Things We Use

There are many wine accessories that folks use. Some might say TOO many! Do we need all of these accessories? Probably not. But there are some wine tools and accessories that just make life easier.

Shelley has created a Shop With Shelley Amazon Shop which, in her words, are a “Few of her favorite things”. Within that shop, she created a Wine Time Fridays Recommendations page which is a short list of wine things we use a lot. Below you’ll see a partial list of these items. Keep in mind, if you purchase from these links, which we hope you will, Shelley will earn a small Amazon Affiliate commission. We will be adding to this page in the coming months so visit often. We won’t, however, just put crap here. These are things we actually use, most on a daily basis! Here you go!

The One Red Wine Glass by Master Sommelier, Andrea Robinson

The One Red Wine glass by Andrea Robinson is a universal red wine glass that is designed to enhance the flavor and aroma of all types of red wine. The glass is made of high-quality lead-free crystal and features a tulip-shaped bowl with a wide opening. This shape allows the wine to breathe and release its aromas, while the tapered rim helps to focus the flavors. The One Red Wine glass is also break-resistant and dishwasher-safe, making it a durable and practical choice for everyday use.

We had the opportunity to have Andrea on as a guest on Episode 037, which was on New Years Day in 2021. We tasted through three wines on that episode, using The One Red Wine Glass! We use this particular wine glass at LEAST 300 days a year! You can also purchase The One Red Wine Glass in a set of FOUR, too!

The right red wine glass can help to concentrate the aromas and flavors of your wine but you can go broke trying to own ALL of the “correct” wine glasses for all of the different red wine produced. For example, Riedel Glassware makes a minimum of five for the main red varietals. The One Red Wine Glass is a great way to keep your stemware costs down while not suffering a loss of quality when tasting your wine.

The One White Wine Glass by Master Sommelier, Andrea Robinson

The One White Wine Glass by Andrea Robinson is a versatile and elegant wine glass that is perfect for enjoying all types of white wine. It is made from high-quality, lead-free crystal and is dishwasher safe. The glass has a tulip-shaped bowl that helps to concentrate the aromas of the wine and a tapered rim that guides the wine to the tip of the tongue for optimal flavor. The stem is tall and slender, making it easy to hold and swirl the wine.

This glass is our preferred glass when drinking any sparkling wine, including Champagne!

We had the opportunity to have Andrea on as a guest on Episode 037, which was on New Years Day in 2021. We tasted through two of the three wines on that episode, using The One White Wine Glass!

The right white wine glass can help to concentrate the aromas and flavors of your wine but you can go broke trying to own ALL of the “correct” wine glasses for all of the different white wine produced. For example, Riedel Glassware makes a minimum of five for the main white varietals. The One White Wine Glass is a great way to keep your stemware costs down while not suffering a loss of quality in tasting your wine.

Boomerang Two-Step Corkscrew Wine Opener with Built-In Foil Cutter and Bottle Opener

The Boomerang Two-Step Corkscrew Wine Opener with Built-In Foil Cutter and Bottle Opener is a versatile and easy-to-use wine opener that is perfect for any wine lover. We literally use this EVERY time there is a cork stopper (obviously, we wouldn’t need it for a screw cap) or a very, very, VERY old cork (we’ll show you what we use for that below). It has a patented two-step corkscrew that makes opening wine bottles quick and easy. The first step extracts the cork partially, and the second step pulls the rest of the cork straight out.

The Boomerang Two-Step Corkscrew Wine Opener also has a built-in foil cutter so you don’t need a different tool! The foil cutter makes it easy to remove the foil from the top of the wine bottle. The Boomerang Two-Step Corkscrew Wine Opener is made from high-quality materials and is built to last. It is also dishwasher safe, so it is easy to clean. This particular link goes to a red one but it’s available in many colors. These are also ok to bring on a plane because the foil cutter isn’t a knife! We have four of these that we use.

Champagne and Sparkling Wine Bottle Sealer by MiTBA

The Champagne and Sparkling Wine Bottle Sealer by MiTBA is a great way to preserve the bubbles in your favorite sparkling wine. It is made from high-quality stainless steel and ABS plastic and is dishwasher safe. The sealer has a built-in pressure pump that helps to keep the carbon dioxide gas in the bottle, so your wine will stay fizzy and delicious for longer.

