4 Best Wine Refrigerators for Small Spaces in 2022

wine boat pexels.jpeg

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

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

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

Introducing Compact Wine Coolers

Why select a compact wine cooler?

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

How Many Bottles Will Fit In My Wine Refrigerator (1).JPG

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

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

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

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

Wine Bottle Diameters.JPG

What Are Typical Small Wine Cooler Bottle Capacities?

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

What Are Typical Small Wine Cooler Dimensions?

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

How to Choose A Small Wine Refrigerator

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

Suboptimal Wine Storage.PNG

Design for Holding Wine Bottles

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

Noise

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

Dual Temperature or Single Temperature?

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

Built-In or Free-Standing Compact Wine Refrigerator?

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

Do I Need a Warranty?

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

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

Our Favorite Compact Wine Refrigerators

Best 12” Wine Cooler

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

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

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

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

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

The door handle can be removed as well!




Best 15” Wine Cooler

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

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

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




Best Thermoelectric Countertop Wine Cooler

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

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

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

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

Best Cheap Small Wine Refrigerator

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

 
 

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

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

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

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

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

In Conclusion

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

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

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

Happy travels!

The Best Champagne Buckets

champagne bucket.jpeg

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

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

Before Buying a Champagne Bucket

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

What is the Ideal Temperature for Serving Champagne?

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

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

What is the Best Way to Chill Champagne?

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

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

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

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

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

How Do I Use a Champagne Bucket?

PRO TIP:

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

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

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

What to Consider When Purchasing a Champagne Chiller Bucket?

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

Single Bottle Champagne Bucket - Or More?

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

Construction of Champagne Bucket

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

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

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

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

Single-walled or Double-walled Champagne Bucket?

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

Champagne Bucket With or Without a Stand?

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

Best Champagne Buckets

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

Best Single Champagne Bucket (Includes Stand)

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

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

Pros:

  • Simple, elegant look

  • Robust 18/8 stainless steel construction

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

Cons:

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






Best Multi-Bottle Champagne Bucket

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

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

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

 
 

Pros:

  • Constructed out of 18/8 stainless steel

  • Double-walled for sweat-free experience

  • Available in stainless steel and copper

Cons:

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

Best Clear Single Wine Champagne Bucket

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

 
 

Pros:

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

  • Acrylic is light, yet strong

  • Won’t tip over with a bottle in it 

Cons:

  • Susceptible to scratching

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

Best Crystal Champagne Bucket

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

 
 

Pros:

  • Collector’s item

  • Handmade

Cons:

  • Not double-walled

Best Luxury Champagne Bucket

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

 
 

Pros:

  • Collector’s item, classic Old World style

  • Hand cast

  • Holds several bottles at once

Cons:

  • On the pricier side

Best Double-Walled Champagne Holder

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

 
 

Pros:

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

  • Sleek design

Cons:

  • Only holds one bottle

Champagne Ice Mold Ice Bucket

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

Pros:

  • Fun!

  • Unique

Cons:

  • May be time-intensive to set up properly

Best Cheap Champagne Bucket

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

 
 

Pros:

  • Very affordable

  • Can buy several at once for entertaining

Cons:

  • Not double-walled

  • Not as sturdy as other champagne chiller buckets

Champagne Buckets Wrap-Up

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

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

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

Cheers!

All About Wine Glass Polishing Cloths

Wine Glass Polishing Edge Detail.JPG

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.

Wine Glass Polishing.JPG

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

Wine Glass Polishing Cloth X-Large and Large (1).JPG

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

Is the Coravin Pivot Worth the Money?

Coravin Pivot Review.JPG

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

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

What is the Coravin Pivot?

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

The Coravin Pivot package comes with the following:

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

  • One argon gas cylinder

  • Two proprietary Pivot stoppers

  • A card stock Quick Start Guide

Take a closer look at the product itself:

 
 

How Does the Coravin Pivot Work?

