VACU-VIN
OK, I have been using Vacu-Vin for several months now and I think it is time to write about it, and my experience with it. First, what is it? Vacu-Vin is a device that allows you to pump the air out of an opened bottle of wine in order to inhibit deterioration of the wine.
There are two essential components to the device. There is the vacuum pump, which is a plastic cylinder about 5 or 5 ½ inches tall (when closed) and about an inch and a quarter in diameter. There is a handle at the top which is used to extend the interior cylinder and draw air out of the bottle. When extended, the object is about 8 1/2 inches tall.
The second element is the bottle stopper. It is a rubbery piece with small holes in it that allow the air to be drawn out but does not allow it to go back in.
After opening the bottle, the rubber stopper replaces the cork. The Vacu-Vin is placed snugly on top of the stopper. You then pull the handle upward and plunge it back downward in repetitive motions similar to using a bicycle pump. When the air is completely out, the pumping action makes a clicking sound and you know it is time to stop.
The Vacu-Vin costs about $20 dollars and comes with 2 stoppers. Additional stoppers are available for about $6-7 per pair.
I have found that, at a minimum, the device successfully extracts the air out of the bottle. This is obvious because when the bottle is nearly full, just a few pumps produces the clicking sound, whereas it takes longer when the bottle is nearly empty. Also, even after a few days of not touching the bottle, there is an unmistakable “whooshing” sound when you slowly remove the stopper and air rushes back in.
It is a tougher call as to whether the wine retains its taste longer when the device is used. I strongly lean toward “yes,” but without keeping meticulous records it is difficult to know for sure.. It is inexpensive, easy to use (and even fun) and it appears to help the wine retain its flavor so I am a satisfied customer.
Interestingly, in the December 31, 2006 issue of Wine Spectator, there is a short piece on a decanter that comes with a stopper and vacuum pump. It costs $80 and the stopper has a gauge that indicates pressure so that you tell if the seal has not held. In that article, the author reveals that there is disagreement as to the efficacy of vacuum pumping among the Wine Spectator staff. Some believe it does not work. Others (and I think it is a joke) believe that it actually harms the wine by sucking out the flavor along with the air. However, some do believe it works but that there is a problem when the stopper doesn’t hold the seal.
I have not had a problem with the seal so far, but I imagine the stoppers wear out over time and replacement stoppers will be needed. In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy my Vacu-Vin (and the wine it preserves!).
There are two essential components to the device. There is the vacuum pump, which is a plastic cylinder about 5 or 5 ½ inches tall (when closed) and about an inch and a quarter in diameter. There is a handle at the top which is used to extend the interior cylinder and draw air out of the bottle. When extended, the object is about 8 1/2 inches tall.
The second element is the bottle stopper. It is a rubbery piece with small holes in it that allow the air to be drawn out but does not allow it to go back in.
After opening the bottle, the rubber stopper replaces the cork. The Vacu-Vin is placed snugly on top of the stopper. You then pull the handle upward and plunge it back downward in repetitive motions similar to using a bicycle pump. When the air is completely out, the pumping action makes a clicking sound and you know it is time to stop.
The Vacu-Vin costs about $20 dollars and comes with 2 stoppers. Additional stoppers are available for about $6-7 per pair.
I have found that, at a minimum, the device successfully extracts the air out of the bottle. This is obvious because when the bottle is nearly full, just a few pumps produces the clicking sound, whereas it takes longer when the bottle is nearly empty. Also, even after a few days of not touching the bottle, there is an unmistakable “whooshing” sound when you slowly remove the stopper and air rushes back in.
It is a tougher call as to whether the wine retains its taste longer when the device is used. I strongly lean toward “yes,” but without keeping meticulous records it is difficult to know for sure.. It is inexpensive, easy to use (and even fun) and it appears to help the wine retain its flavor so I am a satisfied customer.
Interestingly, in the December 31, 2006 issue of Wine Spectator, there is a short piece on a decanter that comes with a stopper and vacuum pump. It costs $80 and the stopper has a gauge that indicates pressure so that you tell if the seal has not held. In that article, the author reveals that there is disagreement as to the efficacy of vacuum pumping among the Wine Spectator staff. Some believe it does not work. Others (and I think it is a joke) believe that it actually harms the wine by sucking out the flavor along with the air. However, some do believe it works but that there is a problem when the stopper doesn’t hold the seal.
I have not had a problem with the seal so far, but I imagine the stoppers wear out over time and replacement stoppers will be needed. In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy my Vacu-Vin (and the wine it preserves!).
posted by Gino at
4:15 PM
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1 comments
