Whether you’re enjoying a $20 bottle or a $200 one, many wines can significantly benefit from decanting. Introducing oxygen in this way enhances their aromas and flavors, softens harsh tannins, and allows any sediment to settle. While decanting is commonly associated with aged red wines, younger reds or even whites that taste flat at first sip can often improve with just 15 minutes of aeration.
Wine decanters are available in a wide range of shapes, from traditional wide-base carafes to unique artistic designs. To help you discover your ideal wine decanter, we tested several top brands, evaluating each one based on design, ease of use, build quality, effectiveness, and overall value.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Le Chateau Wine Decanter
Pros: Efficiently decants any standard 750-mL wine bottle Features a slanted spout for easy pouring Attractive lead-free crystal design Easy to clean
Cons: Slightly pricey Interior may not dry completely
The Le Chateau wine decanter boasts an angled spout, long neck, and wide base, making it a popular choice. Its ample surface area ensures optimal oxygen exposure for enhanced aeration, while its elegant hand-blown lead-free crystal construction guarantees purity in your wine.
Capable of holding up to 32 ounces, this lightweight decanter accommodates a standard 750-milliliter bottle perfectly, preventing sediment from reaching your glass. The sturdy neck facilitates effortless pouring, and the slanted spout minimizes drips. While dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended for thorough cleaning, though drying can pose a challenge.
We appreciated its blend of lightweight usability and robust design during testing. Most importantly, wines like our $20 Chianti noticeably improved in taste, achieving a higher-quality drinking experience.
Material: Crystal | Capacity: 32 ounces | Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 10 inches | Weight: 1.5 pounds
Best Budget
Vintorio GoodGlassware Wine Decanter
Pros: Dishwasher safe Features a slanted rim for easy pouring Made from recycled glass
Cons: Potential imperfections in recycled glass
Crafted in the classic wide-base style, the Vintorio GoodGlassware decanter offers practicality with its dishwasher-safe, break-resistant crystal build, ideal for daily use. Its base includes a punt, akin to that found in wine bottles, facilitating easier pouring.
Measuring 6.5 inches in diameter at its widest, it holds up to 44 ounces and boasts an angled spout for spill-free pouring. Crafted from 100% lead-free recycled glass, it also comes with a 60-day breakage guarantee.
We noted its robustness with thicker glass, prioritizing durability over elegance, and found it easy to clean with soap and water, though a standard dish brush may not fit its narrow neck.
Material: Glass | Capacity: 44 ounces | Dimensions: 6.5 x 6.5 x 8.7 inches | Weight: 1.8 pounds
Best Set
YouYah Wine Decanter Set
Pros: Classic design with comprehensive cleaning kit Includes stopper for wine preservation
Cons: Smaller size may just fit a standard wine bottle Decanter cleaning can be challenging
Pouring wine into a decanter is straightforward, but cleaning afterward can prove tricky. Many carafes end up recycled due to mold or stubborn stains. YouYah’s set simplifies post-use cleaning with its cleaning beads and brush, ensuring the lead-free crystal remains spotless.
This hand-blown decanter holds up to 40.5 ounces, featuring a dimpled base for easy pouring and a cork stopper for preservation. Post-tasting, cleaning options include the cleaning beads for a gentle cleanse or the brush for thorough base sweeping. The drip-dry process is simplified with the accompanying stand, doubling as safe storage.
We appreciated its slender, easy-to-handle design and noted its ability to accommodate a full 750ml bottle comfortably, despite its smaller size.
Material: Crystal | Capacity: 40.5 ounces | Dimensions: 12 x 7.5 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 2.79 pounds
Best Swan Decanter
WBSEos Wine Decanter
Pros: Elegant swan-inspired design Easy to clean with angled spout Secure grip for pouring
Cons: Fragile build with a potentially unstable base Thick neck complicates pouring
While the wide-base shape is popular, the WBSEos swan-style decanter adds elegance to any home bar. Resembling the bird, its U-shaped vessel includes an elongated spout and curved base for wine storage.
In our testing, aeration proved successful, with flavors and aromas peaking after about 45 minutes. However, pouring was challenging due to its thicker neck and unstable base when full.
This lead-free crystal decanter features a curvy neck and angled spout for spill-free pouring. Capable of holding up to 1,500 milliliters, it stands 15 inches tall and ensures easier cleaning than most models, though caution is advised with its thin glass.
Material: Crystal | Capacity: 1.5 liters | Dimensions: 15 x 9.69 x 5.59 inches | Weight: 1.32 pounds
Best Electric Aerator
vSpin Wine Aerator
Pros: Aerates most wines in under four minutes Combines wine with cutting-edge technology
Cons: Requires batteries or electric charge High price tag
The vSpin electric aerator suits time-pressed moments or adds flair to any gathering. Its magnetic base generates a vortex within the lead-free crystal decanter, crafted by Spiegelau, swiftly aerating an entire bottle of wine.
Upon placing the decanter on the base, adjust the timer and speed for optimal aeration, supported by research on major red wine varieties. While hand washing is recommended, the set includes a charger and four AA batteries, though users report limited battery life.
We enjoyed its entertaining use and noted enhanced flavors after a brief five-minute aeration. However, cleaning requires careful magnet spinner removal beforehand.