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

The Coravin Pivot system differs from the original Coravin system in that the cork is removed from the bottle and the bottle is consumed within a few days or within a month. How does it work? The preserving argon gas is trapped in the bottle by pre-inserting a stopper (the proprietary Pivot stopper) into the top of the bottle.

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

 
 

How Do You Use the Coravin Pivot?

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

Installing the Capsule

Coravin Pivot Argon Capsule.JPG

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

Pouring Wine

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

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

Does the Coravin Pivot Really Work?

We tested our teal unit over a one month period.

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

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

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

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

Coravin Pivot vs Other Coravin Products

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

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

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

  • The Coravin Pivot pours faster than other Coravin products.

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

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

Do I Need a Coravin Pivot?

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

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

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

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

Is the Coravin Pivot a Good Gift?

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

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

 
 

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

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

Where Can I Get Coravin Pivot Capsule Refils?

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

 
 

The Coravin Pivot Verdict: Is it Worth the Money?

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

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

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

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

Cheers!






How to Move a Wine Refrigerator

How_To_Move_A_Wine_Refrigerator_Yourself.jpg.jpg

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

Products for getting out red wine stain.JPG

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!

How to remove red wine stain red wine stains.JPG

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.

How to remove red wine stain from carped by dabbing.JPG

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 Pair Wine With Fresh Crab

Steamed crab wine pairing.jpeg

In the Coastal Carolinas, crab fishing season typically runs from May to October, as crabs are more active once Intracoastal waters hit 70 to 75 F. That means it’s peak crab season here in North Carolina, and we’re ready to pair our fresh crab with some wine. If you’re looking to do the same, keep reading!

A good wine pairing starts with the ingredients you are pairing the wine with, so the first step in pairing wine with crab is procuring your crabs! In this blog, we’ll show you how it’s done. If you don’t want the procure the crabs yourself and are sourcing them from a fishmonger, grocery store, or at a restaurant, skip on down to our delicious wine pairings! Our wine suggestions work equally well with crab you caught yourself or crab you’re buying from someone else.

Before we go catching those crabs, though, a quick note on 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 Catch a Crab

We’ve purchased a crab license and some pots for the second year in a row, allowing us to try crab prepared in different ways so that we can enjoy them with different wines. 

First of all, you should know that fishing for crabs is not intimidating. In fact, it’s a great sport to try for beginner anglers. Many people don’t know that recreational fishermen and women can catch crabs. In North Carolina, for example, one can catch crabs such as blue crab using several means, as described here by Tia Clark:

 
Amazon Block
Search for an Amazon product to display. Learn more
 

Here are some of the tools Tia mentions:

  • Collapsible crab pot with an entry hole less than 19”:

 
 

  • With a string crab throw line, like this one:

 
 

  • You can also use a solid pot to catch crabs.

    However, these pots are bulky, so it may be best to purchase them in person at coastal retailers. These also require a license.  

Do I Need a License to Catch Crabs?

With or without a license, all anglers need to abide by the recreational harvest limit for crabs.  

In North Carolina, you don’t need a license for crab fishing if you meet the following conditions:

  • You’re lucky enough to own a pier with private access only (limit one pot).

  • You catch crabs with chicken necks or legs.

Be sure to do your reading & research on the local guidelines for recreational crab fishing in your area!

Where to Buy Crabs

If you are not able to catch your own crabs, you can purchase them at various seafood stores and grocery stores. If you’re not sure how to select the best crabs, don’t be afraid to ask the fishmonger or person at the seafood counter for help.

How do I know if the crab I’m buying is fresh?

Ask to smell a crab! We promise, this is normal crab-buying behavior. A fresh crab should smell sweet and briny, not strong or fishy or sour. No matter how great your wine is, it won’t pair well with old crabs!

What Wines Pair With Crab?

