Aug 11, 2020
We haven't done a show on this topic for a long time, so here's the 2020 update. We cover what to look for in glassware, decanters, wine fridges, wine openers, preservation systems and more. This is the skinny on what you need and what you don't (and why!).
Our picks are all on the Wine For Normal People store (where I make a tiny bit through affiliate money), but here's the list with some buying tips:
- Glassware picks, well,
I'll make you read this article from epicurious.com ( I
wrote it so I believe in it!)
- Decanters: they are good for removing sediment, aerating a full
bottle, and heating up a too-cold wine. Make sure you get one that
is easy to wash (forgot to mention that in the show)
- Aerators: still a no-go for me. If you don't have the time to
wait for a wine to unfold, drink something else.
- Wine openers: the WFNP one, the electric one
- Wine ice cubes: We like the thin plastic ones because we are
the weight and color of stainless steel or rock can mess with the
glass (break it) and the wine (discolor it)
- Wine fridges: The fewer bells and whistles, the better. Make
sure you think about how much wine you WILL consume in the future,
as opposed to what you drink now. If your wine habit is growing,
buy a slightly bigger fridge.
- The Corksicle: This also serves as an aerator, but you would
ignore that function if you take our advice. The main purpose of
the device is to chill down the wine quickly. You put it in the
freezer and the plastic icicle reaches down through the bottle to
chill the wine. I'm not sold on it, but this is the only one that
at least ONE of us thinks has promise.
- Yeti Wine tumbler: the only stemless that gets my ok, this
keeps the wine at a perfect temperature every time. GREAT for the
beach or any outdoor drinking!
- Vacu-vin or other vacuum sealer: It will give you a day or
three more with fresh wine, so it's a yes!
- Press-n-Seal for sparkling wine -- seriously.
- Coravin: If you live alone or like drinking different things from your partner, or different things every night, this is worth the $200 - $400 plus the $50 refill cost a few times a year. The money you'll save in wine down the drain is well worth it! Make sure you always remove the foil and you don't use it on synthetic cork. Also, let the bottle stand upright for a few hours so it doesn't leak -- the cork will "heal" but it doesn't do so right away and that can leave a mess in your fridge.
- Funnel and filter combo: Perfect for getting rid of floating cork, sediment, tartrate crystals -- the filter is a must. I know this may not happen to you, but occasionally you want to go to bed and you didn't finish all the wine in your glass. That's a good time to use the funnel!
Are there other gadgets that are fine? Absolutely, but this is our best of the best -- the ones that we find useful and necessary!
Let us know if you have additions.
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