portion of the towel and waited two hours to assess the stain.

Conclusion: After 2 hours, over 95% of the stain was gone! We were honestly impressed. When using cold water, we’d recommend not being too generous with it as you could soak the padding underneath the carpet and cause a moldy mess.  

This was the easiest (and free!) solution with my carpet sample. Your mileage may vary with your specific carpet. If you desire more thorough results, then I’d recommend following up with a commercial product like OxyClean or Chateau Spill.  

Does Club Soda Get Red Wine Out of the Carpet?

Method: After dabbing the wet wine stain spot with the cotton cloth, we applied 10 mL (2 teaspoons) of cold club soda to the spill area. We then dabbed that area with a clean portion of the towel and waited two hours to assess the stain.

Conclusion: After 2 hours, over 95% of the stain was gone! Again, an impressive result. Again, when using club soda or a clear sparkling water, we recommend not being too generous with it as you could soak the padding underneath the carpet and cause a moldy mess.  

While not free, club soda is a cheap and easy solution (and this is a product that many of us already have in our homes). Your mileage may vary with your specific carpet. If you desire more thorough results, then we’d recommend following up with a commercial product like OxyClean or Chateau Spill. 

Does OxiClean Get Red Wine out of the Carpet?

Method: After dabbing the wet wine stain spot with the cotton cloth, we applied 10 mL (2 teaspoons) of OxiClean paste (using instructions on the OxiClean tub). We then waited for the spot to dry for two hours to assess the stain.

Conclusion:  After 2 hours, 100% of the stain was gone! While it did take a couple of minutes to find a bowl and make the paste, once the paste was applied we could go back to meal prep. And after the stain was treated, it was like the spill never happened!

Who could argue with a stain 100% gone on my carpet sample?

The only down side was waiting for the paste to dry and then finding my tiny car vacuum to vacuum up the paste residue. If I’d had guests in the house, they may have trampled the OxiClean around the room. If we had a pet, they might come over and try to eat the paste or track it through the house with their paws. However, a little vigilance during the stain treatment is a small price to pay for a fresh, unstained carpet.

So, if you entertain and you know that your carpet won’t react adversely to OxiClean, we highly recommend this product for getting out red wine stains from carpet, especially for pet-free individuals or those with older children.

 
 

Does Chateau Spill Get Red Wine Out of the Carpet?

Method: After dabbing the wet wine stain spot with the cotton cloth, we applied 10 mL (2 teaspoons) of Chateau Spill to the stain. We then waited for the spot to dry for two hours to assess the stain.

Conclusion: After 2 hours, 100% of the stain was gone!  

We did like that I didn’t have to go make a paste. We simply had to point and spray to cover the area. The area was a little moist after applying the product, however we were able to control the spray versus dumping or pouring cold or sparkling water.

With this product, there are no worries about little ones, guests or pets dispersing a drying paste around the house. This one was our personal favorite. If you do purchase a bottle of this to have on hand, make sure that you test an area on your carpet. We also like that it is a nontoxic formula containing no chlorine, phosphates, sulphates, parabens, peroxide, perfumes, or dyes.

 
 

Will Dish Soap & Hydrogen Peroxide get Red Wine out of the Carpet?

Method: After dabbing the wet wine stain spot with the cotton cloth, we applied 10 mL (2 teaspoons) of a mixture that was 3 parts hydrogen peroxide and 1 part dishwashing liquid to the stain. We waited for the spot to dry for two hours to assess the stain.

Conclusion:  After 2 hours, over 100% of the stain was gone! Impressive! When adding liquids to a carpet, again, we recommend not being too generous with it as you could soak the padding underneath the carpet and cause a moldy mess. 

It was a little bit of a pain to make the solution, however it was cheap and free, as we already had these items on hand.

Will White Vinegar & Dish Soap get Red Wine from the Carpet?

Method: After dabbing the wet wine stain spot with the cotton cloth, we applied 10 mL (2 teaspoons) of a solution containing one part white vinegar and one part dishwashing liquid to the stain. We waited for the spot to dry for two hours to assess the stain.

Conclusion:  After 2 hours, 100% of the stain was gone! Again, impressive! When adding liquids to a carpet, we recommend not being too generous with it as you could soak the padding underneath the carpet and cause a moldy mess. 

Making the solution required a bit of work, but this was a totally free stain remover, as I already had these items on hand.

Will Baking Soda & Dish Detergent Remove Red Wine From Carpet?

Method: We found several articles online suggesting that a combination of baking soda, dish detergent, and water could remove red wine when applied to the stain. So, we gave this method a try. After dabbing the wet wine stain spot with the cotton cloth, we applied 10 mL (2 teaspoons) of one a mixture that was one part baking soda, one part dish detergent, and four parts cold tap water. We waited for the spot to dry for two hours to assess the stain.

Conclusion:  After 2 hours, 100% of the stain was gone!  

However, after 2 hours, the baking soda and dish detergent slurry was still wet, so we couldn’t vacuum up any residue. This area was the wettest of all test areas.  

This was our least favorite solution - we had to locate the items, make the mixture, wait for the results, and then clean up the solution. 

Does Kosher Salt Get Red Wine Out of the Carpet?

Method: After dabbing the wet wine stain spot with the cotton cloth, we applied 2 teaspoons of kosher salt to the stain. We waited for the spot to dry for two hours to assess the stain.

Conclusion: After 2 hours, over 95% of the stain was gone. However, the area was still wet under the mountain of kosher salt, and we could still see some red wine stain. And we still had to vacuum up the salt.   

While we love the idea of all-natural & cheap stain removers, this solution and the baking soda solution were our least favorites.  

How do I Get Red Wine Out of the Carpet the Next Day?

Perhaps one of your guests did not disclose that they left a wine stain for you to clean up. Or perhaps you’re culprit, and you didn’t even realize you’d spilled your wine until the next day.

In this case, the first step would be to slightly rehydrate the stain using a small amount of cold water—but again, be careful to not soak the carpet and underneath padding with water. Dab a bit at the stain with a white (or light) dry washcloth to remove excess moisture.  Then apply Chateau Spill to the stain. The Chateau Spill should take care of the stain. If not, consider contacting a professional cleaner for follow-up steps.

Our Conclusion: Your Carpet is Salvageable After Red Wine Spills

Unless your carpet is made of unique or very specialized material, there are many solutions available in the home for getting out a red wine stain. And that’s great news!

If your event is crowded, has pets or children afoot, and your carpet is cheap, we recommend simply dabbing up as much of the wine spill as possible with an inexpensive white or light colored dish or hand towel so that you don’t have a sopping mess. After dabbing, pour some cold water or club soda on the spill area and continue to dab. And if you have some Chateau Spill on hand, give the area a few squirts for good measure!

Take a look in the morning to make sure that the area is dry and clean. If the stain is not clear, slightly rehydrate the stain and treat again. If there’s still no success with removing the red wine stain, contact a professional cleaner for recommendations. 

And if you find yourself cleaning up red wine stains over and over again, you may want to think about getting a few unbreakable, stainless wine glasses, which are easier to hold and thus, harder to drop.

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!




How to Host an Online Wine Tasting

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If you’re anything like the rest of us, you’re missing your friends during the Covid-19 pandemic. If you’re anything like us at KnowWines, you’re also missing the fun of visiting wine bars and drinking with friends. And if you’re training to be a sommelier, you’re likely feeling stressed about missing out on visiting wineries and tasting for exams.

But here’s the good news. Many neighborhood bottle shops are still open with curbside pickup, and modern technologies like Zoom and Facetime can connect us to friends in real time. So, during this time of social distancing, why not host a virtual wine tasting? Hosting an online wine tasting is a great way to connect with friends during these difficult times while also supporting your neighborhood independent wine shop!

In today’s blog, we’ll offer our best tips, tricks, and tools for hosting an online wine tasting. 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!

What Supplies Do I Need To Host An Online Wine Tasting?

Wine

This is a great time to try some new wines, as many bottle shops are offering “six-pack” specials for curbside pickup. You can go with a random selection of wines recommended by your local bottle shop owner, or you can try for a wine tasting theme. For example, you might try sampling a few different rosé wines, a few different wines from a particular region, or a few different varietals from different vineyards. As your local bottle shop for recommendations! You’ll want your friends to order the same bottles, so you’re all tasting the same wines.

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Glassware

You, and the friends you’re gathering with virtually, will need glassware. In a pinch, juice glasses will do, but ideally, you’ll use actual wine glasses to help with noticing the aromas of the wine. Our favorite glassware is Gabriel Glas. However, if you or your friends are the clumsy types, or if you’re planning to be outside on the patio during this virtual tasting, you might want to try for some unbreakable wine glasses.

Notepad or Tasting Grid

While tasting, record your notes in a personalized wine journal, or order one of these delightful wine tasting placemats for each of your virtual partygoers and have them delivered to their homes! And if you’re the only one who has this wine tasting placemat, that’s fine, too. Use it as a guide for helping your virtual guests know what to think about as they’re tasting the wine! (You could also skip the note-taking altogether, and just drink!).

 
 

What Technology do I Need to Host an Online Wine Tasting?

Smartphone, Tablet, or Computer

Any smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera will do.  A smartphone is easier if you want to move around during the call, but if you want to stay put at your dining room table or kitchen island, a laptop will be perfect. Just be sure that your device is updated to the most recent operating system so that apps will run smoothly.

SwitchPod or other Smartphone Tripod

We’ve fallen in love with Pat Flynn and Caleb Wojcik’s SwitchPod. This tripod means no more bracing the iPhone up against a wine bottle or other item so that you can see (and be seen) while tasting wine and chatting. Also, you’ll look a lot better from the angle the tripod provides (happy bonus!). We love the SwitchPod because it does not have the bendy arms of earlier tripods. It is easy to travel with and the aluminum alloy construction makes it both very robust and lightweight for travel. 

 
 

Because most tripods don’t come with smartphone holders, we like this option that holds an iPhone securely on any tripod. So, if you already have a tripod, this might be a good addition to your online party kit!

 
 

Once you’re all set up with devices, it doesn’t matter what type of application you use. In these days of social distancing, two popular choices are Zoom and FaceTime. Below are a couple of easy-to-follow videos that walk you through how to set up a group call on Facetime and Zoom. If you haven’t done this before, don’t worry! These apps make it pretty easy to learn the ropes.

