Useful Accessories For Wine Enthusiasts

Are you a lover of all things wine-related? No matter your preference, be it red, white or rosé, appreciating wine can be a wonderful, multi-sensory experience. Consequently, the extensive variety of wine-based products, tools and accessories available is unsurprising. Indeed, there are many ways to enrich your wine-tasting experience, from using the right glass for your chosen type of wine to storing it at the perfect temperature. Here are some useful accessories to help you make the most of your favourite wines. 

Glasses

Different types of wine call for different glasses. For example, rich, full-bodied red wines should be served in full-size glasses with large, round bowls as the complex flavours and aromas of red wine require a larger surface area for maximum aeration and flavour development. Conversely, light and refreshing sparkling white wines are almost always chilled and served in flutes or tall, tulip-shaped glasses that help retain the delightful effervescence and keep the liquid cooler for longer. Ensure you have a good variety of wine glasses depending on the type of wine you and your regular houseguests enjoy. 

Decanter

Wine decanters have numerous benefits. Some reds, such as Bordeaux and Californian Cabernet Sauvignon, contain sediment made of seeds, grape skin, and crystal-like tartrates. Although completely harmless, sediment isn’t necessarily pleasant to drink. However, decanting your wine will prevent this gritty residue from reaching your glass while simultaneously aerating it, improving the flavour. Furthermore, wine decanters come in a range of remarkably attractive designs and can be used as elegant centrepieces for dinner parties. 

Wine Pourer/Stopper

A wine pourer is a small device used for aeration and effortless pouring, reducing drips and spills. Some pourers measure out specific volumes of wine, so you can pour consistent beverages when hosting. Other pourers act as stoppers, keeping your wine fresh for longer; for example, with a good-quality wine stopper, a bottle of white wine will last in the fridge for up to seven days with minimal changes in flavour and quality. 

Electric Corkscrew

Getting the cork out of a bottle of wine is often easier said than done. If you struggle with traditional corkscrews, you may benefit from an ergonomically-designed lever corkscrew or even an electric alternative to open your bottle quickly with minimal effort. Additionally, electric corkscrews are exceptionally helpful for individuals with limited mobility, making them excellent, accessible kitchenware gadgets. You can even purchase champagne-opening devices so you can celebrate with your favourite fizz without wasting a single drop. 

Luxury Wine Rack

Every wine enthusiast needs a safe, secure place to store their beverages. Wine racks and storage units come in many shapes and sizes, so choosing the right one for your home is crucial. If you want something timelessly beautiful and practical, a classic oak wine rack will suit most home aesthetics and stand the test of time. Alternatively, you could install overhead wine and glass storage in your kitchen for a contemporary, space-saving storage solution. 

Cooler

When white or rosé wine is left at room temperature for too long, it can be much less enjoyable - white wine is typically served at 10-14°C. Many seasoned wine enthusiasts are averse to slipping a few ice cubes into their glass, which may water down the delicate notes and flavours. However, a good-quality wine cooler can keep your wine fresh and cool during dinner parties. Some coolers can be placed directly into the fridge, whereas others come with inserts that can be chilled or frozen to maintain your wine at its ideal serving temperature. 

Stain Remover

You can’t enjoy red wine without falling victim to the occasional spill. Red wine stains can be profoundly tricky to remove; hence a good-quality stain remover can be a life-saver for your clothes and carpets. Fortunately, you can buy gentle yet effective stain-removal products designed specifically for wine. You can even purchase stain-removing wipes to take to restaurants and wine-tasting events. 

Serving Board

You can truly elevate your wine-tasting experience by pairing your beverages with food to highlight and complement unique flavours and textures. Compiling a cheese-tasting board to pair with your favourite wines can be an excellent treat for the senses, as the creamy texture of cheese sits at the opposite taste spectrum of rich, acidic and tannic wine. A high-quality hardwood serving board made from maple, walnut or teak is an excellent way to display your selection of cheese, fruit and other delicious wine-pairing snacks.