Wine Gear Shop
Here are a few of my favorite wine things. I use and enjoy all of these products. All links are to Amazon.
I’m a big believer in the Coravin wine preservation system. This allows me to have multiple bottles of wine open at once without feeling like I “have” to drink a whole bottle of wine because otherwise it will go bad. I only recommend it for serious wine enthusiasts or wine students. It’s a little pricey, but your liver will thank you.
Everyone who loves sparkling wine needs a Champagne stopper. These are inexpensive and easy to use. You can pop them on your open bottle before putting it back in the fridge between glasses. I’ve kept open bottles of Champagne still fizzy for up to 3 days after opening. Every tasting room that I’ve ever been to that serves sparkling wine uses these (or similar, but these are the ones I own.).
Most wine lovers can get away with the VacuVin wine preservation system. I’ve been using my same one for about 15 years. Your open bottles will stay drinkable for about 4 day (stick them in the fridge after using to extend their life.). Helpful Tip: Here’s how long leftover wine is good for after you open your bottle. Helpful Tip #2: Rinse out the inside of the vaccum regularly.
Favorite Wine Books
I love The Wine Bible. Karen MacNeil writes in an accessible style and includes history and factoids throughout making it a delightful read for serious students and casual wine-os alike.
If you love history and wine, then Wine and War is a must-read. It follows the French wine world through the Nazi occupation of WWII. I love this book and gift it to other wine friends all of the time.
The World Atlas of Wine will appeal to a more studious wine crowd. If you love maps (it’s an atlas), factoids, and the many details of the wine world, then this book is for you.
Wine Tasting Must-Haves
You can spend a lot of money on fancy wine glasses. I do not because I break them. The only requirement for wine glasses is that they have a slightly tapered rim. Here is the set that I use when I do my blind tastings by myself or with family and friends. I’ve ordered this set probably 3 times.
Wine bags to blind your bottles is the perfect way to test your tasting prowess. They come in different colors and fabrics, but these black fabric wine bags are my favorites.
If you’re a serious wine enthusiast and want to test and train your nose, then check out this Master Wine Aroma Kit. It has 88 aromas and an accompanying aroma wheel. Of course, you can go old-school and just practice smelling your spice cabinet. That works, too. But this is more fun.