Facetime

Here’s a quick tutorial on how to set up a group Facetime call:

 
 

Zoom

Here’s a quick tutorial on how to set up a Zoom meeting (or in your case, Zoom party!):

 
 

DIY Online Wine Tasting: Step by Step

So, you have the wine and the laptop and everything else you need for a fun online happy hour with friends. Here are the simple steps for putting on your own online wine tasting with friends.  

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  • First, contact your friends to set up a time that work for everyone. 4-10 friends is an ideal number. With more than 10, the screen gets a little crowded and socializing becomes trickier.

  • Agree to a platform that works for all of your friends (such as Facetime or Zoom).

  • Select your wines and agree to order them on the same day so that everyone will have the chosen wines by the party date.

  • On the day of the party:

    • Get your tripod and smartphone device ready to go.

    • Prepare a clean glass for tasting.

    • Start the Facetime call or Zoom meeting.

    • Start tasting (and chatting!) with friends!

    • Take notes if you like.

Virtual Alternatives to a Wine Tasting Party with Friends

If you aren’t up for organizing an online wine tasting, but still like the idea of socializing with other wine lovers while sheltering in place, consider these options.

Social Online Wine Classes

Party of one or two and want to meet some new friends? Wine For Normal People podcaster, wine entrepreneur, and Certified Sommelier Elizabeth Schneider has increased the number of online wine classes she offers. The classes range from introductory to “wine geek.” We love that she offers classes exploring wines from a specific region or appellation. To participate in Elizabeth’s wine classes, make sure you give yourself enough time to seek out the selected wines. These wines are budget-friendly unless specified (keeping in Elizabeth’s Podcast theme “Wine for Normal People”).

Serious Online Wine Classes

Interested in getting a certification? Napa Valley Wine Academy has made many of their wine classes available online. Courses include Wine 101, American Wine Expert, and Wine and Spirit Educational Trust. Class sign-up includes wine kits for tasting!

In Summary

During this time of social distancing, an online wine tasting party is a great way to connect with friends and family who enjoy wine as much as you.  It really doesn’t take much to organize such an event! You simply need wine, glasses, something to write on if you want to share notes, a smartphone, a tripod like the SwitchPod, and the Zoom or FaceTime app (both of which are free!).

If you don’t want to host a party, join one of Wine for Normal People’s classes or study with the pros at Napa Valley Wine Academy.

Whatever you decide, we hope that you manage to include a bit of your old social life during social distancing.

Stay safe. And cheers!

How to Remove Wine Bottle Labels

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If you’re a wine and craft beer enthusiast, a winemaker, or a crafter (or are just curious!), you may find yourself needing to remove wine labels from bottles. Here, we offer an overview and specific details on how to get a label off of a wine bottle for a variety of purposes. As you’ll see, there is no one-size-fits-all methodology for removing wine labels.  

Before we continue our how-to, 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!

Why remove the label from a wine bottle?

Wine enthusiasts and scrapbookers may want to remove a wine label to save it in a wine journal or scrapbook.  Private-label winemakers remove labels for the purpose of re-use - they remove commercial labels from the bottle before adhering to their own.  Last, artisans and crafters often use wine bottles or wine labels for crafts such as wine bottle glassware (affiliate link), wine tile coasters (affiliate link), or framed wine labels as wall or desk art (affiliate link). 

What should I consider before removing a wine bottle label?

First, remember to keep the bottle you want to remove the label from! Far too often, a wine bottle disappears from the table or from the party before one thinks to save the label.  Once the bottle disappears, the only option remaining is to send a self-addressed stamped envelope (via snail-mail) to the winery or restaurant and ask if they have an extra label from that vintage. Explain that you did not keep your bottle and that you want the label for your wine journal.  

Next, determine if you are able to take the bottle home with you or if you must remove the label there at the event.  Not being able to take the wine bottle home will significantly reduce your options for removing a wine label. Your only options then are the Lift-Off Method and the “kindly ask your server or sommelier if they can remove the label for you” approach!  

Once you have the bottle home, you’ll need to assess the label and the associated adhesive.  Determining which item you wish to keep - the label or the bottle - will dictate the method of removal you use.  

How do I decide the method of label removal for a particular bottle?

What is the label constructed of?  If the label is plastic (more like a sticker) it will be less permeable to water.   If it is plastic, then removal will often require heat or physical means (such as a razor) regardless if you are trying to save the label or just the bottle.

If the label is paper, then it is more permeable to liquids and a different removal method may be needed depending on if you are trying to save the label or the bottle.

Labels adhere to wine and beer bottles through a variety of adhesive polymers. These include pressure-sensitive adhesives (sticker-like) and water-based glues.  Since many of us are not adhesive experts, we will be assessing the label using visual assessment to guess the composition of the glue and to select the label removal method with the highest likelihood of success.

To assess the adhesive construction, take a razor or knife and lift a corner about ¼ inch.  If the adhesive looks like traditional glue, the use of a detergent and water-based method can be considered.  If the adhesive looks more sticker-like in consistency, then heat or physical means (razor, peeling) will be your best bet.     

Wet Label Removal Methods

So, the label you want to remove from the wine bottle looks to be a more conventional glue composition - these label types are typically more water-soluble.  

The OxiClean Method

Based on our personal experience, as well as those in most wine and craft beer forums, we find that the most successful method is the OxiClean approach. We’ve used the OxiClean method on both paper/glue bottles as well as plastic labels with adhesive. If you don’t have Oxiclean in the house, try a comparable household cleaning product like Ajax (affiliate link) recommended by Harry in our comments section.  

Here’s an effective OxiClean label removal method we found in a craft beer forum:

  1. Fill sink (or bucket) with one gallon of water and ¼ cup Oxiclean.

  2. Submerge the wine bottle in the liquid.

  3. Wait thirty minutes (during which time you may as well enjoy a glass of wine!).  Depending upon the adhesive, you may return to find your wine label floating in the sink intact.  

  4. Take a utility knife and slowly lift up on the edge of the label.  If the label is not easy to peel off after thirty minutes of soaking, it’s not going to come off using this method without significant elbow grease. You might as well resign yourself to drying the bottle and trying a dry method. 

  5. Work the utility knife under the label at a diagonal angle. Resist the urge to use your fingers to help speed along the process, as using fingers may result in adding wrinkles to the finished product.

  6. Place the wet label on a piece of waxed paper so that the wet adhesive does not stick to your counter

  7. Once your label is dry, use an acid-free glue stick to adhere your label to your wine journal, your prepared coaster, or photo frame.  Check out this article for making your own wine label coasters.



    Other Household Cleaners to Use for Wine Label Removal

    Ammonia

    No OxiClean?  No problem. Household ammonia (affiliate link) is another product, in combination with water, which can aid in dissolving adhesives. Instead of using ¼ cup OxiClean replace it with ¼ cup ammonia. The ammonia method, in our experience, is a little less effective than the OxyClean method.  

    Baking Soda

    Only have baking soda (affiliate link) on hand?  Add 5 to 10 tablespoons to one gallon of warm water and follow the same steps as the OxiClean method.  

    Hot Water

    No OxiClean, no ammonia, no baking soda?  Try placing the bottle in boiling water, or filling a sink with hot water and dish soap and letting the bottle sit overnight.  Regardless, there is going to be some elbow grease involved to remove the adhesive residue.  

Accessories for Wet Method Wine Label Removal

Regardless of your method - OxyClean, ammonia, simply hot water - if your aim is to discard the wine label and use the bottle for crafting or home winemaking, two products are indispensable.

First, you can scrape the residue with a straight razor or this slightly safer razor with a handle. If you scrape too hard, you can scratch the bottle.

 
 

You can also try a non-abrasive scrubber that is gentle and won’t scratch the wine bottle unless you apply superpower strength.  

 
 

Still a little bit of adhesive?  Goo Gone (affiliate link) is our go-to product for adhesive removal.  After using the Goo Gone, we recommend thoroughly washing the bottle soapy water before re-using to adequately remove the Goo Gone (Goo Gone residue may interfere with your crafting products).

Dry Label Removal Method

Label Lift Method

This method is for the crowd who wants to keep the label in a wine journal or affix it to cardstock for a souvenir.

Our favorite Label Lift is the Onephile Label Lift. We’ve found that this label lift works well when following instructions - we’ve yet to come across a label that gets ripped or torn by the process.  

To apply the Label Lift, simply place it over the label, rub for 1-2 minutes with the backside of a spoon or other hard object, then peel the label. 

Before placing the label in the wine journal or book, you can trim the edges.

These label lifts come in packages of 10 or 50.  To get the hang of it, we recommend getting your technique down with a label from a wine or beer you don’t intend to keep, or practice by first removing first the back label (which most people don’t collect).

This lift label package also fits nicely inside a notebook or wine journal for easy transport.  

The one downside is that the wine label now appears laminated.  If that is not a look you are going for, then try the Oven Method.  

Heat (Oven) Method

So, you don’t like the idea that your wine label appears laminated after removal. Perhaps you would like to make a wine label trivet or mount the wine label onto cardstock for framing.  Or maybe you collect them for eventually making a collage for your wine cellar (lucky you!). Try the heat method! You’ll need some oven mitts (affiliate link) for this one.  

First, make sure there is no wine inside the bottle.  Also, make sure that the foil cap or wax bottle cover is removed so there are no foul odors when heating the bottle.  

Place the wine bottle on a cookie sheet (or in a baking dish so it is not rolling around in a dry oven) at 350 degrees F for 5 minutes.  Remove the bottle from the oven and check the readiness of the label for removal by testing the back label. Slip a razor or knife under the label and start to peel slowly from one corner. Don’t force the label or push with your fingers as this is how labels get crinkled during removal. If the label does not give, give it another 5 minutes in the oven. If after 15 minutes the label will not come off, you will have to use another method (like the OxiClean method) as the adhesive needs to be dissolved to come off cleanly.

That’s a wrap … and a few bonus tips!

We’ve provided you with several options for removing wine labels from the bottle, whether you are wanting to keep the label or the bottle!

