The Coravin Wine Preserver Is a Game Changer for Wine Lovers—But Is It Worth It?
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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.
How Does the Coravin Work?
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.
Why Is Oxygen Bad for Wine?
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.
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Who Should Invest in a Coravin?
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.
Why the High Price Tag?
From $100-$400 depending on the model, the Coravin isn’t cheap. So why is the Coravin so expensive? “It’s the first and only tool in the world that allows wine lovers to pour and preserve wine without removing the cork,” says Lambrecht. The technology required to create the Coravin and the exclusivity of the gadget (there’s nothing else like it on the market!) are just a couple of reasons why it costs a pretty penny. However, if you’re on a budget or have no trouble finishing a bottle of wine quickly, then the Coravin probably isn’t worth the investment.
What Is Included With the Coravin?
The Model Two Elite Pro ($399) includes four capsules, each of which allow the user to pour 15 five-ounce glasses of wine. You can also buy the capsules separately ($18 for two). The Model Two Elite Pro also comes with an elegant base to show the system off to friends and family, and a carrying case so you can bring it to your next dinner party. Coravin also sells an accessory that enables wine lovers to preserve bottles sealed with a screw cap for up to three months.
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