When working with fresh crab, I remember the advice of Evan Goldstein, author of Perfect Pairings: “Think of the acid in wines as the gastronomic equivalent of the yellow highlighter pen. The quick swoosh of the highlighter makes the words on a page stand out.  A wine’s acidity can mimic this phenomenon with food by bringing out the essence of an ingredient’s flavor.” We love this metaphor as a means of explaining how wine and food can complement one another.

In a nutshell, you can pair any wine - including red wines - with crab. About the only wines we would avoid pairing with crab are red wines that are very full-bodied and have intense flavors, such as Shiraz and Zinfandel. Also, steer clear of oaky wines when you’re eating crab. As Karen MacNeil, author of Wine Bible, states “It’s hard to taste the ocean if all you can smell is the lumberyard”. (And if you haven’t checked out Wine Bible yet, you should! And don’t forget these great reads by other female wine writers!).

So, while there are a few types of wine to avoid when pairing wine with crab, there’s also lots of room for fun and great flavors. We share our favorite pairings below, and we encourage you to give them a try. But don’t be too worried about making a mistake - the best part about wine pairings is that if you do make some mistakes, it means you are trying different things and being innovative!

Wines to Pair With Steamed Crab Legs

As we mentioned earlier, fresh crab should have a sweet smell and flavor. The first wine that comes to mind for pairing with steamed crab legs is Riesling. The high acidity will highlight the fresh taste of the steamed crab legs. You also have the flexibility to choose a dry or semi-dry styled Riesling, as either selection has high acidity.

Stone crab wine pairing.PNG

Wines to Pair With Stone Crabs

My favorite aspect of a stone crab is that the crab lives after harvesting one arm.  It can take up to one year for a stone crab to grow back a harvested leg. These creatures sure are wild, and they taste delicious!

We recommend a sparkling wine or Champagne to celebrate this beautiful, renewable resource (and hide our restaurant bill from our frugal friends!).

Wines to Pair With Soft Shelled Crabs or Crab Cakes

With fried crab preparations, there are several great wine pairing options. One could go with Sauvignon Blanc or a not-too-oaky Chardonnay.  Viogner—with a hint of honeysuckle—can be a fun pairing with lightly fried and battered crab.

Wines to Pair with Crab Dip

Crab dips typically have some spice along with heavy mouthfeel. Since there are so many different crab dip recipes, it can be a little challenging to pair a wine with crab dip. As such, our suggestion would be to pair an easy-going Gruner Veltliner or my standby Riesling with a crab dip.  Red wine lover? You might enjoy a Pinot Noir or a cool-climate Merlot from Chile.

Wines to Pair with Crab Alfredo or Crab Ravioli

Crab Alfredo and/or crab ravioli both have a heavier mouthfeel than many other crab dishes. With these dishes, we suggest a white wine with more richness and perfume from the Northern Rhone. These wines can be a blend of one or more white grape variety which may include: Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, Viognier, or Picpoul. 

Wines to Pair with Dungeness Crabs

Prefer these west coast crabs? Sparkling wine, Champagne, a dry Gewurztraminer, or Albarino would be our top picks.  If you like to drink a wine that is not white, try steamed Dungeness crab with Rosé or Gamay (Beaujolais or domestic Gamay). 

Wines to Pair With a Crab Boil

Crab boil wine pairing.PNG

Crab boils are typically spicy—seasoned with red pepper flakes and perhaps hot sausage. The spicy heat of the dish makes semi-dry or sweet Riesling a good choice. Other options include the sparkling wines Prosecco or Cava.  

Wines to Pair With Crab Rangoon

One typically isn’t sitting down to a meal of crab rangoon. Usually, this decadent dish is enjoyed with other spicy, fried, or flavorful appetizers. Again, with the warm spice—as in crab boil—semi-dry Riesling is a great choice.   

Pairing Wine with Crab: Our Conclusion

Almost any wine will pair well with crab, except for wines with intense flavor, since these wines—like Shiraz and Zinfandel—can cover up the delicate flavors of crab.

