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.
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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!