Removing a label from a bottle of wine is never a perfect endeavor.  A little trial and error are involved in the process as well as some elbow grease.

If you don’t want to go through all this effort, here are two options:

  • You can ask the waiter to remove the wine label for you if you are enjoying a special bottle of wine in a restaurant.

  • You can send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the winery and ask for a pristine label.  They may have one available to send to you (however, it won’t, of course, be from the specific bottle you drank).

Let us know which methods you’ve used in the comments!

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!

Sommify, the Best New Board Game For Wine Fun and Learning

If you love wine and are looking for a board game to play with friends and family in your pandemic “bubble,” we have the game for you! Sommify, a new board game by a fun-loving wine couple who got serious about blind wine tasting last year, is an entertaining and educational wine game. And it comes with an added bonus: you’ll learn the deductive method of wine tasting without the insider jargon!

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Before we continue our Sommify 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!

What to Consider Before Buying Sommify

This wine-themed board game has a premium, modern look and is great for evenings in with friends, family, and wine.

Sommify is great gift for wine enthusiasts, and is also a perfect tool for anyone studying for sommelier or WSET courses.

Sommify is not a “Trivial Pursuit” type of wine game. Rather, Sommify requires that you have both wine and wine glasses on hand, so players do need to be over 21 years old.   

Introducing the Sommify Wine Board Game

The Sommify wine board game was invented by a husband and wife team, Conner Taylor and Jessica Bush, who are both in the wine industry. Tired of “stuffy” wine tasting groups, they brainstormed this game as a fun way to learn deductive wine tasting. The result is a fun, relaxed way to learn about wine.

After coming up with the idea for the game, they asked family member Andrew McKee to design it. Once they had a prototype, they sought out funding on Kickstarter. The new wine board game was fully funded within 24 hours!  

 
 

The Sommify founders made this video to describe the game and how to play it.

 
 

In addition being available on Amazon.com and at the Sommify website, the board game will be available at several wine bottle shops in the coming weeks and months!

Features and Benefits of the Sommify Wine Board Game

The Sommify wine board game comes in a sleek and modern plastic-wrapped box, making it a good gift. The box itself has a stylish, matte finish and is of high quality construction. The Sommify cards, playing cards, and tokens are also of above-average board game quality.

Each Sommify board game comes with the following items:

  • 1 Sommify Game Board

  • 27 Bottle Shock Cards

  • 6 Sommify Wine Keys

  • 6 Dry Erase Markers

  • 1 Rulebook

  • 6 Pawns

  • 2 Dice

Each player will need to bring one bottle of wine to the party. Since the aim of the game is to identify grape varieties, the list of “allowable” wines is kept to 22 international varieties. These varieties include Albarino, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and more!

To familiarize yourself with the rules and guidelines for playing the Sommify board game, check out the Sommify website tutorial.

What Have Others Thought About Sommify

Sommify entered the world of board games with a swell of positivity, as it was funded on Kickstarter in less than 24 hours. Since then, positive responses to the game have continued to grow.

Online, we’ve found several positive reviews. We’ve also taken note that the Sommify board game is showing up in more and more independent wine shops. It’s also available online and was recently featured as a recommended wine gift by Town & Country magazine.

All of the above is great news for what we think is a great new game!

Alternatives to Sommify

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While there are several wine games available online, the Sommify wine board game is unique. It is elegant, educational, and uniquely interactive. We’ve yet to find another board game that focuses specifically on deductive tasting.

While it might be easy to find wine-related gifts online, this is a gift that will satisfy even the most enthusiastic of your wine enthusiast friends.

Our Conclusion on the Sommify Tasting Game

We highly recommend this game for wine lovers interested in learning more about wine in a fun and crowd-pleasing way.

In terms of the size of your gathering, we have found that this is a great wine game for parties of three to six people, maybe a few more. More than eight people might become too many.

Of course, this might not be a good game for someone not interested in wine, and it would definitely not be a good wine game for someone who does not drink.

Overall, we’re glad to add the Sommify board game to our growing wine game collection. With its premium, modern look and sophisticated tasting approach, it really makes a great gift for a wine lover.

Happy tasting, from Know Wines!

Cheers!

Pairing Wine With Flounder

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Flounder, fluke, Northern fluke, hirame, flatfish. This fish of many names is ever so popular with summer anglers here in North Carolina - and all along the eastern North America seaboard.  The fish can be prepared in many ways:  grilled, broiled, baked, fried, or pan-seared.

Happily, there are a number of crisp, white wines that pair well with flounder. The challenge is to select a wine that does not overpower the delicate fish. Eating flounder is an infrequent treat for most, so in today’s blog we’ll recommend some less common wines that often cost less than mediocre supermarket wine. We’ll also share our best tricks for catching and cooking flounder.

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, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thank you for using our affiliate links and supporting this independent blog!

What is Flounder

Flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) are a flat-bodied fish. At maturity, they generally have both eyes on one side (the left, colorful side) and no eyes on the right (bottom, white side). Mature flounder can range between two and three feet in length.

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Flounder are primarily sold as fresh fish. Flounder populations are managed carefully by several councils and commissions in both inshore and offshore waters, as well as state and federal waters.

What Wines Go With Flounder

In selecting a white wine to pair with flounder, one might go for the default Sauvignon Blanc, mild Pinot Grigio, or any old Chardonnay.

The problem with such a general recommendation is that these grape varieties - Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay - are international varieties, meaning that the style and quality can vary dramatically.  An especially oaky Chardonnay might cover up the delicate flavor of the flounder.  A run-of-the-mill Sauvignon Blanc may be too uninspiring to do the fish justice.

Here are a few more daring recommendations, many from one of our favorite wine pairing books - Daring Pairings, by Evan Goldstein. Our recommendations are all under $25 per bottle.

Assyrtiko (Dry)

This grape variety grows in Santorini, a Greek island in the Aegean Sea.  

Garganega (Unoaked)

If you are having some stir fry or a salad tossed with ginger salad dressing, you might want to seek out Garganega from Italy’s Veneto Soave appellation. This is a highly acidic wine that is fragrant and aromatic.  We’ve also heard that this wine pairs well with pesto.

Pinot Blanc

Pinot Blanc that pairs well with simple preparations of flounder come from Alsace, Oregon USA or Italy. This wine pairs so well with most fish that it can easily serve as a “default” or “no-brainer” fish pairing wine.  Seek out unoaked Pinot Blanc for the freshest expression of the grape.

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White Vijariego

This is a white indigenous grape from the Canary Islands just southwest of Spain. These grapes struggle to grow in the volcanic sands of the island. The style of these wines is light and slightly aromatic.  

Verdejo

This is a good wine for lovers of west coast Sauvignon Blanc (or someone stuck in a Sauvignon Blanc rut). This is a Spanish wine that might also be good for someone who thinks most white wines are “too weak.”

This wine has aromas of fruits like nectarine/peach, herbs, and a medium body. Some Verdejo wines will have a little residual sugar, so if you like a little sweetness, check with the bottle shop owner to see if your selection is more on the dry or slightly sweet side.  

Vermentino

This variety is grown on Sardinia, Corsica, Provence, and Languedoc-Roussillon. The wine can be very aromatic. Try Vermentino if you like simply prepared flounder with a touch of salt and pepper. This would likely not be a good pairing if you made a rich or complex cream or hollandaise sauce.  

If these wines are not available in your area, check with your local wine bottle shop for recommendations, especially if you are in the Mid-Atlantic of the United Staes where folks are familiar with this tasty fish and common preparations.

Can I Pair Flounder with Red Wine?

Yes, you can drink red wine with flounder. However, you might not taste the flounder after a few sips of most red wines, as flounder is an especially mild, flaky fish.

Depending upon how the flounder is prepared and if it is especially fleshy and fat, the combination of red wine and some flounder may give a metallic aftertaste.

Where To Get Flounder

Flounder are mostly sold as a fresh fish (not previously frozen). There are a few places to get fresh flounder here in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.

Seafood Store

In the Mid-Atlantic of the US, if you are within an hour of the coast, you likely have access to fresh fish at a farmers’ market or a seafood store like Motts Channel Seafood.

If you are at a distance from the coast but still in the Mid-Atlantic, then check with your local grocer in the meat counter. They can tell you if or when they will have flounder available or can request one for you from the fishmonger. 

Catch A Flounder

Our favorite way to access flounder is to catch them.  

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Flounder are fairly easy to catch with some basic instruction and minimal gear. One does not need a boat to catch a flounder, especially in the late summer or early fall when the flounder migrate into the Intracoastal waters and hang out around docks or other structures accessible by foot.

How To Cook Flounder

Flounder can be prepared many ways, including grilled, baked, steamed, broiled, fried, or pan-fried (and more!). 

Our favorite way to prepare our fresh flounder is to cook it skin-on, on the grill.  We cook it in the skin as this fish is very delicate. If you filet it and remove it from the bones and/or flesh, it can be tricky to keep the filet in one piece without covering the filet in flour. We’d rather taste the fish than fried all-purpose flour.  

As soon as we catch and clean the flounder (by removing its head, guts, and scraping of the scales with a flat knife), we salt the flounder and place it on a baking sheet in the refrigerator for 12 to 36 hours.

One hour before grilling, we remove the fish from the refrigerator, rinse off the salt, and pat the fish dry.  We let it sit on the baking sheet to warm up to room temperature and season with our favorite spices sparingly. While it warms, we score the fish skin with a sharp knife so that the skin gets extra crispy when cooking, also allowing a little of the salt and spice to get into the fish flesh.

Finally, we grill the fish 3-5 minutes on each side, checking to see that the flesh of the fish is no longer opaque and that the fish flakes nicely.

 
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Is Flounder Skin Edible?

Yes, flounder skin is edible. Enjoy!

Our Favorite Flounder Resources 

Here are a few of our favorite resources on catching, preparing, and pairing wine with flounder.

Perfect Pairings 

A very good resource if you prefer International grape varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

 
 

Daring Pairings

This is a very good resource if you prefer often lower-cost (and perhaps a little more difficult to find) regional and indigenous grape varieties from around the world. 

 
 

Flounder Lure

When fishing the often muddy Intracoastal waters of North Carolina, this is the bait we’ve had the best luck with.  