Our friend Jocelyn turned us on to this and the sealer is super easy to use. Simply place the stopper on top of the bottle and press down on the pump. The pump will create a vacuum seal that will keep the bubbles in the wine. The sealer also has a pressure gauge that lets you know how much pressure is in the bottle!

The Champagne and Sparkling Wine Bottle Sealer by MiTBA is the perfect way to enjoy your favorite sparkling wine for days or even weeks after opening. It is also a great way to save money, as you won’t have to throw away unfinished bottles of wine anymore.

VinGarde Valise Products

Elevate your wine travel experience with the VingardeValise Petite 8-Bottle Wine Travel Suitcase. This stylish and durable case is designed to protect your precious bottles during any journey. Its reinforced corners and adaptable foam inserts ensure safe transport, while its sleek design complements your sophisticated taste.

For those seeking even more capacity, the VinGardeValise Grande 12-Bottle Wine Suitcase is the ultimate choice. This luxurious and versatile suitcase combines style and functionality, offering a patented design that allows it to double as a regular suitcase. Perfect for wine enthusiasts, this suitcase ensures your favorite bottles arrive safely, no matter the destination.

Of course, Shelley and Phil won’t EVERY travel without their VinGlass Wine Glass Personal Carrier Case! The VinGlass is a durable and portable case designed to protect wine glasses while traveling. It features a hard outer shell, foam inserts, and a lock and key for security. The case can accommodate most standard wine glasses and is ideal for taking to restaurants, wine tastings, or family gatherings.

Vinloq Wine Preservation and Slow Decanting System

The Vinloq Wine Preservation System is a great way to preserve your favorite wines for longer. It uses nitrogen gas, which has the same wine-preserving power as argon gas but with a smaller carbon footprint and is easier to obtain. Shelley and Phil have been using this whenever they know they won’t be finishing a bottle of wine in one sitting. #DontJudgeUs

With Vinloq, you can preserve your wines for two weeks or more, allowing you to savor the flavors and aromas of your favorite wines as they evolve each day. Vinloq is also very easy to use, with an intuitive three-part system that is designed for easy setup and storage. Here are the steps:

1. Set up the system:
   • Connect the reservoir bag to the stopper.
   • Fill the reservoir bag with nitrogen gas.
   • Attach the stopper to the wine bottle.
2. Pour wine:
   • Tilt the wine bottle so that the wine fills the neck of the bottle.
   • Open the valve on the stopper.
   • The nitrogen gas will push the wine out of the bottle and into your glass.
3. Preserve the wine:
   • Close the valve on the stopper.
   • The nitrogen gas will keep the wine fresh and prevent it from oxidizing.

Vinloq’s patented technology uses nitrogen gas at low pressure, so there is no risk of damage to your wine. This makes Vinloq a safe and easy choice for wine enthusiasts of all levels and we highly recommend it!

Monopol Westmark Germany Steel Two-Prong Cork Puller with Cover

The Westmark Cork Puller, also known as an Ah-So, is a high-quality, easy-to-use cork puller that is made in Germany. It is made with hardened steel prongs and die-cast metal for its handle and cover. The handle also doubles as a bottle opener and is safely hidden with a decorative

casing. The Westmark Cork Puller is ergonomic and comfortable to use, and it can quickly remove the cork from your wine bottle without damaging the cork or the bottle. It is also easy to clean with soap and water.

This type of wine opener uses two prongs to extract the cork from the bottle. The prongs are inserted into the cork and then gently wiggled back and forth to loosen it. Once the cork is loose, it can be easily removed with the prongs.

Ah-so styled wine openers are known for being gentle on corks, making them a good choice for opening older wines with fragile corks. They are also relatively easy to use and require less effort than some other types of wine openers, such as corkscrews.

To use an ah-so styled wine opener, simply follow these steps:

1. Insert the two prongs into the cork, one at a time.
2. Gently wiggle the prongs back and forth to loosen the cork.
3. Once the cork is loose, pull it out with the prongs.

Having the right accessories for drinking wine can enhance your experience in a number of ways.

• Improve the flavor: The right wine glasses can help to concentrate the aromas and flavors of your wine. This is because the shape of the glass can affect the way that the wine flows over your tongue and interacts with your taste buds.
• Protect your wine: Wine accessories can help to protect your wine from oxidation. Oxidation is a process that can cause wine to lose its flavor and aroma. Wine stoppers, wine preservers, and decanters can all help to prevent oxidation.
• Make it more convenient: Wine accessories can make it more convenient to open, serve, and enjoy your wine. For example, a corkscrew like the one we use can help you to open a wine bottle quickly and easily, and a wine decanter can help you to aerate your wine without having to wait.
• Add to the overall experience: Wine accessories can add to the overall experience of drinking wine. For example, a wine cooler can help to keep your wine at the perfect temperature, and wine glasses that are specifically designed for different types of wine can help you to appreciate the unique characteristics of each wine. Or just use The One Wine Glasses!

