If you’re new to wine, it can be a bit overwhelming—there’s so much to learn about varietals, regions, and pairing. But one aspect of wine appreciation that can make your journey smoother is having the right accessories. The right tools can enhance your wine experience, whether you’re opening a bottle, serving it at the right temperature, or preserving the leftovers.
While you don’t need a lot of fancy gadgets to enjoy wine, a few essential accessories can make a big difference. Here’s a list of the best wine accessories for beginners that will elevate your wine experience without breaking the bank.
1. Wine Glasses
The most basic but essential accessory for any wine drinker is a good set of wine glasses. While there are many different types of glasses, beginners should focus on having at least a set of universal glasses that work well for both red and white wines.
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Universal Glasses: These glasses have a medium-sized bowl that works for most wines. They’re versatile enough for red wines like Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as whites like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
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Red and White Glasses: If you’re ready to expand your collection, investing in a few red wine glasses (larger bowl for more aeration) and white wine glasses (narrower bowl to preserve freshness) can be helpful, but it’s not necessary right away.
Look for glasses made of thin crystal rather than thick, heavy glass, as they allow the wine to breathe better and enhance the drinking experience.
2. Wine Opener (Corkscrew)
A good corkscrew is a must-have. While there are many types available, a waiter’s corkscrew is a popular choice for beginners due to its simplicity and ease of use. It’s compact, portable, and has a built-in foil cutter, which makes opening wine bottles an effortless task.
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Waiter’s Corkscrew: This tool consists of a worm (the spiral part that inserts into the cork), a lever for easy extraction, and a small knife for cutting the foil around the bottle’s neck. It’s portable, easy to use, and usually affordable.
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Electric Corkscrew: If you want a hands-off experience, electric corkscrews are a good option. They remove corks quickly and without much effort, although they tend to be a bit more expensive than manual corkscrews.
3. Wine Aerator
An aerator is a device that allows wine to come in contact with air as it’s poured, which helps release its aromas and soften its tannins. It’s especially useful for young red wines that can benefit from a bit of oxygen exposure. While decanting is often recommended for wines that need aeration, an aerator is quicker and more convenient for casual drinking.
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Benefits: Aerators enhance a wine’s aroma, making it smell fresher and more inviting. They can also soften tannins and balance acidity in younger red wines, making them taste smoother and more drinkable.
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Types: There are handheld aerators that attach to your bottle or pour spouts designed to aerate as the wine is poured into your glass.
4. Wine Decanter
A wine decanter is another tool that helps introduce oxygen to wine, but it’s used for more significant decanting, particularly with older reds or wines with sediment. Decanters are designed to hold the wine and allow it to breathe over time, softening tannins and improving flavor.
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When to Use a Decanter: Decanting is particularly beneficial for wines like Bordeaux, Syrah, or older red wines that have developed sediment. The process also helps aerate wines with strong tannins, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, bringing out their rich aromas and flavor complexities.
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Decanter vs. Aerator: While an aerator works quickly by introducing air directly into the wine as it’s poured, a decanter allows wine to have more time to breathe, making it ideal for wines that need a bit of settling or time to open up.
5. Wine Cooler/Chiller
For whites and sparkling wines, wine coolers or wine chillers help maintain the right serving temperature. A wine cooler can be a dedicated fridge, but a simpler, more affordable option is a wine chiller—a container you place the bottle into that cools it to the optimal temperature.
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Chillers: These typically use gel or ice packs to maintain a cool temperature. Simply place them in the freezer beforehand and then slide them over your wine bottle when you’re ready to serve. They’re a quick, inexpensive way to keep your whites, rosés, or sparkling wines cold.
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Wine Bucket with Ice: If you’re hosting a party or have multiple bottles, a wine bucket with ice and water can chill your wines quickly and keep them cool throughout your event.
6. Wine Bottle Stopper
Once you’ve opened a bottle of wine, it’s important to seal it properly to preserve its freshness. A wine stopper is an essential accessory that prevents oxidation and keeps your wine from going bad quickly.
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Vacuum Stoppers: These are the most effective at preserving wine, as they remove air from the bottle, preventing oxidation. They’re particularly useful for preserving red wines for a day or two.
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Traditional Stoppers: Simple rubber or cork stoppers work well for short-term storage, keeping wine fresh for a few hours or a day. They’re affordable and easy to use.
Best Wine Accessories for Beginners7. Wine Glass Charms
While not an essential item, wine glass charms are a fun accessory for beginners, especially if you’re hosting a wine-tasting event or dinner party. These colorful little tags attach to the base of wine glasses, helping guests identify their glasses easily. They’re also a playful touch that adds personality to your wine-drinking experience.
8. Wine Preservation System
For those who don’t drink wine every day, a wine preservation system can be a great investment. These systems remove air from the bottle or replace it with an inert gas (like argon) to prevent oxidation and preserve the wine’s flavor for several days.
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Coravin: The most well-known wine preservation system, Coravin allows you to pour wine without removing the cork. It uses a needle to pierce the cork and replace the air in the bottle with argon gas.
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Wine Saver: A simpler and less expensive option, these systems involve a vacuum pump and stopper to remove air and keep the wine fresh for a day or two.
9. Wine Journal
A wine journal is a handy tool for beginners who are looking to explore different wines and keep track of their favorites. It allows you to jot down tasting notes, the type of wine, where it was from, and your thoughts on it. Over time, your journal can become a helpful reference as you build your wine collection and refine your preferences.
10. Wine Rack or Storage
Proper storage is crucial for keeping wine at its best. As a beginner, a small wine rack or wine cellar may be all you need. Whether you’re looking to store a few bottles in your kitchen or keep a small collection in a dedicated space, a wine rack helps organize and display your wine while protecting it from sunlight and temperature fluctuations.
Final Thoughts
For beginners, building a collection of essential wine accessories is a fun way to enhance your experience and deepen your appreciation of wine. While you don’t need to invest in every gadget on the market, having the basics—like a good corkscrew, glasses, and a wine stopper—can help you get the most out of each bottle you open.
By choosing the right tools, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying wine with greater ease and confidence. Happy sipping!
