The Best Wine Decanters

Have you ever tasted a great Montepulciano before and after decanting? The deep tannins soften, and the subtleties on the palette change, opening up a variety of earthy notes, rich fruitiness, and nuanced spices. Decanting wine before drinking it opens up a whole new world of flavor and smoothness, so if you don’t have a decanter, here are some we recommend.

Buying Guide for Wine Decanters

Why buy a wine decanter?

Simply put, a wine decanter opens up your wine by allowing more oxygen into the mix. Decanters are best used for red wines, but they also make an attractive pitcher for white wines or other beverages. A wine decanter makes a gorgeous centerpiece for house parties, book clubs, bar carts, dining tables, or holiday celebrations and is a fantastic gift for the wine lover in your life.

What should you consider when buying a wine decanter?

• Intention: What do you want from a decanter? Do you want an attractive wine server shaped to maximize aeration? A veritable decanter is a glass piece designed to thoroughly aerate your favorite bottle of wine, making it great for those looking to taste every flavor note of the drink.
• Look: Style varies considerably among decanters, both for aesthetic and functional purposes. You will find quality swan-shaped decanters, others with long necks and large bottoms. Arguably, they each work well but look quite different, so opt for the design that fits your aesthetic and will be easy to store.
• Material: Wine decanters are traditionally made from crystal; however, many modern wine decanters are made from high-quality glass. Crystal used to contain lead, but now lead-free crystal options are available, keeping your wine clean and safe. Glass decanters need to be polished after washing, making them a little more high-maintenance.

How much should you expect to pay for a wine decanter?

You can find simple glass wine decanters for under $20. However, you can also find specialty artisan-made, hand-blown crystal wine decanters for over $2,000. For an average, affordable, yet still high-quality decanter, you’ll likely spend around $50. We’re sharing options around that price range.

Our Picks for the Best Wine Decanters

Pros: This wine decanter can fit an entire bottle of wine and still have room to aerate. The design is sturdy, so it won’t tip. And the opening is wide enough that it’s easy to pour and fill, reducing red wine stains.

Cons: It can be a bit tricky to clean and dry. There may be slight variations in the crystal.

Bottom Line: If you’re in the market for a simple but elegant wine decanter that will wow your guests, this may be an excellent option for you. The stable base makes it perfect for a bar cart.

 

Pros: This decanter is a great bang for your buck. It’s sturdy and holds a standard-sized bottle of wine. The angled design makes it easy to pour while avoiding drips. It has a nice traditional shape, and it’s made of lead-free crystal for safe decanting.

Cons: While this is a larger size decanter, it cannot hold an entire magnum of wine. It’s slightly fragile, and it needs to be handled with care. While it’s slated “dishwasher safe,” it’s best practice to wash it by hand.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a last-minute gift for someone who enjoys wine, this may be a great option. It decants as well as products that are twice the price or more.

 

Pros: This decanter comes with cleaning beads that help remove stubborn stains from the bottom. It’s easy to store without taking up much space. The aerator filter fits perfectly into the neck of the decanter, so you won’t miss a drop.

Cons: While a whole bottle of wine can fit, it’s not suggested to fill it that far. It works best with half a bottle of wine at a time. It doesn’t come with cleaning or storage instructions, so it might not be a great product for a decanting novice. The design is not a sleek as others, and some buyers found it a little clunky.

Bottom Line: If you’ve never tried aerated wine, try it with this decanter. It has all the bells and whistles, perfect for impressing your guests.

 

Pros: This decanter can properly fit a standard-sized bottle of wine. The slim design doesn’t take up much space on your counter, table, or bar cart. It even comes with a rubber base mat to keep it in place on hard surfaces.

Cons: The tall and skinny shape of this decanter makes it easier to tip over. Cleaning it is a bit of a hassle due to the shape. Pour slowly to avoid splashing.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a unique gift for your wine-loving friends, this is a great choice. The fun shape makes it a show-stopping conversation piece. Plus, it can be used as a pitcher as well as a decanter.

 

Pros: This decanter can easily fit a 750-milliliter bottle of wine. It has a small footprint, saving storage space. It comes with a stopper and looks beautiful. Plus, it’s fairly simple to clean, especially if you clean it right away.

Cons: This decanter is extremely fragile and must be handled with care. It dribbles a bit when you pour from it.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a centerpiece with a wow factor, this decanter may be perfect for you. It can be used for wine or whiskey since it comes with a loose ball topper.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a wine enthusiast, you likely know how important it is to have a great decanter. Each of these options should serve you well when it’s time to pour a glass of wine.