Top 5 Wine Preservation Systems - Tested and Reviewed

Have you ever felt like a glass of wine, but hesitated to pour a glass because you knew what was left in the bottle would go to waste? Or perhaps you went ahead and opened the bottle, and found that what you didn’t drink that night had started to go bad the night after? Wine preservation systems were created to help with these exact problems. You can have a glass today, and save what you don’t drink for days, weeks, months, or even years to come. Before we get into our list of top 5 Wine Preservation devices, there are a few things you should know…

A) How long can you keep a bottle of wine once opened?

Once opened, a bottle of wine can last for several days. Generally speaking, lighter white and red wines will last for 3-5 days, while full-bodied reds can last for up to a week. However, it's important to keep the wine properly sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, to slow down the oxidation process and preserve the flavor and aroma.

B) What is a wine preserver and how do they work?

A wine preserver is a device that helps keep wine fresh after it has been opened. It can help slow down the oxidation process that causes the wine to spoil.

There are several types of wine preservers available, but the most common types are vacuum sealers and blanket systems that use inert gas (such as Argon).

A vacuum sealer works by removing the air from the bottle using a pump or stopper that creates a vacuum seal. This prevents oxygen from coming into contact with the wine and slows down the oxidation process.

Argon gas blanket systems, such as Coravin Timeless and Pivot, allow you to pour your desired amount of wine while still preserving what’s left in the bottle. With the Coravin Wine Preservation System, every glass you pour tastes as good as the first, weeks, months or even years later. It works by siphoning wine out of the bottle through the cork with a needle (Timeless) and replacing the poured wine with Argon gas.

The question remains: How to choose the right preservation device?
Here is our list of the Top 5 Wine Preservation Systems:

1. Coravin Timeless

No more wasted bottles, no more uncertainty, no more drinking white when you’d prefer red, and no more compromising on pairing the right wines with your meal. The Coravin Timeless System allows you to enjoy your finest wines without pulling the cork. 

Once you insert the needle through the cork (or screw cap), tip the bottle and pour. Argon gas (from the Coravin capsules) pressurizes the bottle, allowing wine to flow out the spout, then blankets remaining wine with Argon gas ensuring what remains in the bottle will stay fresh and filled with the flavours and aromas the wine maker intended.

Is this the right preservation system for you?

The Coravin Timeless device is a game changer.

If you love wine, and you want to be able to enjoy it whenever you want, then the Coravin Timeless device is for you.

This device allows you to enjoy a glass of wine without opening the bottle. Your expensive bottles can remain on your shelf for months, even years. No more waiting for a special occasion or holiday to open your expensive bottles—you can enjoy one whenever you want! And prepare meals that pair perfectly to the wine of your choice.

The Coravin Timeless device was rated one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2022, so it’s no surprise that it has become the perfect gift for hosts, connoisseurs and those with extensive wine cellars.

2. Vacuum

A vacuum wine preserver is a device used to remove air from a bottle of wine to help preserve it. This is done by inserting a stopper into the bottle's neck and attaching a hand pump or an electric pump to the stopper. The user then pumps out the air from the bottle until the desired level of vacuum is reached, which removes oxygen from the bottle and helps preserve it.

Is this the right wine preservation system for you?

Wines are delicate, and they can be damaged by the air around them. When you open a bottle of wine, air enters the bottle and starts to oxidize the wine. This oxidation process can cause the wine to lose its flavor, aroma, and color and eventually spoil. By removing the air from the bottle using a vacuum wine preserver, you can slow down the oxidation process and preserve the wine for a longer period of time.

The length of time that a vacuum wine preserver can preserve wine depends on several factors, such as the type of wine, the age of the wine, and the storage conditions. In general, a vacuum wine preserver can extend the shelf life of an opened bottle of wine for a few days to a week. However, it is important to note that vacuum wine preservation is not a foolproof method of wine preservation; if you don't store your wines in ideal conditions or if you don't keep them cool enough, then they may still spoil over time.

3. Pivot

The Coravin Pivot system is here to help you match your wine to your mood, dinner courses, or the weather. The Coravin Pivot system differs from the original Timeless system in that the cork is removed from the bottle and the bottle is consumed within a few days or within a month.

How does it work? The Pivot stoppers fit snugly and securely onto the wine bottle, and with the closure cap snaps in place, meaning you can confidently store the bottle on its side without fear of wine dripping. Simply tip, hold the button and pour. The spout pours wine nearly as fast as if it was coming straight out of the bottle. As you pour, Argon gas is released in the bottle, preserving what remains in the bottle for up to 4 weeks.

Is this the right wine preservation system for you?

The Coravin Pivot is a great gift for someone who is a fan of Coravin but has not splurged on one of the pricier systems or was looking for something at a lower price point to use with everyday wines.

At only $119, the Coravin Pivot is ideal for those who like to drink moderately priced wines and don't want to waste what they don't drink (due to oxidation). Sip on a glass today, and discover the same fresh and delicious aromas coming out of the glass as when you first uncorked the wines.

The Coravin Pivot is also perfect for anyone who wants to be able to enjoy a glass of wine every night without breaking their budget. It's an affordable way to enjoy your favorite wines without having to worry about wasting any wine due to oxidation or cork taint.

4. Sparkling

You deserve to enjoy the best of life and wine is no exception. The Coravin Sparkling Wine Preservation System ensures that your favourite sparkling wines remain delicious and crisp for up to 4 weeks. With this easy-to-use system, you can pour yourself a glass of your favourite bubbly, close the bottle with the Coravin Sparkling Stopper and then use the Coravin Sparkling System to insert CO2 back into the bottle.

Is this the right wine preservation system for you?

The Coravin Sparkling device is the perfect gift for anyone who loves Champagne, Cava, Prosecco or Sparkling Wine.

With the Coravin Sparkling device you can drink your favourite Sparking wine, Champagne, Cava or Prosseco and save what's left in the bottle for up to 4 weeks. Great for nights where you want a little bubbly, or just a splash of sparkling wine in your Summer cocktail.

5. Seal/Blocker

Wine stoppers are a convenient and affordable solution for preserving opened bottles of wine for a day or two. They create an airtight seal, preventing air from entering the bottle and causing the wine to oxidize and spoil.

To use a wine stopper, simply insert it into the neck of the bottle and press down firmly to create an airtight seal. Wine stoppers are typically used for short-term wine storage, as they do not remove air from the bottle and can only slow down the oxidation process.

Is this the right wine preservation system for you?

Wine stoppers are particularly useful when you want to enjoy a glass or two of wine but don't want to consume the entire bottle at once. They are also useful when you have leftover wine after a party or dinner and want to save it for later. By using a wine stopper to seal the bottle, you can keep the wine fresh and enjoyable for just a few short days.

In Conclusion

When choosing the right wine preservation system, there are a few factors to consider. First and foremost, the type of wine you plan to preserve will play a role in selecting the right preservation system. If you have an extensive wine cellar with many bottles (old and new) the Timeless may be ideal for you. However, if you’re looking to up your wine game, but still drink reasonably priced bottles, opt for the Pivot.

Additionally, wine preservation systems can vary in price, so it's important to consider your budget when selecting a system or purchasing one as a gift.

Ultimately, the best wine preservation system for you will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and specific needs. It may be helpful to read reviews, watch videos and do some research before making a purchase to ensure you select the system perfectly suited to your wine drinking and preservation needs.