 
 

Kosher Salt To Remove the Slime

For those who like a “salty salt,” this is a very good one for salting fish. It removes the slimy protective layer on the fish skin.

 
 

Weber Professional Grill Pan

We’ve recently downsized to a smaller home and gave away many of our grill accessories. This is one of three items that survived the cut! We especially like the easy cleanup and universality. You can use it with fish, vegetables, and any other delicate or small item cooked on the gas grill.

 
 

The Final Word on Flounder Pairings

Flounder is a light, delicate white fish that can be prepared in a number of ways. Though flounder can be enjoyed with red wine, we prefer a nice, crisp white wine, though not a typical Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

You can find flounder in a local market or you can catch it yourself. Either way, it’s best prepared when very fresh.

If you decide to grill your flounder and enjoy it outdoors, consider the Corkcicle to keep that white wine chilled throughout your meal.

Happy fishing!

Cheers!



How To Hold A Wine Glass

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New wine enthusiasts might worry about the proper way to hold a wine glass. In fact, it’s likely that most people have dined in a fine restaurant or enjoyed a glass of wine at a social gathering have wondered if they’re holding their wine glass properly. “All these people are holding their wine glasses differently,” they might think. “But what is the right way?”

It might sound a bit snobby to insist that there’s a right way and a wrong way to hold a wine glass, but in fact, the recommended ways of holding wine glasses exist to maximize the enjoyment of wine regardless of price point or occasion. And these recommendations have more to do with science than they do with snobbery, we promise!

In today’s blog, we’ll share recommendations for how to hold various types of wine glasses. We’ll also discuss a few other wine glass tips for new wine enthusiasts. 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, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thank you for using our affiliate links and supporting this independent blog!

Why Does It Matter How One Holds a Wine Glass?

As a new wine enthusiast, you’ve put in the effort to pick out a wine and properly store it. Maybe you’ve even moved your wine and wine glass collection from one home to another! Don’t let all that hard work go down the drain with sloppy wine glass holding at the finish line.  

Holding a wine glass incorrectly can lead to flabby, lukewarm wine. If you hold a wine glass by the bowl, the heat from your warm hand is transferred to the mass of the wine in the bowl, effectively warming up the wine. This wine warming can lead to flabby and dull wine aromas and taste, especially with wine and sparkling wines.

Holding the wine glass by the bowl also places your hand closer to your nose. In this case, the “off” aromas you smell might not be from the wine - it could instead be from that stinky cheese appetizer you just touched two minutes ago or that coconut-scented hand creme you applied an hour ago. To prevent smelly hand interference, flabby wine, and unsightly fingerprints, there are ideal ways to hold your glass of wine.

How to Hold a Wine Glass With a Stem

If you’re drinking wine from a glass with a stem, hold the glass by the stem. Because there’s a lot of space between the bowl and base, there are actually many different ways to hold a wine glass by the stem. Check out all the different poses your hands can use to hold a wine glass by the stem in this video:

 
 

How to Hold a Stemless Wine Glass

Hold the stemless wine glass as close to the base as possible, not around the middle or top. If you hold the glass around the middle or the top, your hand will heat the glass and its contents. Holding a stemless wine glass improperly will also leave unsightly fingerprints.

How to Hold Your Wineglass in the Shower

I thought you’d never ask! Would you believe that there’s a wine gadget for holding a glass of wine in the shower or tub? All jokes aside, we actually think it’s pretty great that someone has solved this wine glass need! This model not only fits the needs of showering wine drinkers, but of coffee and beer drinkers as well. It’s also made of recycled plastics!

 
 

Are There Specific Ways to Not to Hold One’s Wine Glass?

In all honesty, it’s not likely that anyone is judging the way you hold your wine glass. That said, you may be better off avoiding the wine glass holds we describe below.

The “Housewives” Wine Glass Hold

In movies and TV shows, one often sees actresses holding wine glasses by the bowl. Thanks to the phenomenon of the “housewives” reality TV shows - and the extra large wine glasses these ladies hold - this wine glass hold got its new name. We think maybe this hold is a ruse for showing off rings, watches, and French manicures, though we can’t be entirely sure.

The “Hail Mary Pass” Hold

The guys also aren’t getting away with their funny wine glass holds. Sometimes, at wine events or corporate functions, there’s that guy holding his wine glass with all his fingers on the bowl like he’s channeling Peyton Manning - ready to lob that wine glass over to Morgan in Accounting to complete some imaginary Hail Mary Pass.  

Is It Ever Okay to Hold a Wine Glass by the Bowl?  

While these amusing wine glass holds point at the “wrong” ways to hold your wine glass, there are times when it’s appropriate to hold a wine glass by the bowl. Sometimes, wine is just too cold when it is served and just needs to be warmed up a bit to release aromas that are muted by the cold temperature. So, if you see a wine lover “cupping” his or her wine in a restaurant, they are simply trying to warm up their drink a little bit.

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Other Wine Glass Tips for New Wine Enthusiasts

How Full to Fill Your Wine Glass

Here are the guidelines, by type of wine:

  • Half full for white wine

  • ⅓ full for red wine

  • ¾ full for sparkling wine or Champagne

Why does it matter how full your glass is? Well, red wines need room to breathe in order for their full aromas and flavors to come to life - hence, the wider bowl in most red wine glasses. White wine and sparkling wine glasses are narrower, as they don’t require the same amount of “breathing room.” No matter what type of wine, though, a too-full glass makes it hard to swirl and thus, you may miss out on the wine’s aromas. 

How To Keep Your Wine Glass Rim Looking Clean

If it has ever been your job to clean wine glasses, either as waitstaff or as a party host, you become quickly amazed (or grossed out!) by just how much lip balm, lipstick, food, and saliva can collect on top of the wine glass rim. Not only is this mess a hassle for the glass cleaner, but it could also lead to bad odors from previously consumed wine or a bad smelling natural interaction between your lip balm and the wine or food you consumed before your next sip. To avoid this, pick one spot on the wine glass and continue to drink from that one spot throughout the entire meal or event.  Your nose - and your host - will thank you.

Rest Your Wine Glass

If you’ve been the recipient of a very generous pour, or if your arms are simply tired from typing all day, rest assured that it is just fine to set your wine glass down throughout an event or tasting. In fact, you will see many wine professionals holding a wine glass only for evaluating the wine and sipping, then immediately putting down the glass. 

You might try resting the glass in your non-dominant hand if there are no hors d'oeuvre tables nearby. If you are seated at a fine restaurant or corporate event where there is formal service, it’s recommended to place your wine glass to the right of your water glass.  No water glass? The glass can be set down in the upper left corner of your place setting.

Resting your wine glass may also help slow your consumption by helping to reduce the impulse to keep drinking sip after sip.

Takeaways on How to Hold Your Wine Glass

  • Being “snobby” about the “right” way to hold a wine glass is actually rooted in a desire to enhance the enjoyment of wine. The likelihood of flabby or bad smelling wines increases with potential odors coming from your hands or previously consumed foods.

  • Hold your glass by the stem, pinching the stem with your thumb and index finger. You can be creative with placement of all the other fingers.

  • Stemless? Hold by the base and minimize contact with the middle and top of stemless wine glasses.

  • Drink from one spot on the wine glass to reduce the occurrence of lip smudges.

  • Rest your glass when it becomes too heavy or to slow down consumption. Hey, you may even want to rest your wine glass in the shower (but for that situation, we recommend unbreakable wine glasses).

Cheers!

What to Know About Freezing Wine

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Can you freeze wine? And if so, why would you want to?

Many wine lovers have likely placed a bottle of wine in an ice bath or in the freezer for a quick cool-down, but we usually pull it out when it’s crisp and cold, not frozen.

In today’s blog, we’ll explore the science, methods, and uses involved with freezing wine.

Is it even possible to freeze wine?

Yes, but how completely a wine freezes depends on its alcohol content.

Because of its alcohol content, wine freezes at a lower temperature than water. Usually, it will freeze at about 15 degrees Fahrenheit (the average temperature of your home freezer). Even at this temperature, though, you may find that you end up with more of a wine slush than frozen-solid wine. The alcohol content in wine will determine how well your wine freezes. In a nutshell, the higher the alcohol content, the lower its freezing temperature. So, in a 15 degree freezer, a wine with higher alcohol content may remain a little soft around the edges.

What happens when wine freezes?

It expands.

You may have learned the hard way that when wine freezes, it expands. In cases in which there’s not enough room in the bottle, this expansion could cause the bottle to break.

Even if the expansion of the liquid doesn’t cause the bottle to break, it could push the cork slightly out of the bottle or, in the case of a screw top wine, break the seal. When this happens, air can creep into the bottle, causing oxidation. Oxidation, unfortunately, will turn your wine to vinegar. If the wine is oxidized, you’ll probably be able to tell right away with a quick taste or sniff test. If you’re still not sure if the frozen wine is ruined, read our advice on how to tell if your wine is bad.

The flavor could change.

If oxidation occurs, the flavor of your wine will be dramatically altered (because the wine will essentially be ruined!). If oxidation does not occur, however, the wine is probably still fine to drink.

So if you happen to accidentally leave a bottle of wine in the freezer overnight and the cork and screw top are still intact, all is well. The flavor of your wine may be slightly altered, but not so much that the average wine drinker would even notice.

You might find some sediment.

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Freezing wine may cause the tartaric acid, the compound responsible for the tartness in your wine, to crystalize. When the temperature of your wine falls below 40 degrees, its tartaric acid becomes less soluble and will bind with potassium in the wine to form tartrates (or, as many wine enthusiasts refer to them, “wine diamonds.”).

So, when you freeze your wine and then drink it after it’s been thawed, you may notice this crystalline sediment in your wine. No worries, though. Wine diamonds are a natural part of the wine, and it won’t hurt you to drink them.

The alcohol content could change (but probably not).

The alcohol content in your frozen (and then thawed) wine is not going to freeze unless it’s frozen at a temperature well below what your home freezer is capable of. The water will freeze quickly but the alcohol may not follow suit (hence, slush) - just don’t strain out the icy bits before thawing, and you should be left with the same alcohol content.

Why freeze wine?

