The 10 Best Wine Aerators

Using the best wine aerators will make your red wine taste better and smell better.

And the best news?

You can achieve this without needing to wait hours for the bottle to breathe in a decanter.

If you drink cheap wine, it will make it much more drinkable. If you drink decent wine, aerating it will improve it and make it taste great.

Sounds good?

Well, the premise of wine aeration is remarkably simple. All you are doing is exposing the wine to much more air than it would encounter when being poured from the bottle directly into your wine glass. You’ll be letting the wine breathe without needing to hang around.

Wine is essentially a series of chemical compounds. Uncorking your wine and pouring it into glassware triggers two chemical processes:

• Oxidation
• Evaporation

These processes both serve to purge the wine of unwanted flavors.

Now, while you can achieve this same effect by using a decanter, it takes time, time that not everyone has at their disposal.

An aerator will produce rapid and highly effective results… as long as you choose the right one, of course!

All you need to do is bear the following pointers in mind when you’re looking for the most suitable aerator for your needs:

• Type of wine aerator: The main choice you will face when shopping aerators is the type – specifically, whether you want a handheld unit or an in-bottle aerator. A handheld model is easy to use and also easy to store. You will need to hold the bottle in one hand and the aerator in the other hand, though. This can cause problems with stability. Combat this issue by investing in an in-bottle aerator.
• User friendliness: Some wine aerators involve a steep learning curve while others are super-simple to use. For those who only drink a bottle of wine with dinner occasionally, there is no need to break the bank with an expensive aerator.
• Ease of cleaning: The wine aerators you select should not only be easy to use, but also straightforward to clean and maintain. We highlight any problems in this area throughout today’s reviews.

With those simple pointers in place, you’re almost ready to explore our collection of the best wine aerators out there. Before that, though, why should you use a wine aerator in the first place? Here are 3 good reasons:

1. Improves the flavor profile: By rounding out the tannins and introducing oxygen to your wine, you’ll notice a marked improvement in the way it tastes
2. Enhance the bouquet: Wine often has a very overpowering smell. This is due to the sulfites and ethanol it contains. Sulfites smell like rotten eggs while ethanol has a medicinal taint. When you aerate your wine, you’ll dilute these smells and eliminate those rogue compounds
3. Saves you money: Make cheap wine taste much more drinkable and make good wine taste great when you use an aerator.

OK, with those basics in place, it’s time for the main event!

The 10 Best Wine Aerators

1. Our Pick: Vinturi Wine Aerator

• Materials: Plastic
• Weight: 0.44 pounds
• Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 6 inches

Our favorite aerator overall comes from Vinturi in the shape of this simple and highly effective device.

You get the aerator and the base you store it on included when you invest in this traditional aerator.

Rather than pouring your bottle of red wine directly into your glass, you instead pour it through this aerator which you position over the wine glass.

The innovative system draws in then mixes just the right quantity of air to develop your wine perfectly. As you pour your wine through the aerator, the wine’s velocity increases as the pressure decreases. It’s this difference in pressure that draws in the air.

The net result of aerating your wine with this device is a rapidly reduced waiting time and red wine with the tannins softened out and the flavor optimized.

Choose whether to aerate a whole bottle or a single glass. If you’re aerating the full bottle, pour it through this device and into a wine decanter.

For red wine with enhanced flavors, a smooth finish, and a better bouquet, it’s well worth treating yourself to this superb wine aerator from Vinturi.

2. Vintorio Wine Aerator

• Materials: Acrylic
• Weight: 0.08 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.9 x 1.1 x 1.1 inches

A worthy runner-up in today’s showcase of the most effective wine aerators is this cost-effective and efficient acrylic model from Vintorio. Priced at not much more than a serviceable bottle of wine, you can then use it to get the very best out of all the red wines you drink.

One of the key benefits of this aerator is the way it renders your wine drinkable in a matter of minutes. Most wine drinkers appreciate the advantage of aerating wine but lack the time or patience to wait for it to breathe naturally. With the Vintorio, you’ll soften out the tannins near-instantly while at the same time improving the taste of most red wines.

The drip-free pouring promoted by this vessel is achieved thanks to the ribbed and tapered stopper.