How the crab is seasoned—which can be sparingly in the case of boiled crab legs, or abundantly in crab Alfredo—may influence the wine style that you might like with your crab.

Whichever crab dish and wine you choose, we hope you enjoy your meal of fresh seafood and perfectly paired wine!

Cheers!

Corkcicle Wine Tumblers - Are They Worth The Price?

Corkcicle Wine Tumbler Display.jpg

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

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

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

What is the Corkcicle Wine Tumbler?

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

 
 

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

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

Do I really need a Corkcicle Wine Tumbler?

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

Who is Corkcicle & where are Corkcicles made?

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

 Corkcicle wine tumblers are manufactured in China.

What’s great about the Corkcicle Wine Tumbler?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Corkcicle Wine Tumblers Come With A Lid.jpg

What are the Downsides to the Corkcicle Wine Tumbler?

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

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

Is Corkcicle Wine Tumbler Better than the YETI Wine Tumbler?

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

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

What size is the Corkcicle Wine Tumbler?

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

Where can I get a Corkcicle Wine Tumbler?

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

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

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

 
 

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

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

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

The Corkcicle Wine Tumbler Conclusion

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

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

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

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

 
 

Enjoy chilling out with your wine this summer!

Cheers!

How to Make a Wine Bottle Tiki Torch

Screen Shot 2021-04-19 at 10.09.59 AM.png

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

Best Large Wine Refrigeratora.JPG

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

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

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

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

What to Consider When Purchasing a Large Wine Refrigerator

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

Compressor vs ThermoElectric Wine Refrigerators

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

Dual-Temperature or Single-Temperature Large Wine Cooler?

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

What is a Large Wine Cooler?

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

What is the Capacity of a Large Wine Cooler?

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

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

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

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

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

How Much Do Large Wine Refrigerators Weigh?

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

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

How Wide is a Large Wine Cabinet?

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

What is the Cost of a Large Wine Cooler?

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

What Brands Make Large Wine Refrigerators?

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

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

What are the Best Large Wine Refrigerators?

Eurocave

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

Zephyr Presrv Single Zone Wine Fridge

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

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

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

 
 

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

  • Zephyr Presrv Single Zone Wine Refrigerator 148 Bottles

 
 

EdgeStar

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

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

  • EdgeStar 111-Bottle Large Wine Refrigerator

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

 
 

  • EdgeStar 151 Bottle Large Wine Refrigerator

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

 
 

Lanbo

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

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

  • Lanbo Single Zone Large Wine Cabinet - 289 bottle capacity

 
 

Allavino

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

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

  • Allavino 128-bottle Large Wine Refrigerator

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

 
 

  • Allavino 177-bottle Large Wine Refrigerator

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

 
 

Whytner

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

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

  • Whytner 100-bottle Wine Refrigerator

 
 

  • Whytner 166-bottle Wine Refrigerator

 
 

COLZER

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

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

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

  • COLZER 154

 
 

A Few More Notes on Large Wine Refrigerators:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Conclusion

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

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

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

Cheers!




Best Open Wine Chillers

wine chiller.jpeg

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

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

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

What is an Open Wine Chiller?

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

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

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

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

 
 

What are the Advantages of an Open Wine Chiller?

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

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

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

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

What are some Disadvantages of Open Wine Chillers

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

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

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

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

 
 

Do I Need an Open Wine Chiller?

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

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

 
 

Open Wine Chillers by Vinotemp and Summit Appliance

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

Two Bottle Open Wine Chiller by Vinotemp

 
 

Four Bottle Open Wine Chiller by Vinotemp 

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

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

 
 

Twelve and Six Bottle Open Wine Chiller by Summit Appliance

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

 
 

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

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

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

Open Wine Chillers: Conclusion

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

Cheers!


How to Host an Online Wine Tasting

SwitchPod Wine.JPG

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.

chuttersnap-x5O1GmmGoPE-unsplash.jpg

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.  