In general, it’s not a good idea to freeze wine. However, there are some reasons that people choose to freeze wine (and there are some ways to deal with an accidentally frozen bottle).

You can cook with it.

Have a great bottle of wine but just can’t finish it? Pour the last glass into ice cube trays, carefully cover the trays with foil (or placce them in a Ziploc bag once frozen), and save them for your next cooking adventure!

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So many recipes call for both red and white wine. Rather than open a fresh bottle (or saving an open one until it goes bad), try the ice cube method. Then, when you’re making a garlic white wine sauce for your chicken or concocting wine gelées for cheescake, you’ll be all set.

Make sangria or wine slushies.

If you accidentally freeze a bottle of wine and don’t love the way it tastes after thawing, can always use the thawed wine to make sangria. Grab a pitcher, pour in the wine, add a bit of brandy and simple syrup, and top it off with loads of citrus fruit. Serve over ice!

On the other hand, it could be fun to intentionally freeze your wine to make wine slushies. To do this, pour a bottle of white or red wine (choosing a cheaper but still tasty wine is a good choice for this venture!) into ice cube trays. Freeze overnight, or at least until firm. Then, toss the ice cubes into a blender, pour into a chilled wine glass (an unbreakable wine glass, if you intend to enjoy your frozen beverage by the pool or on the patio), add a fresh garnish if you like, and enjoy. Perfect for very hot days!

What’s the best way to chill my wine?

Slushies might be fun, but the best way to chill your wine is not in the freezer. If you need to get your wine cold fast, use a cold ice bath. Then, keep the bottle chilled in a champagne bucket or wine sleeve.

Alternatively, if you have a growing wine collection and like to always have a chilled bottle on-hand, consider investing in a wine cabinet.

So, what’s the low-down on freezing wine?

While popping a bottle of wine in the freezer is really not the best way to cool it down, it’s also not a total catastrophe to end up with frozen wine. The alcohol content won’t be affected and in many cases, neither will the flavor.

If you do end up with frozen wine, you can use it for cooking or for an extra-cold poolside beverage.

Find yourself tossing ice cubes into your wine because it’s not cold yet? Try an ice bath or buy a wine cabinet.

Whatever the temperature of your wine, we hope your enjoy your next glass.

Cheers!

How to Start a Wine Collection

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Wine collecting is a pastime that can be deeply gratifying, though it may be overwhelming to know where to start. Before we offer our tips, we want to address the perception that all wine collectors purchase and collect wine for status or for investment purposes. We have discovered, thanks to recent innovations in refrigeration and humidity control, starting a wine collection has a reduced barrier to entry in terms of cost. In this blog, we’ll share are a few things to consider before starting a wine collection and some tips for keeping your wine collection safe and optionally insured.

Before we continue, 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!

Wine Collecting: Know Your Why

How you buy wine and which wines you purchase will vary depending on why you’re interested in collecting wine in the first place. So, ask yourself why you want to collect wine. Below are a few common reasons.

Wine For Personal Consumption

Most wine enthusiasts start a wine collection to have a few bottles of wine on hand for personal consumption. This reduces trips to the wine shop and means that you’ll always have a bottle of wine on hand that appeals to your tastes. Or, perhaps you really like a specific wine that isn’t common or easy to come by in wine shops. In this case, you may want to have more than one bottle on hand.

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One caveat on collecting wine for personal consumption is that a person’s taste in wine may change. In some cases, your taste can change dramatically over months and years. Therefore, one of the risks for collecting wine is that you could develop a giant stash of bottles that you are not interested in. If that occurs, you can always sell your wine online through an auction house, though that effort may not appeal to everyone.

Wine For Sharing

If you love to entertain, or are the person known for always bringing great wines to a dinner party instead of making a side dish or entree, then you may want to collect wine for the purpose of sharing it with friends and family. Wine is, after all, perfect for bringing people together!

Having several great bottles of wine on hand means that you’ll always have wine to choose from for that very special occasion, be it an anniversary, a graduation, a wedding, a birthday, a job promotion, or retirement. Wine makes a great gift that many people appreciate!  

Wine Collecting as an Investment

With market instability, some investors like to diversify their portfolio with wines. When purchasing these wines, provenance is of utmost importance. Be sure to keep receipts of wine purchases and document how the wines are stored.  

If you want to keep up to date on the most valued wines for investments, we recommend following the international auction house Sotheby’s.

Alternatively, you can read more about wine investing here in the helpful eBook Investing in Fine Wine. This book addresses strategies for buying, selling, collecting, and storing fine wines. The narrative approach also offers a window into the world of wine trading.

 
 

Determine a Focus & Strategy for Your Wine Collection

Go Broad with your Wine Collection 

Some wine lovers want to “go broad” in their collection, collecting wines typical of particular styles or regions. If this is approach interests you, we recommend two resources.

First, we love Elizabeth Schneider’s Wine for Normal People. This no-nonsense, down-to-earth guide provides a thorough introduction to the world of wine. This book will teach you about wine tasting, wine regions, wine making, wine etiquette, and yes, how to purchase wine for your budding collection.

 
 

The second resource for those seeking a broad overview of wine styles and regions is WSET (Wine and Spirit Educational Trust). Their WSET Level 1 and Level 2 courses give a macro level view of the entire world of wine and a comprehensive understanding of the styles of wine available. 

 
 

Collect Aged Wines

This is of the most popular reasons for collecting wine: enjoying wines that have spent some time in the bottle.

It’s important to note that not everyone likes the flavor of aged wines. As wines age, the fruit aromas and flavors change. Secondary and tertiary aromas and flavors develop and are detected in aged wines.

If you don’t have much experience with aged wines, visit a winery, restaurant, or local bottle shop and ask if they have aged wines available to taste or an upcoming tasting.  

Collect to Support Your Favorite Winery

Some people simply love to collect wine from their favorite winery to support it. If this approach appeals to you, consider joining a wine club (it’s a lot like buying season tickets to your favorite sports team!).

Collect Wine to Have on Hand for 0-5 Years or 5 - 50 Years

In today’s fast-paced world, collecting wine to have on hand for more than a year from now is a waning trend. Many of today’s wines are intended for immediate consumption. 

Still, collecting wine for the future is enjoyable for people who maintain the wine collecting passion. There are some wines that are crafted with the intention of being consumed immediately or within five years, and others that are intended for consumption 20 to 30 years from now.  

A knowledgeable wine seller will let you know if the particular wine you love falls into any one of these categories: drink now, hold for the short term, or hold for several years.  

Develop A Relationship With A Wine Seller

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Connecting with a local wine seller is especially important if you’ve collected wine for the purpose of reselling.

Why?

Because wine trends change over time. The value of wines increase and decrease depending upon vintage, food and beverage trends, the trendiness of a region or producer, and the location where wine is consumed.

A wine seller can help you understand these variables as they relate to the value of your wine collection.

Determine Your Wine Storage Needs

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While an actual cave is not necessary anymore due to advances in wine refrigeration, you do need to plan a storage solution for your wine.

If you will be drinking your collected wines within a year or so, and your storage space (like a closet or pantry) is not exposed to light or vibration and the temperature is fairly consistent at about 72 degrees F, then you likely don’t need to invest in a wine cabinet.

If you desire to age wines for 3-5 years and grow your collection, you should consider purchasing a wine cabinet. Wine cabinets can vary widely in cost, from about $200 for a small wine refrigerator to over $1000 for a wine maturation cabinet like the EuroCave. There are also quite a few wine cabinets with mid-range pricing that are still very high quality.

If you’re not interested in purchasing a wine cabinet (or simply don’t have space for one), you can consider finding temperature and humidity controlled wine storage, like Extra Space Storage or one of these storage locations in the USA. You could also contact your local wine bottle shop to see if they have recommendations for wine storage.

Manage Your Wine Inventory

Make a Spreadsheet or Use a Wine Tracking App 

An easy, inexpensive way to do this is with a template from Google Sheets or Excel. 

We prefer to manage our wine collection with Cellar Tracker, an online cellar management tool. We like this tool because these folks have truly thought of almost everything you would want or need to track on your wine, including the location and shelf where your wine is stored in your wine cabinet or off-site storage. The crowd-sourced wine prices are also helpful for those interested in monitoring the auction price of their wine or just to see others’ tasting notes as wines age in their cellars.  

Establish A Drinking Schedule As You Accumulate Bottles

There are pitfalls you may encounter as your wine collection grows. One issue that collectors run into is keeping wine for a special occasion only to find that the wine is bad.

For this reason, if you have a growing wine collection, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the drinkability window for your wines. We use information on drinking windows available online (on apps and websites like Cellar Tracker) as general rules of thumb, though these drinking windows are not an exact science.  

Know Your Wine’s Value

There are a number of wine buyers online who will evaluate the value of your wine for free, and follow up with you in case you have an interest in selling some bottles.  

For those interested in researching wine prices on your own, we like Wine Searcher and Cellar Tracker for determining the value of the wine.  

Wine Searcher will tell you what your wine is selling for near you. Let’s say you just drank a bottle of 2003 Auslese Riesling, purchased in 2010. You can go to Wine Searcher and find what that bottle sells for today in case you want to stock up on some more for the future. Cellar Tracker has a feature that allows you to see what wines like yours have sold for at recent auctions.

Insure Your Wine

Wine is typically not covered by homeowner insurance policies. The simplest reason reason is that processes and procedures to underwrite an annual policy for $100 to $300 are not profitable for home insurance companies.

Many wine lovers may forego purchasing a wine insurance policy as they prefer to self-insure (meaning, if their wine collection were to flood or the air conditioning fail, they would accept the risk that their collection could be lost).

If your wine collection grows and you have an interest in insuring your wine, understand that “blanket” wine insurance costs about 50 cents per $100. So if your wine collection is 500 bottles, that works out to be about $250 per year. Most of these wine insurers will insure individual bottles up to $1000 in value.  Cellar Tracker has a helpful article on wine insurance if you want to learn more.

In Conclusion

While many wines today are designed for immediate consumption, wine enthusiasts and collectors may want to start their own collection to meet one or more personal objectives.

