We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
The best wine decanters and preservers, according to Good Housekeeping’s wine expert
Get the best out of your bottle
An essential tool for oenophiles, wine decanters and preservers play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of your bottle – be that a special occasion vintage or a failsafe weeknight drop of wine.
Wine o’clock calling? Find our wine expert’s favourite decanters and preservers at a quick glance below, or read on for our more in-depth reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Are wine decanters worth it?
Simply put, wine decanters work by aerating the wine, allowing it to breathe and showcase the full aroma and bouquet. This process is particularly beneficial for red wines and fuller-bodied whites, which often improve with exposure to air, smoothing out harsh tannins and bringing out more subtle backnotes.
As for that bottle gathering dust on your wine rack – well, decanting can also help remove the sediment that may have formed over time, too. Needless to say, a stylish wine decanter can also elevate your dinner party set-up (or make bingeing a Netflix series with a bottle of Barolo a little bit fancy).
How to use a wine decanter
Pour the wine gently into it, usually from a bottle held at an angle. The goal is to aerate the wine without disturbing any sediment that may be in the bottle. Depending on the wine, it could benefit from anything from a few minutes to several hours of decanting.
Young red wines, especially those with higher tannins (we’re talking cabernet sauvignon, syrah, or nebbiolo), often need up to two hours, while older wines should be decanted closer to serving time to avoid over-exposure, which can cause the wine to lose its delicate nuances and aromas.
How do wine preservers work?
As the name suggests, wine preservers are designed to keep your bottle fresher for longer after it’s been opened. They can come in the form of vacuum pumps, specialised stoppers, or a high-end preservation system like the Coravin, but, ultimately, the aim is to prevent oxidation, which can quickly impact the wine’s flavour, aroma, and overall quality. Indispensable for savouring a bottle over multiple days.
Ready to pop the cork? These are the best wine decanters and preservers to buy in 2024.
The brainchild of British Designer Tom Cotton, Eto deserves to take pride of place on your bar cart – it’s available in a range of colourways to suit your style (including stainless steel, copper, and brushed brass).
A patented valve prevents oxidation to preserve the wine’s flavour for longer, making it perfect for savouring that bottle you’ve been saving for a special occasion. After seven days, the wine tasted as fresh as when it was first opened – and there’s no denying the sleek design trumps the clunky decanters of old.
Looking for the perfect gift for a fellow wine lover? You can even personalise the glass base with the recipient’s initials to mark the occasion.
This budget-friendly decanter punches well above its price tag, with a wide base for optimal aeration and a sleek neck for a smooth pour. We love the stripped-back Scandi design – perfect for any dinner party host – while the cork stopper is effective at preserving the wine’s freshness should you only fancy a glass.
It couldn’t be easier to keep your decanter pristine either, thanks to the handy cleaning beads and drying stand. With change from £40, this is tough to top.
When Coravin first launched in 2013, it sent shockwaves through the wine world. Basically, the Coravin Timeless Six+ allows you to pour your favourite fine wines without ever pulling the cork, which means you can preserve the life of a bottle for weeks, months, or even years.
Aside from the device itself, you’ll also receive the Coravin Timeless Aerator, which creates small jets of wine as you pour, rapidly aerating wine to deliver results equivalent to 60-90 minutes of decanting. It’s an investment, but worth the splurge for avid wine collectors.
Le Creuset is a master at crafting kitchenware that strikes the perfect balance between form and function, and this sleek decanter set is no exception.
The aerator seamlessly integrates with the decanter, enhancing the wine’s bouquet to bring out the best in both red and white wines, and we loved its ergonomic design and durability, too.
With a generous 1.8L capacity and gorgeous cut glass design, this wine decanter is our top pick for dinner parties.
Its wide mouth allows for easy filling and cleaning, while the smooth pour ensures no drips or spills (and we’re all for avoiding wine wastage). Pair with matching wine glasses or coupes for maximum hosting points.
This pocket-sized wine preserver is perfect for camping trips, summer holidays, or simply keeping your kitchen clutter-free.
Made from 98% recycled plastic, the Vacu Vin works by creating a vacuum seal for your wine, preventing oxidation to ensure your drop stays fresher for longer. It’s simple to use and, better yet, dishwasher-friendly.
An essential tool for red wine enthusiasts, this one-stop aerator and decanter works by passing wine through the stainless steel coil, maximising air exposure to bring out the bottle’s full potential in seconds (there’s also a sediment filter, which is a bonus for both aged and natural wines).
Cleaning is a breeze, too; simply detach the twister component and wash with warm soapy water for sparkling results.
Millie is freelance journalist and editor with five years’ experience writing product reviews, buying guides, breaking news and about the latest trends.
Millie has also reviewed countless restaurants and written travel features for British GQ, The Telegraph and the Independent, and has interviewed a number of leading chefs, including Jamie Oliver, Heston Blumenthal and Raymond Blanc.
Founder of creative catering brand @grazeandgorge, Millie also spends her time creating seasonal recipes and tablescape content, as well as planning her next golden retriever-friendly getaway and rearranging her own home bar cart (... again).
Best non-alcoholic fizz to try in 2025
The best non-alcoholic wines for 2025
The best non-alcoholic spirits to try now
How to tell a good wine from a dodgy one