With an intelligent design, this aerator is very easy to use, and it’s remarkably quick to clean, too. Bring out the subtle qualities hidden in your red wine without needing to wait for hours.

3. Rabbit Wine Aerator

• Materials: Stainless steel
• Weight: 0.1 pounds
• Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 5.25 inches

Next up we have a simple but extremely effective aerator that also makes a nice addition to your wine cabinet. This thing looks so good you won’t want to pack it away.

We understand you’re not buying a wine aerator principally for its good looks, though, so how does this thing perform?

This device is a snap to use even if you’ve never considered aerating your wine before. As with most of these devices, you can expect some spillage if you don’t operate with caution. Several user reviews highlight dripping.

Many wine lovers just starting out on their journey avoid aeration on the grounds it will take hours. Using the Rabbit, that’s not the case. All you need to do is uncork your wine and then insert the aerator on top of the bottle. When you pour your wine into your glass or decanter through the Rabbit, it will be forcibly mixed with the oxygen it needs to soften the tannins and round out the flavor.

4. Vinluxe PRO Wine Aerator

• Materials: Plastic
• Weight: 0.9 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.8 x 2.4 x 5.8 inches

Next up is another effective and remarkably inexpensive wine aerator proving you don’t need to spend a fortune or waste hours waiting for your wine to breathe.

Coming in a handy gift pouch, the heavy plastic aerator is super-simple to clean. It’s not dishwasher-friendly, but all you need to do is hold it under some running water for 15 seconds and you’re good to go.

This is a pared-down aerator that’s efficient, highly durable, and capable of dramatically improving the taste and aroma of your favorite bottles of red.

The heavy plastic has a pattern of 32 holes drilled through. This helps introduce more oxygen to the tannins in red wine, improving the taste and smell.

This 3-step aeration is not instant, but it’s still a whole lot quicker than allowing air to penetrate your wine in a decanter or wine glass.

Overall build is solid, and this aerator is built to stay the distance. Covered by a 2-year warranty, you can buy with total confidence.

5. Soireehome In-Bottle Aerator

• Materials: Borosilicate glass
• Weight: 0.4 pounds
• Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 5.5 inches

Soireehome delivers a twist on the usual plastic or acrylic wine aerators with this commanding example fashioned from borosilicate glass. This gives you the aesthetics of glass but with improved durability for good measure.

This aerator is designed to fit on top of most wine bottles giving you a universal approach to aeration and a great deal of flexibility.

The glass is hand-blown and up to 5 times thicker than regular glass. Not only should it withstand a minor knock, but it’s dishwasher-friendly, too. The gasket is made from food-grade silicone, so you have no worries about any toxins leaching into your favorite red wine.

Unlike many of the best wine aerators, this one comes with a no-quibbles money-back guarantee. Many beginners to wine collecting are put off buying an aerator because they’re not sure it will really work. If this sounds like you, try this aerator and you have literally nothing to lose. What you have to gain, on the other hand, is making average wine taste good, and good wine taste great.

6. VINVOLI Wine Aerator

• Materials: Glass and acrylic
• Weight: 0.8 pounds
• Dimensions: 6 x 2 x 6 inches

VINVOLI offers a sleek and very cost-effective three-stage wine aerator, but is it any good?

Absolutely! The efficient triple-stage aeration system will intensify the flavor and the aroma of your favorite wines, while also softening the tannins and improving the wine’s finish.

Additionally, you get a mesh filter screen included. This serves to screen any accumulated sediment and prevent it from ending up in your wine glass. The mesh also serves to encourage the natural oxidation process, integral to aerating wine. The screen is removable to streamline cleaning and maintenance.

Many wine aerators end up being quite messy to use, but this is not among them. The intelligent design of the spout promotes drip-free pouring.

The manufacturer offers a limited lifetime warranty on this model which shows the confidence they place in this product. After all, no company expects to lose out when they offer a guarantee, so you should expect plenty of faithful service from this thing.

As an inbuilt bonus, this also happens to be one of the least expensive aerators out there. Improve the quality of the wine you drink with minimum effort and just as little investment.