When starting a collection, think about who will consume the wine and when, and whether you intend to consume all the wine or sell some or all of it at auction. Make sure your wine collection is stored correctly and that you have some mechanism for tracking your purchases.

We hope that your wine collection will provide fun and value for years to come with just a little planning up front.

Cheers!

Our Favorite Wine Pourers



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A wine pourer is simply a device that aids in the wine pouring process. It is also used to prevent drips on tables, to aerate wine, or to meter out a specified volume of wine into a glass. Wine pourers can also serve as decorative conversation makers, as they sometimes feature designs that are humorous, classy, or economical. In today’s blog, we’ll demonstrate how to pour wine, discuss whether or not you need a wine pourer at home, and share recommendations for our favorite wine pourers.

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, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thanks for using our affiliate links and supporting our independent blog!

Introduction to Wine Pourers

When purchasing wine at a grocery store or at a wine bottle shop, you are likely to find a small display of wine pourers mixed in with other wine accessories. A wine pourer fulfills the three following needs:

  1. They serve as an aid for nervous or infrequent hosts or servers to prevent drips on fancy white tablecloths, fancy wood tables, and similar surfaces.

  2. In a serving room or restaurant, they serve as a means of measuring out 1 ounce or 2 ounce pours.

  3. They’re fun conversation starters!

How to Pour Wine (Without a Wine Pourer)

When a sommelier serves wine in a restaurant, you may notice that they hold the bottle in their right and with the label facing the guest. As they pour, they are careful to make sure that the wine bottle rim and neck don’t touch the wine glass. They will fill the wine glass about 1/3 full, and just before pulling the bottle away, they’ll give the bottle a quick quarter turn with their wrist and tilt it upward to prevent drips. If a drip starts to form on the rim of the bottle, they quickly wipe it with a white serviette (napkin).

Prefer a visual? At 1:50 in this video, the sommelier demonstrates the “twist and tilt” method:

 
 

Do I Need a Wine Pourer?

No, most wine enthusiasts don’t need a wine pourer.  After a little practice, it is easy to pour and do a slight twist, as in the video shown above.

However, we do recognize that there are some instances in hosts or servers would like a wine pouring devices to prevent drips on nice surfaces (such as a tablecloth or fancy table), especially in a large group setting like a party or wedding. It may also just ease your mind to have a pourer on hand for occasional guests and spontaneous gatherings. In other words: you don’t need a wine pourer, but it can’t hurt to have one around!

Our Favorite Wine Pourers

Over the years, we have accumulated a mix of wine pourers, most of them displaying the brand of the wineries and wine clubs where we acquired them. While we don’t frequently use a wine pourer, we can appreciate that many wine enthusiasts do enjoy using them.

Here, we share some popular wine pourers. As always, we highly recommend reusable wine accessories when they’re available, so as to reduce landfill waste.

The Classic Wine Disc

This classic, easy-to-use wine disk is frequently encountered in wine tasting rooms and fast casual dining establishments. These simple mylar discs are small, portable, and roll up neatly into the neck of a wine bottle for a stress-free pour. They’re a trusted brand that’s also affordable. A great way to train yourself to pour wine without drips!

 
 

The Aerator Wine Pourer

This wine pourer does double duty as both wine pourer and wine aerator. If you want to give your glass of wine a fuller bouquet or a smoother finish (without waiting to let it aerate in a decanter), a wine aerator is a great option. And this one will help prevent spills, too! This simple tool will infuse your wine with oxygen and keep your tablecloth stain-free. Plus, its elegant design makes it a great addition to any dinner party. It also makes a lovely hostess gift.

 
 

The Measured Wine Pourer

In wine tasting rooms, wine pourers may be required by law to dispense wine in 1 or 2 ounce increments. Since wine tasting rooms employ people with wide ranges of abilities, some will be able to gauge these volumes more successful than others. In some cases, a measured wine pourer can aid in getting that just-right pour. For at home use, these might come in handy for pouring wine at a wedding or large party. They can be used to dispense liquor for making mixed drinks (you may have seen them on the top of liquor bottles at bars).

 
 

The Whimsical Wine Pourer

Last but not least, wine pourers can be fun! Some wineries use whimsical or animal-themed wine pourers for a bit of variety and fun conversation. Conversation starters are never a bad idea for dinner parties. These shark-themed wine pourers, in a durable, shiny steel alloy, would be especially perfect for a pool party or a Shark Week celebration! This one also has a built-in aerator. Or, have a shark-loving friend who also enjoys wine? Here’s the perfect gift!

 
 

Wine Pourer Summary

There are a variety of wine pourers on the market for those desiring some assistance in wine pouring or looking for a fun conversation starter. In some cases, wine pourers are needed to ensure that a group of wine pourers with various expertise pour the same amount of wine across tasters and drinkers.  

Wine pourers are an accessory the average wine enthusiast can live without. However, if you are looking for one for a specific application (or as a gift!), we hope you enjoyed our recommendations!

Cheers!








How to Sell Wine Online

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Have a big wine collection you need to pare down? We know, most people want to hold onto their wines (that’s the point of collecting, after all), but there are circumstances when selling some of your bottles could be appealing.

For example, maybe you inherited a relative’s wine collection and it’s more than you want or have room for. Maybe you purchased an abundance of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ten years ago and now your tastes have changed. Or maybe you no longer drink wine and are looking to sell as much as possible.

As wine enthusiasts, KnowWines can report that, yes, you can sell your wine legally in the United States through an auction house.  These auction houses do both in-person and online auctions. In fact, in April 2020 we sold 36 bottles of wine online, and in today’s blog we’d like to share our experience and answer any questions you have about how to sell wine online.

A quick note, though, before we continue. We are an Amazon.com affiliate and when we recommend products for sale on Amazon, 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!

Is My Old Wine Worth Selling?

Not all wine sells well in auction well.  Most auction houses sell wines that are popular with collectors.

If you have no clue about the value, we recommend doing a little online research at Cellar Tracker, a website and database that makes it easy to find information on your wine. Simply type in the name of your wine and select the vintage (wine speak for production year).  When you get to the page for your wine, you will find the following information:

  • Production Region

  • My Value (a value that collectors can add if desired)

  • Community Average Value (a value that platform users place on the wine)

  • Auction (the price this wine is fetching at auction)

  • Drink Between Years (the years that wine community members predict as the best drinking window)

No time for research? Simply list your wines in a spreadsheet, indicating the name of the winery, name of the wine, and the year of production. In our case, we exported a file from CellarTracker and sent it to the auction house, indicating we wished to sell 36 bottles of wine from Napa Valley in anticipation of downsizing our home.  

Is It Legal to Sell Wine Online?

Regulations vary from state to state, but in general, you need to sell your wine online through a licensed auction house. As we were in the process of downsizing to a smaller home, we contacted Leland Little, a wine auction house that just happens to be local to us in Durham, North Carolina.

There are several wine auction houses in the United States. If you have an especially large collection of fine wines, you will want to shop around to at least three auction houses for estimates before making a commitment.

We had a fairly small number of wines to sell, so we enjoyed working with a local seller.  

Things to Consider Before Selling Your Wine at Auction

What kinds of wines sell at auction?

The following types of wines typically sell well at fine wine auctions:

  • Vintage Champagne

  • White Burgundy

  • Red Burgundy

  • Fine Riesling from Germany

  • Classified Bordeaux wines

  • Sauternes

  • Cult Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Barolo

Is my wine bad?

Wine that is in bad condition won’t sell. It is difficult to tell by looking at the outside of the bottle if the wine could be bad (generally, you have to open the bottle and then evaluate the wine for flaws). However, there are some tell-tell signs that would cause a wine auction house not to sell a wine on your behalf:

  • The cork is sticking out of the bottle.

  • The cork is sunken into the bottle.

  • The label is in poor condition.

  • The ullage (amount of wine in the neck) is low.

Is my wine authentic?

Wine Auction houses have their own procedures for verifying the authenticity of the wine. However, if you have original sales receipts or packaging from the wine club shipment, those things are helpful to the auction house and buyer (especially in the case of older and rare wines).

How Do I Get my Wine to the Auction House?

Once you have provided a list of wines to the auction house and have agreed on which wines you will sell and the commission the auction house will get, the next step is to prepare your wines for travel to the auction house.

If you are local to the auction house, a representative from the auction house may come to your home to box up the wines. Typically this representative will have some wine boxes like the ones below to pack up your wines.

If you are working with a wine auction house that asks you to ship the wine, they may provide similar boxes. Otherwise, you can purchase these boxes and inserts for shipping.

 
 

How Does The Wine Auction Work?

The auction house will let you know the approximate date of the auction and the bidding process. Typically the auction happens at a location where people can attend in person, and online bidding happens concurrently. 

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Prior to the auction, your wines (and wines of your fellow sellers) are featured on social media, in newsletters, and through other promotional channels to get the word out about an upcoming auction. These promotions may occur anywhere from one month or one week prior to the auction.

The auction house will advise which wines should be sold individually, which should be sold as a pair or set, and which should be presented as a vertical (wines from the same winery/chateau but from sequential years). These decisions are based upon the experience of the seller and their understanding of what people buy. In our experience, we have sold wines as individual bottles, as a set of three identical bottles, and as a vertical of three or five wines (e.g. 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008).

Each auction house sells a little differently. However, there are similar patterns. The auction may start with vintage Champagne, then go to white Burgundy, and then to collectible German Rieslings. From there, they may go to red Burgundy and Bordeaux before switching over to collectible New World wines (e.g. Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon)

Each wine (or set of wines by one seller) is presented. If the auction is online, you can watch each wine get bid on and sold! Exciting stuff for wine enthusiasts!

How Do I Get Paid for My Wine?

How (and when!) you get paid for selling your wine online is a key detail! In our experience, it has been a fairly quick and easy process.

After the conclusion of the auction, you will get an email outlining either your sales or the entire auction catalog and the sales price of each wine at auction. Within a couple of weeks you typically receive and email with a list of your wines and their selling price, as well as an indication of when your payment is coming. Within 30 days or so of the auction, you will receive a check (or direct deposit) for the amount owed you, minus any pre-agreed-upon commission.  

Selling Your Wine Online: The Wrap-Up

If you want to sell all or part of your wine collection, selling it through a licensed auction house is your best bet.

