Top 5 Wine Preservation Systems - Tested and Reviewed

It's been a long day and you're craving a luxurious glass of that special Cabernet you've been saving. But you hesitate, knowing that once you pop the cork, the clock starts ticking on that open bottle. Will you really finish the entire bottle before those beautiful aromas and flavors fade away?

You're not alone in this struggle. So many wine enthusiasts face the same dilemma - wanting to savor a glass (or two) of that perfect vintage, without the pressure to polish off the whole bottle. Because let's face it, there are few things more tragic than watching a precious open bottle of wine wither away on the countertop days after use.

But fear not, fellow wine lovers. The brilliant minds of the wine world have heard your cries and answered.

Wine preservers (or by-the-glass systems as we call them at Coravin) were created to help with these exact problems. You can have a glass today, and save what you don't drink from that same bottle for days, weeks, months, or even years to come.

But as you may know already, not all wine preservers were created equal. Before we get into our list of top 5 Wine Preservation Systems, there are a few things you should know…

Skip to:

• How long can you keep a bottle of wine once opened?
• What are wine preservers and how do they work?
• Coravin Timeless - The Last Bottle You'll Ever Waste
• Vacuum Systems – Vacu Vin
• Pivot+ – For the Everyday Sipper
• Sparkling – Keep the Bubbly Flowing
• Seal/ Blocker
• Final Thoughts: Which Wine Preservation System Will You Choose?

Once the cork is popped, the race against time begins. Generally, lighter white and red wines will stay fresh for 3-5 days, while fuller-bodied reds can hold out for up to a week. But let's be real, who wants to settle for "generally fresh" when you can have "straight from the bottle sensational"?

The key to prolonging your wine's lifespan lies in slowing down the oxidation process - that pesky chemical reaction that turns your vibrant vino into a flat, vinegary liquid. By properly sealing and storing your opened wine bottle in a cool, dark place like a wine fridge, you can buy yourself a bit more time before oxygen fully takes hold.

But for those who refuse to compromise on quality, a wine preserver is the uncompromising way to go to keep your wine tasting great glass after glass.

A wine preserver is a device that helps keep wine fresh after the bottle has been opened. It can help slow down oxidation and prevent oxygen from spoiling the wine.

There are several types of wine preservers available, but the most common are vacuum sealers like the Vacu Vin and inert gas blanket systems that use argon gas (such as Coravin Timeless and Pivot+).

A vacuum sealer like the Vacu Vin works by removing the oxygen 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. Unlike other systems, Coravin Timeless doesn't 'slow down' the oxidation process, they prevent oxidation altogether.

With Coravin's Wine by-the-glass Systems, you can keep wine fresh as the first glass, weeks, months or even years later.

Our specialised systems work by extracting wine through the cork or a special Coravin stopper using a medical grade thin needle and replacing the extracted wine with food-safe argon gas, preventing oxidation.

Mike Lawton

"My wife and I enjoy wines both inside and outside the home but appreciate quite different wines which is why I chose to invest in Coravin Timeless 6."

Sissi

Verified Coravin Timeless Buyer from Breuschwickersheim

"No need to wait until there are guests at the table to decide to open a good bottle... With this Coravin system we can choose to pair our meal at any time with a small glass of good wine. Plus, it doesn't push you to drink just because the bottle is open. In short ... it's great!"

Is this the right preservation system for you?

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

This system allows you to enjoy a glass of wine without removing the cork and exposing the entire bottle to oxygen. Your expensive bottles can remain in your cellar or wine fridge for months, even years. No more waiting for a special occasion or holiday to open your precious bottles—you can enjoy one whenever you want! And prepare meals that pair perfectly to the wine of your choice.

The Coravin Timeless was rated one of Oprah's Favorite Things to gift, so it's no surprise that it has become the perfect gift for wine loving hosts, connoisseurs and those with extensive wine cellars. There is a slight learning curve compared to the easiest systems, but it's well worth it.

2. Vacuum Systems – Vacu Vin

The Vacu Vin is an affordable, easy-to-use vacuum sealer that removes oxygen from your open wine bottle to slow oxidation and preserve taste. It works with most standard bottles and corks.

To use, simply place the Vacu Vin wine stopper in the bottle neck and pump until you feel resistance. This creates an airtight vacuum seal, preventing oxygen from entering. The click-stop feature tells you when you've reached the optimal vacuum level.

While not as long-lasting as the inert gas preservation of Coravin systems, the Vacu Vin is a cost-effective option to extend the life of your everyday drinking wines by up to a week compared to just re-corking. Vacu Vin also offers a vacuum-sealing wine stopper specifically designed for preserving sparkling wines.

Overall, it's a pragmatic, budget-friendly solution.

Are vacuum systems right for you?

Wines are delicate, and they can be damaged by the oxygen around them. When you open a bottle of wine, air enters the bottle and essentially oxygen attacks the wine. This oxidation process can cause the wine to lose its flavor, aroma, and color and eventually spoil. By removing the oxygen 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 – For the Everyday Sipper

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

The Coravin Pivot+ is a great option for:

• Casual wine drinkers looking for an easy and affordable way to keep their everyday wines fresh

• Those wanting to enjoy still wine without waste

• Restaurants or bars offering by-the-glass pours

• Households with varied tastes where open bottles often go unfinished

• Occasions when you want just a glass or two without committing to the entire bottle

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. 

Andrea Zigrossi

Influencer and Wine Discoverer 🍇 @trotterwine

"In just a few steps you can open a bottle of wine and keep it perfectly preserved for up to 4 weeks. After uncorking the bottle, you just have to insert the Pivot Stopper and then put the Coravin Pivot on the bottle. Then only tilt the bottle and press the button to pour the wine. Saying it is easy, doing it even more!"

George Miliotes, MS

Owner of Wine Bar George at Disney Springs® at Walt Disney World® Resort

"The beautiful thing about Coravin Timeless is that it allows us to leverage discussions with guests and open them up to new experiences.

Is this the right wine by-the-glass 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 premium Timeless systems or was looking for something at a lower price point to use with everyday wines.

The Coravin Pivot is ideal for those who like to sip moderately priced wines and don't want to waste what they don't finish (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 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 – Keep the Bubbly Flowing

The Coravin Sparkling System is a dream come true for Champagne and sparkling wine enthusiasts. With this easy-to-use device, your favorite bubbly will remain fresh and fizzy for up to 4 weeks after opening.

To use, remove the original cork or cap and seal the bottle with the specially designed Sparkling Stopper. When you're ready to pour, insert the Sparkling Charger into the Stopper and press the button to release just the right amount of CO2 to maintain perfect carbonation.

The Sparkling Stopper locks securely onto the bottle, so you can store it on its side in your fridge without worrying about leaks. The universal fit works with all standard sparkling wine bottles.

If you've ever hesitated to open a treasured bottle of vintage Champagne or craved a single glass of Prosecco but didn't want to waste the rest, the Coravin Sparkling System is your solution. Savor that celebratory fizz by the glass whenever the mood strikes, or treat yourself to a festive mimosa or Bellini without the pressure to finish the bottle.

Every pour will taste like you just popped the cork.