5 wine gadgets actually worth investing in, according to a sommelier

As one of the most universally consumed beverages, there are a lot of gadgets on the market promising to make wine-drinking a more pleasurable experience.

There can also be pressure to have all the right accessories for aspiring sommeliers. From high-tech fridges and thermometers for the optimum temperature, to electric openers for ease of access; you could easily spend thousands – and that’s before you even drink any wine.

However, according to a wine expert, most of the tools are unnecessary – and overpriced.

Speaking to The Independent, Elizabeth Schneider, a sommelier and the expert behind Wine for Normal People, explains there are just five wine-themed gadgets and accessories she approves of for improving your wine.

A waiter’s corkscrew

According to Schneider, a waiter’s corkscrew is a basic-yet-necessary gadget that won’t cost you much but will ensure that you are able to quickly and smoothly remove a bottle’s cork.

Of the tool, which features a simple corkscrew and handle, Schneider says it is “rock solid and very reliable”.

Rather than the more traditional style, this type of corkscrew – if used correctly – should enable a clean finish, so you can be sure your wine is not ruined by rogue pieces of cork or paper.

You can find one here.

A red wine glass and a white wine glass

The discussion around glasses in the wine-world is a big one, with diverging opinions. Schneider says the style of glass does make a difference – and that you should absolutely have a separate glass for red wine and white wine.

One of her key tips is to avoid purchasing glasses marketed as working for red and white wine, and definitely anything stemless – as the heat of your hands will increase the temperature of your wine.

“You spent all this time cooling it and now you’re warming your wine,” Schneider says of why you should avoid stemless glasses.

Coravin Wine Preservation Opener

Upping the accessory game slightly is the Coravin wine preservation opener. This handy gadget allows you to pour wine without actually opening it. The machine puts a needle into the cork and sucks out two ounces of wine, while preserving what’s left in the bottle.

This can be an ideal product for those wanting only a glass or two at a time, particularly if you want to make the most of a really special bottle.

The only setback with this desirable item is its price – a hefty $200.

A filter and a funnel

According to Schneider, a filter and a funnel are invaluable tools, especially if drinking red wine, as sediments can settle in the bottle.

With a filter, you’ll be able to make sure your glass is free of gritty residue.

Funnels are handy if you don’t finish a glass of wine and you want to pour it back in the bottle for tomorrow.

Plastic ice cubes

Keeping your white wine chilled can be an uphill battle, particularly in the summer months. You want to keep your drink cool, but that doesn’t mean you should water it down with an ice cube.

Instead, Schneider recommends investing in plastic water-filled ice cubes, which chill your wine without compromising the flavour.