Start by making a catalog of your wines (including relevant information like its vintage and production region), and then locate at least three reputable fine wine auction houses to ask for estimates.

Once you’ve settled on a wine auction house, arrange for your wine to be picked up or shipped, and then sit back and watch the auction happen (have a glass of wine while you’re at it!).

Happy auctioning!

Cheers!

How to Pack Wine Glasses for Moving

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No matter how you approach it, moving is an exhausting undertaking. It can also be nerve wracking, especially when you’re moving valuable and highly breakable items such as crystal glassware? Well, we can’t take the exhaustion out of your moving process, but we can ease your nerves about that crystal glassware with a few tips, tricks, and ideal products for packing wine glasses.

Before we continue with our tips, 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!

How to Pack Wine Glasses for Moving

Measure Your Wine Glasses

To select the right size of box, you’ll need to measure the height of your tallest glasses. You want to be sure that the boxes you select have enough room to accommodate your glassware. Attempting to force crystal glassware into a too-small box will leave you with shattered crystal glassware!

Find the Right Boxes 

The type of box we prefer for packing wine glasses is a “banker’s box.” The top is constructed of a single piece of cardboard (versus four pieces as seen in traditional boxes). Also, a banker’s box lid does not require tape to close, minimizing the amount of pressure one has to place on the box. Finally, the banker’s box can be reused after moving to store paper files or home items in your closet. 

These boxes come with dividers and cushion foam 

If you already have a standard-sized box and simply need glass dividers, you can also buy just the dividers and cushion foam online:

 
 

Alternatively, if you have only the box and glass dividers but no cushion foam, the foam can be purchased here:

 
 

If you don’t want to take on the added expense of glass dividers and cushion foam, just skip them and pack them as we describe below.  Simply make sure you have lots of packing paper!

Select Your Packing Paper

You will definitely need some kind of packing material to protect those wine glasses. Packing paper is less expensive than bubble wrap and a lot less bulky. It’s also recyclable or reusable by kids as a canvas for drawing or painting! You can get unprinted newsprint paper at most moving supply stores as well as online.  

 
 

Yes, could also use regular printed newspaper. However, some inks will stain wine glasses, which is why we recommend the unprinted paper instead.  If you do stain your wine glasses, you might want to try an overnight soak in the sink or in a bucket with some unscented denture cleaner.

 
 

Find Good Quality Packing Tape

It’s really important to get some good quality tape to secure both the top and the bottom of the box. Higher-quality tape will secure the lid to your box securely, thus preventing a box that pops open during the move, potentially damaging your glasses. These heavy duty rolls will do the trick.

 
 

Get Some Packing Labels

It’s really important to indicate to movers (or, friends and family who are helping you move) which boxes have fragile contents. We love these color-coded packing labels as they make box sorting a breeze. Included are labels indicating to not stack other boxes on top of your wine glasses and to orient the movers or your friends which end of the box is up.

 
 

Our Step-by-Step Guide to Packing Wine Glasses

This is the process we use to securely pack our wine glasses when we move. We have a lot of wine glasses (and we’ve been through several moves), so we think it’s a tried-and-true method!

Prep the Moving Box

Assemble the moving box as instructed. Don’t forget to tape up the bottom really well using that heavy duty packing tape! Taping the box well not only prevents the box from coming open, it also provides more structure and strengthens the box. If you’re using glass dividers, insert them once you have the box constructed.

Wrap the Wine Glasses

Remove one sheet of packing paper from the box and lay it out flat.  Place the wine glass in one corner of the paper, far enough from the corner that you can insert a small portion of the wrapping paper into the bowl of the wine glass. Bring up the bottom corner of the packing paper and gently wrap the stem. Then, roll the wine glass gently to use the rest of the wrap. Don’t ram too much paper in the wine glass bowl or you will break it.  Also, don’t twist the glass too much when you are wrapping it. When you’re done wrapping, carefully place the wrapped glass into the box (within layers of more packing paper OR in the glass dividers you’ve inserted).

Secure the top of the box

Tape up the top of the box really well.  Label it with all the pertinent stickers: “This End Up,” “Fragile,” “Kitchen” (to indicate where movers should take the box), etc. Be sure not to stack other boxes on top of boxes holding wine glasses. Finally, if at all possible, supervise the moving of these boxes to be sure that they are handled carefully!

How to Wrap Wine Glasses (for Visual Learners)

Check out this video if you prefer to see (rather than read!) an example of wrapping wine glasses for moving. This video will show you how to wrap wine glasses for packing, just like the pros do it!

Check out this video if you prefer to see (rather than read!) an example of wrapping wine glasses for moving. This video will show you how to wrap wine glasses for packing, just like the pros do it!

That’s a Wrap on Packing Wine Glasses!

To recap, here’s our approach in a nutshell:

Get all your supplies together (you can use the fancy boxes with dividers, or use the more economical process we show). Wrap your glasses individually. Make sure the exterior of the box indicates that the contents are fragile.  Don’t put a heavy box on top of it your box holding wine glasses.

When you’re unpacking (which is so much better than packing!), reuse your bank box for storing paperwork or other items that you’d like to keep dust-free and away from light. If you don’t have space to keep the boxes, upcycle them on Facebook marketplace or Craigslist. People are often looking for this type of box, and you shouldn’t have trouble finding takers! 

Best wishes for a great move, and happy packing!

Cheers!

What to Wear to Wine Country

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If you’ve booked a trip to wine country, you’ve likely already researched the wineries and other attractions you want to visit. Your next step is figuring out what to pack. Whether you’re visiting Napa and Sonoma, or are crossing the pond for Bordeaux or Rhone Valley adventure, you’ll want to be sure you know what to wear to a winery. Packing the right winery outfits will help you to pack minimally and purchases less during your trip. 

First, 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!

How do I select my winery outfits? 

Whether you’re enjoying a romantic weekend, reuniting with a  group of girlfriends, or attending a winery wedding, dressing for the winery is usually a no fuss affair. Here are a few guidelines to get you started: 

  • Dark colors are a great go-to for winery attire (that way, spilled red wine won’t ruin your entire outfit!). We like to coordinate black separates with a colorful shawl or accessory. 


  • Practical shoes are essential. Essentially, you’re visiting a farm, so high heels and shoes that can’t tolerate a bit of mud just aren’t a good idea. Aim for practical but stylish boots.  


  • Plan for rain with an umbrella and a raincoat. It could be a chilly 55 degrees or lower, so you’ll also want layers for that damp cold. 


  • Plan for sun with sunglasses, a practical sun hat, and (of course) sunscreen.

     

  • Avoid excessive jewelry, floppy hats, or flowy clothes that can catch on vines or wine barrels. 


  • Dark-colored separates are ideal, as they will transition nicely from winery to an upscale restaurant, in the event that you’re dining out after your wine tasting. 

Now that you have a general guide to winery attire, here are a few of our favorite items to fill the gaps in your winery wardrobe. 

Best Shoes for Winery Tour

Tours can involve a great deal of walking, sometimes across uneven surfaces, up and down stairs, in and out of golf carts, and through the vineyards. To keep up with the terrain and the tour guide, go for dressy hiking boots. The vineyard pros often wear Blundstone. 

 
 
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Best Windproof Umbrella for Wine Country

Conditions at a winery can include bright sun, wind, and pop-up showers. This large golf umbrella comes in a variety of sizes for singles, couples and small groups. 

 
 

Best Wine Country Sunscreen

Sunscreen is essential when traveling to wine country, no matter what time of year you go (it’s especially important in the summer, though!). Travel can make your skin prone to breakouts, though, so you’ll want to pack a good sunscreen that’s formulated specifically for the face and won’t clog pores. 

 
 

Best Winery Handbag

A crossbody shoulder satchel is ideal for wearing on a winery tour, as  you will want to keep your hands free. A larger handbag will just get in your way and feel cumbersome as you walk throughout the winery. Take this slim satchel instead. Then, slip the satchel into a larger bag in the evenings.

 
 

Best Scarf for Wine Country Style 

We love this classic brushed cashmere scarf by Burberry. It is warm, cozy, and stylish without being overstated. It’s the perfect accessory for pairing with elegant but practical black separates. 

 
 

Best Wine-Friendly Denim 

In wine country, basics are the best when it comes to attire. Simple, dark denim can be dressed up or down. We prefer a classic, easy-to-wear pair of Levi’s. 

 
 

Best Sunglasses for the Vineyards

No matter the season, you’re going to need a pair of shades. And when you’ve pared down your wardrobe to the basics, classy sunglasses are a great way to upgrade your look. These Prada sunglasses provide 100% UV protection and are 100% chic.

 
 

Best Rainy Vineyard Rain Jacket

The likelihood of pop-up showers and damp weather is high in wine country. You’ll definitely want to pack a sturdy but lightweight rain jacket that keeps you dry and warm at the winery. This hooded rain jacket by Levi’s also has convenient pockets for storing a phone or other items you want to bring along. 

 
 

Winery Attire & Accessories Wrap-Up

We hope this list helped you to pack a suitcase that’s primed for a perfect wine country experience. With the right clothes, boots, and rain gear, you should be all set for looking like pro at any winery you visit.

And if you love the wine at those wineries enough to take some home with you, check out our article on how to fly with wine.

Cheers!

Demystifying Wine Decanters

If you are looking to purchase a decanter or are simply curious about how decanters work, you’ve come to the right place. Decanting might look elegant and intimidating, but there’s no secret to the art of decanting. In fact, if you’ve spent any time in a kitchen or laboratory, you probably already know a lot more about decanters than you realize! In this blog, we’ll demystify the art of decanting as well as recommend a few of our favorite decanters.  

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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!

What is a wine decanter?

According to The Oxford Companion to Wine by Jancis Robinson, a decanter is typically a handleless clear glass bottle or container exceeding one-liter holding capacity. The decanter may or may not have a closure.

Wine decanters have been around at least since Roman times.  Historically, they have been comprised of various materials including earthenware, glass, crystal, bronze, silver, or gold.

Do you need a wine decanter?

No, you don’t need a wine decanter, though there are certainly benefits and pleasures to using one.