7. JIFAR Electric Wine Aerator

• Materials: Plastic
• Weight: 1 pound
• Dimensions: 7 x 2.5 x 3.9 inches

For anyone shopping for wine aerators with convenience uppermost in mind, you can’t beat this neat electric offering from JIFAR.

Not only do you get an aerating system that requires no physical effort, but you won’t have to dig too deep for the privilege either.

First, choose one of four striking colorways to suit and start using the aerator with push-button ease right out the box.

The seamless aeration accelerates the oxidation process and brings out the finer elements in the flavor and aroma of your wines.

Pouring won’t cause a mess in the kitchen thanks to the rounded and oversized spout of this unit.

The aerator is designed to fit almost any bottle of wine.

When you’re out of power, simply recharge the device using a USB cable for maximum value and minimum hassle.

Cleaning this aerator is straightforward. All you need to do is run some clean water through the unit to keep it immaculate.

Although overall build quality is impressive, we can’t say the same for quality control, so check the contents of your delivery closely.

Whether you have arthritis, mobility issues with your hands, or you simply prioritize convenience and ease, this electric aerator deserves a place on your shortlist.

8. TRIBELLA Classic Wine Aerator

• Materials: Stainless steel and plastic
• Weight: 0.03 pounds
• Dimensions: 0.5 x 4 x 0.5 inches

As we near the end of our wine aerator reviews, we have one of the most commanding and innovative models in a crowded market segment.

The TRIBELLA aerator is made from stainless steel and a rugged polycarbonate, delivering an impressive lifespan and precision performance. Despite this, you won’t need to blow the budget if you decide this aerator makes the right fit for you. That said, you can find many cheaper methods of aerating your wine if you are more budget-driven.

The main selling point here is the spout arrangement. When you pour your wine from this device, three separate streams introduce more of the wine to more oxygen, speeding up the oxidation process, and bringing out the best in your vino. If you’re tired of pouring wine and ending up with spillages on the kitchen counter or the carpets, why not upgrade your game and treat yourself to the TRIBELLA?

The compact nature of this aerator means you can easily take it with you when you travel. The protective hard case means you won’t damage it, and it also means this aerator would make a wonderful gift for any wine lovers in your life this coming holiday season.

Although the design of this aerator may appear intimidating, it’s remarkably easy to use, even if you’re a complete beginner to wine aeration.

9. Rabbit Wine Aerator

• Materials: 18/8 stainless steel
• Weight: 0.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 3.3 x 4.3 x 5.7 inches

Next up is another entry from the Rabbit stable with this hardwearing and traditional wine aerating device.

The stainless steel shower funnel is both lightweight and incredibly durable. As long as you keep this aerator clean, you can expect years of faithful service from it.

Not only is the device easy to keep clean, but it also responds favorably to dishwashing for those who prefer hands-free maintenance.

You place this funnel inside your wine decanter when you want your wine to breathe before serving. The funnel causes more air to be exposed to the wine, leading to quicker aeration and less time waiting around. At the same time, the funnel also works to effectively stop sediment from making its way from the bottom of the wine bottle into your wine glass.

The only real bugbear with this arrangement is the fragility of the filter screen. The mesh is very thin and might not stand up to ongoing use. Buyer beware.

The unusual nature of this aerator means it would be a thoughtful gift idea if you don’t feel it would make the right fit for your wine collecting needs.

10. Vinturi Deluxe Wine Aerator

• Materials: Acrylic
• Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Dimensions: 10 x 13.5 x 3.5 inches

To round out our collection of the best aerators, we have a top-notch offering from Vinturi. What do you get for your money here, then?

The primary benefit of this elaborate arrangement is the fact you can aerate your wine one glass at a time. Many singles and couples find they don’t want the whole bottle of wine in one sitting, and the Vinturi Deluxe provides the perfect solution. That said, you could easily aerate larger quantities of wine with this model, too.

Durable acrylic construction should return plenty of life from this device.

The six-piece set includes a tower that makes a striking visual statement. This aerator will make a wonderful conversation piece, whether you put it in your wine cellar, man cave, kitchen, or on the top of your wine cabinet.

