The Coravin Wine Preserver Is a Game Changer for Wine Lovers—But Is It Worth It?

Whether you take more than a few days to polish off a bottle of wine, or you have one really special bottle that you and a loved one want to save forever, there’s never been an accessible at-home wine preservation system. That is, until the Coravin appeared on the market. This gadget is pure magic—it allows you to pour wine from a bottle without removing the cork, which means that oxygen never gets inside the bottle, thus preserving the wine as if it’s never been touched. We spoke with Coravin founder Greg Lambrecht to get a taste of everything that this gadget is capable of.

There are three simple steps to using the Coravin Wine Preservation System: insert, tip, and pour. To use it, Place the tool on top of your wine bottle and push the needle through the cork. Tip the bottle as if you are pouring from an open bottle. Quickly press the trigger to pressurize the bottle. Release the trigger to pour into your glass. Tip the bottle back up to stop the pour. Remove the needle by pulling the system straight up. The cork will reseal naturally and continue to protect your wine for weeks, months, or even years, Lambrecht explains. Like we said, pure magic.

Exposing wine to air isn’t always a bad thing. “A little oxygen is good because it can help the wine open up, making it more aromatic and softening the tannins. Big, bold red wines often benefit from a little time to breathe in your glass or a decanter before drinking," explains Lambrecht. However, if the wine has changed color, develops residue, or has a sharp, sour smell, those are all signs it’s past its peak.

Don’t let the price of your bottle indicate whether or not it’s worth using the Coravin. “A good wine is simply a wine that you love, whether that bottle is $15 or $50. And good wine should be savored on your terms,” says Lambrecht. Maybe you’re not a frequent wine drinker but like a glass after a hard day, or you want to preserve your wedding wine for years to come—either way, you need a simple, effective way to keep the bottle good for as long as possible. That’s where the Coravin comes in handy. “The cork is never removed, therefore oxygen never touches the wine in the bottle, ensuring your last glass is always as amazing as the very first,” explains Lambrecht.