If you don’t purchase much wine to drink at home during the year, you can find another suitable one-liter or larger container to aerate wine before consuming. Suitable substitutes include a glass pitcher, a blender carafe, or even a salad bowl.  You simply need a container large enough to hold the volume of wine you wish to decant. The larger the surface area, the faster the poured wine will “breathe”.

If you are enjoying one glass of young wine for yourself, you don’t need to hassle with a decanter.  Simply place the wine in a glass with a broad bowl like this one and swirl the wine in the glass. Then, let it sit for a few minutes.  

If you simply love the shape and allure of decanters or drink wines often enough that you desire to own a decanter, then, by all means, purchasing and using a decanter will increase the pleasure of consuming wines.  As decanters can get rather large, decorative decanters have become popular (a large decanter typically can’t fit in a standard cupboard or shelf, and so must be displayed on a countertop or open shelf). 

What does a wine decanter do?

At the end of the day, a decanter is simply a receptacle for holding wine.

When decanting younger wines, a decanter simply serves as a vessel for carefully exposing young wine to oxygen before it is consumed. Exposing wine to oxygen allows the young wine to breathe and open up. Decanters intended for younger wines tend to have a wide base.  Using a decanter to aerate a young wine is more effective than simply opening a bottle of wine and sitting it on a countertop for an hour or so. Leaving the wine in the bottle with the cork removed only exposes the wine in the neck of the bottle (a very small portio) to oxygen.

When decanting older wines (typically wines with some sediment in the bottom), the decanter serves as a place to separate the wine from the sediment that will remain in the original wine bottle. Decanters (or carafes) for older wines tend to be narrower at the base.  

Why use a wine decanter?

Wine decanters are used for three main reasons, which we have detailed below.

Decanting Still Wines to Aerate Them

Many still (non-sparkling) wines benefit from controlled exposure to oxygen before consuming them. This process allows the wine to open up and breathe before serving.  

Decanting young wines is not always necessary, as many modern wines are made for immediate consumption. However, if you are consuming a fine wine, artisanal wine, or quality wine from an independent producer, the wine will likely require some decanting as it has likely not been filtered as much as simpler commercial wines. 

Decanting Wines with Sediment

Prior to the implementation of filtration systems in many wineries in the 20th century, many wines would build up sediment as the wine aged in the bottle. So that the sediment didn’t end up on your or your guest’s glass, wines were (and are) poured from their original bottle into a decanter over candlelight. Once the sludge of sediment is visible in the neck of the bottle, the pourer puts down the wine bottle and places the decanter on the table. Then, guests enjoy the wine as it is poured from the decanter into individual wine glasses. 

Decanting Cheap Wines to Disguise Frugality

If you are hosting a wine party on a budget for a crowd or want to switch over to some cheap wine later in the evening, pouring cheap wine from a box or inexpensive bottle into a nice decanter will “dress up” the wine presentation. Brilliant!

How do I use a wine decanter?

It’s really quite simple, no need to overthink it! We’ve found the best way to learn how to decant is by watching someone else with training and experience wines. To learn more, check out this video on the decanting of young wines in a large decanter and older wines (via candlelight) into a narrow-based decanter (carafe).

Decanting an Older Wine

If you are decanting an older wine, you really don’t want to decant it until just before consuming, as some of the aromas will become muted and disappear with exposure to oxygen. With an especially old wine, you will want to cover the top of the decanter (carafe) with some sort of enclosure so that aromas don’t escape.

Decanting Younger Wines

If you are decanting a younger wine, such as a premium or artisanal wine from a region like Bordeaux, the Rhone, or Napa, you will need to do a little experimentation and let the taste be your guide. First, pour yourself a small taste before decanting. If the aromas and flavor are quite muted (not very expressive), then you might need to decant the wine for an hour or more. Our best advice is to keep tasting a sip or two at a time, 15-20 minutes apart, until it starts to taste as you like (such hard work!). To anticipate how long this might be, you can consider looking up others’ tasting notes on an application like Cellar Tracker to see how long the same wine was decanted by other people who drank it. You may need to take this information with a grain of salt as everyone has different preferences for length of decanting, but at least you’ll get a general idea of the decanting period (which could be anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours!).

If you are decanting a very young wine, such as a cheap wine from the grocery store, decanting for 15 to 30 minutes is usually sufficient.  

What are the different types of decanters?

Decanters vary by construction, shape, design, and price. The material of which the decanter is made and the shape are significant factors.

Materials Used to Make Decanters

Basically, you want a decanter that is made of an inert substance that will not interact with the wine you wish to decant. This means plastic is typically out of the running. Commercially available decanters are typically made from glass, crystal, earthenware, and silver.  

Glass decanters are typically the least expensive and least durable. However, they generally take to automatic dishwashers better than crystal decanters, mostly due to their thick walls.

Crystal decanters are quite durable.  Crystal decanters can be mouth-blown or made from a mold.  Crystal decanters are also likely to be more elaborate in shape than glass decanters, as even very thin walls can be quite strong.  

Different Shapes of Decanters

As trends come and go, so do the shapes of decanters.

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We categorize decanters into two main groups: tall thin carafes for decanting older wines and broad-bottomed decanters for younger wines.

You will find various sources describing the differences between decanters and how they affect wine. However, we’ve found that there’s really a very minimal difference in the aroma and flavor of wine decanted in the various types of decanters outside of these two groupings of tall/thin and broad/round.

When you are shopping on the internet or at a bottle shop, antique shop, or large retail shop like Williams Sonoma or Crate & Barrel, you will find lots of cool names for decanter shapes, like shaft and globe, Indian club, taper, shoulder, mallet, pillar cut, cruciform, cornett, and duck (to name a few!).

How do I clean a wine decanter?

If you clean your decanter right after using it,, you can usually just triple rinse the decanter with hot water from the tap. If wine sat in the decanter for a few hours or overnight, however, a more aggressive approach to cleaning will be needed.  

After a night of drinking, cleaning a decanter can be quite a bother. If you don’t have time or are afraid that you will damage a decanter in a tired (or inebriated) situation, we recommend a quick rinse followed by filling the decanter with an inch or so of water so that you don’t have to fight with a stain in the morning.

Most glass decanters (and some crystal decanters) can be washed in the dishwasher. If in question, we recommend washing by hand. When washing by hand, try to minimize aromas and residues on both decanters and any fine glassware by washing the glassware in warm water using fragrance-free dish soap. We use this brand:

 
 

When washing by hand use a decanter brush to get into the nooks and crevices of a decanter. We like this one:

 
 

How do I remove wine stains from a wine decanter?

If a wine stain is not removed by the above methods, there are still a couple of approaches to cleaning dried-on wine stains deep inside the decanter.

Decanter Beads

There are beads designed specifically for the purpose of removing stubborn wine stains in the decanter. Carefully place beads in the decanter with soap and water, then swirl to free the debris. Invert the decanter and collect the beads in a kitchen sieve. When you’re done, rinse, dry, and store your decanter beads in the container the beads came in.

 
 

Denture or Retainer Cleanser

If you entertain frequently or are often battling dried on lipstick or wine stains in glassware, do what the pros do - use denture cleaner!  Place a tablet in the decanter, fill with a couple inches of water, and let the decanter sit overnight. This often removes the most stubborn wine stains. When cleaning individual pieces of stemware, we break up a denture tablet and insert just a piece of the tablet into each piece of glassware that requires some deep cleaning. Fill the glass to just above the stain.

 
 

Hard Water Stains

Perhaps your roommate or well-intentioned spouse used your favorite decanter for a flower vase or to temporarily house a goldfish when an aquarium started leaking. Or maybe you live in an area with especially hard water and are annoyed by that invisible film that keeps showing up on your glassware.

Here’s a product that’s used in the craft beer industry to clean glassware with hard water mineral stains from calcium and other naturally occurring elements and minerals.

 
 

How do I polish and dry a wine decanter?

To prevent water spots on the outside of the decanter, we recommend a quick once-over with a fun glassware polishing cloth like this one. You can also use this glass polishing cloth for cleaning glassware, eyeglasses, and photography lenses!

 
 

To air out the inside of the decanter, you have a couple options. First is to “wedge” the decanter into a dish drying rack. This is a good option if you have an inexpensive glass decanter.

If you have an artistic or treasured wine decanter, consider getting a decanter drying rack like this one. We like this drying stand as it has rubber coating to prevent scratches to the decanter.

 
 

Which decanter should I purchase?

Now that you know everything there is to know about decanters, we’ll share our three favorite wine decanters.

Best Wine Decanter for Older Wines

This mouth-blown lead-free decanter from Austria can be used to decant one 750 mL bottle of wine. It’s a good decanter for older wines as one can minimize exposure to oxygen. This very high quality of crystal has no distracting design, allowing one to easily see the color of the aged wine. 

In addition to decanting wine, this carafe can be used to serve water, juice, or other beverages. The hourglass shape is attractive and easy to clean. This decanter is also dishwasher safe. 2500 mL versio is also available if you need to decant a magnum (1.5 L) bottle of wine.

 
 

Best Inexpensive Glass Wine Decanter

If you are looking for a simple, dual purpose wine decanter (for new and old wines) that is inexpensive, this decanter may be for you. In addition to being economical, it does not have a wide base, making it easy to store. This decanter also has an insert that can be used for aerating younger wines (use without the insert for older wines). Due to its shape, this decanter does not scream “wine decanter,” so it can be used for beverages other than wine, like orange juice or flavored water.

 
 

Best Multi-Purpose Lead-Free Crystal Wine Decanter

Perhaps you already have a glass decanter and want your second decanter to be a lead-free crystal wine decanter. This one has a very wide base (8.5 inches) and plenty of surface area for decanting. The slanted top makes it attractive and easy to pour. 

 
 

Best “Splurge” Lead-Free Crystal Wine Decanter

This mouth-blown, high quality, lead-free decanter made in Austria has a sleek design that maximizes surface area of the wine to oxygen. The decanter easily holds a 750 mL bottle of wine and is easy to pour and clean.  

 
 

Wine Decanter Wrap-Up

We hope you learned something about wine decanting and that you feel less intimidated by the process. Have more questions or a favorite wine decanter you want to tell us about? Share in the comment section! Happy decanting!

Cheers from KnowWines!