The Art of Decanting: How to Elevate Your Wine Experience

By Wanda Haynes, Certified Sommelier

A decanter is a lovely and necessary item in a wine lover’s collection. Pouring wine from the bottle into a decanter introduces oxygen, which allows the wine to breathe, allowing the wine’s aromas and flavors to fully express themselves before drinking.

Decanting Time

Light-bodied red wines decant around 20 minutes, medium-bodied wines for 40 minutes, and full-bodied red wines can decant for an hour. Older white wines decant for 20 minutes at the most. Younger wines generally don’t require decanting and won’t taste noticeably different. Keep in mind, too much oxygen can ruin a good wine, so limit the leftover’s exposure to air.

Separating Sediment

Decanting can help remove sediment, which is helpful for red wines. Sediment can build up in the bottle over time, and decanting can also remove broken cork pieces. Tip: use a flashlight to hold at the neck of the bottle to see when the sediment is close to the bottle’s opening, then stop pouring.

There are many styles of decanters, price points, and manufacturers. Crystal is more durable, and it's often used to create large artistic decanters, where glass decanters tend to be made with thicker walls and simpler shapes. Both are a fine choice, and the key word is “choice” because like most glass products, if it breaks, it's over. Large decanters bring the question of how to store them? It is best to store a decanter in its original box.

I prefer a simple hand-blown decanter with a large flat bottom. These are also easier to fit into the refrigerator for storing leftover wine.

Decanter Beads

Decanter cleaning beads are small metal balls you swirl around in a decanter with warm water. The gentle friction acts like a scrubbing pad and loosens old wine. Decanter beads do not scratch delicate wine decanters. These pellets are usually made of high-grade steel, and they are rust-proof. Wash them in a strainer to prevent them from going into the drain or garbage disposal.

Cork Balls for Decanters

Made of cork, these round balls cover the opening of a decanter when storing the wine. They are usually made from colmated cork (natural cork)—90% natural cork and 10% natural glue mixed with cork granules. I've also seen them made from crystal.

Decanting is more than just a beautiful presentation—it’s a ritual that enhances the wine-drinking experience. Whether you're looking to unlock complex aromas, remove unwanted sediment, or simply serve with style, the right decanter and a few simple tools can make a big difference and add elegance to your wine ritual for years to come.

Wanda Haynes is a Sommelier and wine educator living her best life. She loves parties, fine dining, gourmet chocolate, and a great glass of wine.