12-Pack Wine Bottle Protector Bags

Are you a wine enthusiast who loves to travel or share bottles with friends? Look no further! Our Wine Bottle Protector is the ultimate solution for safe and convenient transportation of your precious glass bottles.

Made of durable, reusable materials, these inflatable sleeve bags provide superior cushioning and protection against shocks, bumps, and drops. The included free pump allows for effortless inflation, ensuring a snug and secure fit for your bottles.

Whether you’re packing for a flight, a road trip, or a picnic, our Wine Bottle Protectors have got you covered. With 12 packs in each set, you can transport multiple bottles with confidence, knowing they’ll arrive at their destination safely.

Say goodbye to wine worries and hello to stress-free travels! Our Wine Bottle Protectors are the perfect accessory for any wine lover on-the-go.

Key Features:

• Reusable and inflatable sleeve bags for superior protection
• Durable materials withstand shocks, bumps, and drops
• Free pump included for effortless inflation
• 12 packs per set for multiple bottle transportation
• Perfect for travel, picnics, or gifting wine bottles

repour Wine Saver and Stopper

Say goodbye to wasted wine and hello to a world of flavor preservation! Introducing the Repour Wine Saver and Stopper, the game-changing solution for wine enthusiasts.

Preserve the Freshness

Repour is specifically designed to remove oxygen from an open bottle, ensuring your wine stays fresh for up to two months. Its innovative packet technology absorbs oxygen, preventing spoilage and saving you from pouring out a perfectly good bottle.

Effortless to Use

Simply place Repour in the open bottle, and when you’re ready for another glass, remove and re-stop the bottle with ease. Repour can be used on the same bottle until it’s empty, making it a convenient and hassle-free solution.

Versatile and Effective

Suitable for nearly all 750ml wine bottles, Repour works perfectly on red, white, rosé, and fortified wines. (Note: Not suitable for sparkling wines.)

The Perfect Gift

Share the joy of fresh wine with friends and loved ones. Repour makes an excellent gift for any wine enthusiast, whether on its own or paired with their favorite bottle.

Key Features:

• Preserves wine freshness for up to two months
• Removes oxygen from open bottles
• Easy to use and reusable on the same bottle
• Suitable for most 750ml wine bottles (excluding sparkling wines)
• Makes a thoughtful gift for wine lovers

Unlock the Secrets of Wine with Aroma Kits

Wine aroma kits are a sensory game-changer for wine enthusiasts! By training your nose to recognize specific scents, you’ll elevate your wine knowledge and appreciation. These kits typically feature a series of small vials, each containing a distinct aroma compound found in wine, such as vanilla, citrus, or oak. As you explore and learn to identify these aromas, you’ll develop a more nuanced understanding of wine’s complex flavor profiles. This skill will help you better describe and distinguish between wines, making you a more confident and informed wine lover. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned connoisseur, wine aroma kits are an invaluable tool for deepening your understanding and enjoyment of wine.

One such kit is a 24 aroma kit – https://amzn.to/3LFI6jj

Another one is an 80 aroma kit – https://amzn.to/3WCvX53

Here’s a Wine Folly Wine Journal – https://amzn.to/4c16G9b

The Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil

A trusted and comprehensive guide for wine enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to industry insiders, this engaging and authoritative book covers the fundamentals of wine, including vineyards, varietals, climate and terroir. With over 400 photos, maps and labels, it also delves into the stories and nuances of wine, making it an endlessly interesting read that is relevant for years to come. This updated 3rd edition features new chapters, expanded sections, and revised recommendations for exploring the world of wine, including a deeper grape glossary and the latest science on taste and smell. And you can listen all about Karen’s wine journey on episode 232 where she is a guest of ours!

Be sure to check out our Wine Days Calendar for this year by visiting our Wine Days Page so you won’t miss any big wine days! And of course, we wouldn’t be here today were it not for our fabulous sponsors! We hope you’ll consider visiting them in person or, if you can’t do that, simply order from them online. You can see an entire sponsor list by clicking HERE.

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