Must-Have Accessories: Improve Your Wine Experience

By Laura Conde, wine writer

Our enjoyment of a good wine can be even greater if we have the appropriate accessories on hand. From practical tools to innovative gadgets, these items not only make it easier to handle bottles but also improve our wine drinking experience. If you collect and store wines at home, it is time to level up with these must-have accessories.

Raising a glass during an outdoor meal 

Glass markers: keeping get-togethers organized

This is the typical accessory that you don’t know you need until it crosses your path. Markers are perfect for informal gatherings where guests often lose track of their glasses. They help each guest easily identify their drink.  In addition to having a practical function, they usually sport pretty designs that add a fun touch to the occasion.

Coravin: serving wine without opening the bottle

Coravin is a revolutionary system that uses a needle to extract the wine without having to uncork the bottle. Thanks to argon gas, the liquid stays fresh and does not come into contact with oxygen, making it possible to enjoy a glass at any given moment without worrying about the rest of the wine going to waste. This is an ideal investment for wine lovers, because in the long run you will save money since Coravin means never wasting another drop of fine wine again.

Coravin system for serving white wine 

Electric bottle openers: instant convenience

Opening a bottle of wine has never been easier. Electric openers are battery powered and equipped with a spiral drill that makes uncorking a bottle completely effortless. Some models also come with a vacuum wine stopper, making this a highly practical and functional accessory that is a must for any home wine cellar.

Electric wine coolers: always at the perfect temperature

It’s time to say goodbye to the classic ice bucket. Electric coolers quickly chill bottles, keeping them at the ideal temperature so that you can enjoy your wines at exactly the right degrees. This is an absolute must-have in the summer (always keeping those whites nicely chilled), but it is also useful throughout the rest of the year.

Foil cutters: simple and safe

Removing the bottle’s aluminium foil capsule can turn into a complicated affair without the right tool. A foil cutter with stainless steel blades does the job in a single motion, safely and efficiently. Its ergonomic design makes this an indispensable gadget for all wine lovers.

Screen printed glasses: style and sophistication

Screen printed glasses are an ideal accessory to enjoy fine wine on special occasions. Besides being practical, they also add a touch of elegance and distinction to the experience – as befitting a great wine enjoyed in good company! 

Wine stoppers: preserving flavour and aroma

If you tend to drink a bottle of wine over the course of several days, a special stopper is essential. By hermetically sealing the bottle, it prevents oxygen from entering, thereby keeping the flavour and aroma intact for longer periods of time. Plus, these stoppers are easy to use and very practical.

Decanters: a better way to let the wine breathe

A good decanter is key to bringing out the wine’s qualities. Classic glass designs remove dregs and improve oxygenation, whereas decanters with a built-in aerator speed up the process. You can also choose from exclusive designs that will add a distinctive touch to your table.

Designer decanter in blue-tinted glass 

Bottle racks: the right storage

Storing bottles in a horizontal position ensures that the liquid keeps the cork moist, thereby preventing it from drying out and preserving the properties of the wine. The best bet is to purchase a bottle rack and begin organizing your own home wine cellar.  They come in all sorts of sizes and designs, from compact modules to entire wine rack systems for larger collections, making it easy to find the right option for every home.

The perfect wine rack for a dining room sideboard 

Glass washers: impeccably clean stemware

Wine glasses are delicate and washing them is always a challenge. A washer specifically designed for this purpose makes the task a whole lot easier, ensuring consistently clean, shiny glasses without the risk of breaking them. Some models are intended for professional use, but there are also simpler home options, perfect for keeping glasses impeccable and ready for the next occasion.