Material: Crystal | Dimensions: 13.39 x 6.38 x 5.83 inches | Weight: 2.51 pounds
Best Combination
Eto Wine Decanter and Preserver
Pros: Sleek design with drip-free pouring Easy-to-use wine preservation feature
Cons: High cost Delicate glass section
Designed by Tom Cotton, the Eto combines aesthetics with practicality, aerating wine upon entering and preserving it via a plunger mechanism. Eliminating the need for argon gas, it ensures wine remains fresh in the fridge until next use.
We found it effortless to use, with wines opening up within an hour. Stored as directed, our selected Bordeaux maintained quality for several days, showing minimal aging or oxidation. Disassembly allows thorough cleaning and air drying.
Available in seven finishes, its curved lip guarantees spill-free pouring. While elegant, handle with care due to its high cost and fragile glass.
Material: Borosilicate glass, stainless steel | Dimensions: 9.2 x 3.6 inches (expands to 12.9 x 3.6 inches) | Weight: 1.59 pounds
Best for Gifting
RBT Wine Decanter with Wooden Coaster
Pros: Stylish design with effective aerator Includes built-in strainer
Cons: Made of glass, not crystal Slightly heavy
While each decanter makes a superb gift, the standout choice is the RBT Decanter, combining style and functionality. Featuring a brushed gold aerator and optional dark acacia base, it enhances any bar display.
Beyond its visual appeal, it excels in decanting performance, aided by an aerator that expedites the process while showcasing the swirling wine. A built-in strainer handles deteriorating corks during opening.
Crafted from durable borosilicate glass, it’s robust yet elegant, showcasing unique air bubbles. Handblown and slightly weighty, it presents a distinctive gift option.
Material: Borosilicate glass | Dimensions: 8 x 10.25 inches | Weight: 3 pounds
Final Verdict
For a visually appealing choice, opt for the hand-blown Le Chateau Wine Decanter, featuring a wide base ideal for optimal aeration. Alternatively, consider the Vintorio GoodGlassware Wine Decanter as a budget-friendly option, offering sturdy, thicker glass for added durability.
How We Tested
We conducted comprehensive testing on 15 top-rated wine decanters in our specialized lab, evaluating factors such as design, size, shape, weight, and value. Our testers performed various assessments to determine the decanters’ performance across different criteria. Additionally, our expert reviewers extensively analyzed multiple decanters in real-world scenarios.
For each decanter, we evaluated:
Design: How effortless is the wine-pouring process? Does the wine cascade smoothly as it aerates? Is the pour clean and does the design enhance its display on a bar cart?
Ease of Cleaning: Does the decanter include specific cleaning tools? Were we able to effectively remove any residue or lingering aromas?
Effectiveness: Does the decanter enhance the wine’s bouquet during aeration? Does it pour too quickly, potentially releasing sediment? Are there design features that help prevent sediment from entering the pour?
Other Options We Tested
Wine Enthusiast Art Series Wine Tower Decanting Set: This eye-catching decanter set features three separate glass pieces housed in a wooden tower. Our testers found it easy to serve from, with no dripping issues. However, they viewed the design as overly extravagant and expressed concerns about the stability of the non-fixed parts, particularly the delicate top pieces which they felt were somewhat insecure. They also critiqued the wooden tower, noting uneven walnut staining.
Made In Decanter: Crafted from lead-free crystal in Slovakia, this versatile decanter boasts a classic aesthetic. Testers appreciated its simple design and minimal dripping thanks to the slanted spout. However, they found the decanter to be somewhat lightweight and delicate, which made them cautious during cleaning. They also observed that it took longer for this decanter to fully aerate the wine compared to less expensive models, which performed better in terms of aeration.
What to Look for in a Wine Decanter
Type:
Decanters are available in several types, ranging from electric to traditional, each employing various methods for decanting. Some require extended decanting periods, while others offer immediate serving capabilities.
Size:
The amount of wine you typically decant should guide your choice of decanter size. While most models accommodate a full bottle, some are designed for single-glass decanting. Consider storage space too—compact models fit atop bottles or in drawers, while larger ones, akin to vases, demand more room.
Style:
Beyond functionality, decanters can enhance tabletop aesthetics. Choose from a range of styles, from classic to contemporary, to complement your personal taste and décor.
FAQs
What does a wine decanter do?
A wine decanter allows the wine to absorb more oxygen, enhancing its flavors and aromas. While swirling in a glass can achieve this for most wines, some fuller-bodied wines benefit from additional time and exposure to air, hence the use of a decanter.
How long should you decant wine?
Decanting times can range from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the wine. It’s advisable to taste the wine after 30 minutes to gauge its development, extending the decanting period if necessary.
How do you clean a wine decanter?
Cleaning a wine decanter requires careful handling. Rinse it with warm water, swish it around to remove any residue, and then let it air dry on a rack. For stubborn stains, add warm water and a handful of rice to the decanter, swish vigorously, and rinse thoroughly.
How long can you leave wine in a decanter?
Wine can remain in a decanter for up to three days if sealed with an airtight stopper. After this period, prolonged exposure to air may cause the wine to lose its freshness.
Should you decant white wine?
Decanting white wines, particularly fuller-bodied varieties like California Chardonnays or Rhone Valley white blends, can enhance their flavors. Unlike reds, whites generally require shorter decanting times—about 20 to 40 minutes—to achieve optimal aeration.