SwitchPod.JPG

  • 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!

Are Zalto Wine Glasses Worth It?

Zalto+universal.jpg

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

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

What Are Zalto Wine Glasses?

The Zalto Story

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

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

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

 
 

Handblown Glass

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

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

 
 

Zalto’s Hometown in Austria

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

 
 
 

Where to Buy Zalto Wine Glasses

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

Wine Glass Styles

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

Zalto Universal Wine Glass

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

 
 

Zalto Wine Glass Champagne

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

 
 

Zalto Wine Glass Bordeaux

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

 
 

Zalto Burgundy Wine Glass

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

 
 

Zalto White Wine Glass

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

 
 

Zalto Sweet Wine Glass

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

 
 

Zalto Beer Glass

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

 
 

How To Care For Zalto Glasses

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

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

  • Avoid phosphate-free dishwasher soap.

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

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

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

Zalto Universal vs Gabriel Glas

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

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

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

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

 
 

Do I Need a Zalto Universal Wine Glass?

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

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

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

Unbreakable Wine Glasses

wine glass.jpg

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

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

What Is an Unbreakable Wine Glass?

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

These Glasses Are Really Unbreakable?

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

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

Do I Need Unbreakable Wine Glasses?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What About Stemless Wine Glasses?

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

What Are The Downsides of Unbreakable Wine Glasses?

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

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

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

Best Unbreakable Wine Glasses

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

Best Wine Glass For Clumsy People

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

 
 

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

Best Silicone Wine Glass for Hot Tubbing

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

 
 

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

Best Shatter-Resistant Glass Wine Glass

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

 
 

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

 Best Double-Walled Stainless Steel Wine Glass 

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

 
 

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

Best Reusable Tritan Unbreakable Wine Glass (Made in America)

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

 
 

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

Unbreakable Wine Glasses Breakdown

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers!

Coravin Review

Coravin Model 2.JPG

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

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

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

First, Our Top Coravin Pick

The Coravin Model Five

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

 
 

Other Coravin Models Worth Considering

The Coravin Model Eleven Fully Automatic Wine Preservation System  

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

 
 

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

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

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

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

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

Coravin Model One: The Least Expensive Option 

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

 
 

Coravin Model Two Premium Wine Preservation System

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

 
 

Coravin Models New in 2020

Coravin Model Three Advanced Wine Bottle Opener and Preservation System


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

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

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

 
 

Coravin Model Six Advanced Wine Bottle Opener and Preservation System

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

 
 

Coravin Model Five Premium Wine Preservation System

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

 
 

A Little Background on Coravin

Where Is Coravin Made?

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

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

Where Can I Buy A Coravin?

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

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

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

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

 
 

The Coravin Conclusion

Do you need a Coravin Wine System?

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

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

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

Good luck with your Coravin decision!

Cheers!

How to Remove Wine Bottle Labels

Label Lift to Get Label off of Wine Bottle.jpg

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!

Does Champagne Go Bad?

0382. Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Brut Blanc de Blanc Champagne Cuvee Cuis 1er Cru.jpeg

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

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

How long does an open bottle of champagne keep?

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

 
 

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

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

How do I keep an open bottle of champagne fresh?

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

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

 
 

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

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

 
 

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

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

How do I keep an open bottle of champagne bubbly?

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

Can old champagne make me sick?

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

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

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

Will champagne freeze?

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

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

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

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

0432. Vintage versus non-vintage champagne.jpeg

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

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

How do I store sparkling wine at home?

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

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

 
 

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

Does Champagne go Bad?

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

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

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

Cheers!

The Beginner's Guide to Wine Foil Cutters

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

Wine Foil.JPG

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

Corkscrew+Through+Wine+Foil.jpg

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!).

Favorite Wine Foil Cutter.JPG
Wine%2BFoil%2BCutter%2BSmooth%2BLine.jpg
Blades of a Foil Cutter.JPG

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!