The other main selling point of this aerator is the speed at which it allows you to bring out the finer flavors and aromas in your red wines – see our FAQs right below if you need more guidance on what types of wine you should aerate.

Although the aerator looks complicated, it couldn’t be much easier to use. The manufacturer supplies a handy video showing you just how quickly and easily you can allow your wine to breathe, whether you want a single glass or the whole bottle.

The only noteworthy drawback with this aerator is the fact some wine can leak and spill. Take great care when using the device near anything susceptible to staining.

Overall, this is a reasonably priced device that will enhance any wines you aerate with it. What are you waiting for?

FAQs

1) What wines do I need to aerate?

Every wine that contains lots of tannins benefits from aeration. The same applies to all bitter wines. If you’re partial to sauvignon, this will always respond well to being aerating before serving. Not only young wines require aerating, though. Some old wines – particularly those with large amounts of accumulated sediment – will taste better when aerated. Some white wines like burgundies and Bordeaux also require aerating if you want to enjoy them at their best. The easiest – and the most enjoyable – method of establishing whether a wine needs aerating is to conduct a taste test. Your personal preference is all that counts.

2) What wines do not need to be aerated?

You do not need to aerate light red wines like Cotes du Rhone or Pinot Noir. As above, if you are unsure, simply taste some of the wine without aerating it and then try again using one of the devices we review above.

3) If I have already aerated my wine, how can I reduce the duration of exposure to air?

If you fill the container to the brim, less air will be able to enter. It is also imperative that there are no leaks in the container.

4) What is the best temperature for aerating wine?

Always aerate your wine at room temperature. If you like, bring it up to serving temperature when required by popping it in your wine cooler. If you attempt to aerate chilled wine, you will end up introducing more oxygen to the wine than recommended. This occurs because water is more soluble in cooler temperatures. Make sure to drink any chilled and aerated wine immediately to avoid any excessive oxidation.

5) Do I need to aerate white wines?

Most white wines will not need aerating. That said, some heavier and fuller-bodied white wines – those from Bordeaux, Alsace, and Burgundy, for instance – will taste better when aerated.

6) Why do young red wines respond so well to aeration?

Since young reds are not aged for very long, this means the tannins have not had the opportunity to properly resolve. The chemicals remaining can be purged through the aeration process. This will make the wine taste crisper and cleaner.

7) Can I spoil wine by aerating it?

Yes. Exposing the wine to air can deliver adverse effects. As the aeration process triggers oxidation, the wine will start browning. At the same time, it will lose some of that trademark fruity smell. You should notice the aroma of grapes begins to subside. The taste of aerated wine can become nuttier. You may also find that aerobic bacteria present.

8) Will aerating wine minimize the amount of sediment that ends up in my wine glass?

Most wine aerators will not filter out the sediment, although we review some exceptions today that feature integrated mesh filters. By aerating the wine, though, you will be able to notice the sediment rather than pouring it straight into your wine glass.

9) Will a wine decanter work as well as an aerator?

Yes. Both devices perform the same core function: forcing an interaction between the wine and oxygen to kickstart the oxidation process. Decanting wine delivers similar benefits to aerating, but it will take much longer.

10) Is it really worth aerating my wine?

Most wine lovers strongly believe that aerating most wines is worthwhile. Both the flavor and the aroma will improve. Any excess tannins will be softened. You will also have more chance of stopping any rogue sediment from spoiling the wine in your glass. Aerating wine is a personal choice, but we would strongly recommend you give it a go.

Conclusion

Well, if you arrived here at Slow Wine Magazine with no idea about whether you should aerate your wine, you should now be clear about the benefits you’ll reap.

Taking a few minutes with an aerator is infinitely preferable to waiting around for hours for your wine to breathe naturally. Who has time for that, right?

Choose any of the best wine aerators on our shortlist today and you have a clear understanding of how they stand and fall. Stick with the simple advice above if you come across an aerator we didn’t review, and you should easily establish whether it makes sense for you.

If you find it hard to discover the information you need about wine collecting, we suggest bookmarking our blog. We have a busy content calendar as the holiday season approaches, and we’ll be bringing you fresh content daily. We’ll see you soon!