1
Riedel Wine Friendly Decanter
Credit: RIEDEL
Pros
- Affordable
- Versatile
- Dishwasher Safe
Cons
- Only holds one bottle of wine
- Basic design
According to our experts, almost anything can be a vessel to decant in. And if you're looking to start your journey, this Riedel option is the perfect entry level purchase. "Me and my sister both personally have the Riedel decanters," says Robin McBride, co-owner of the McBride Sisters wine company (alongside her sister, Andréa), the largest Black-owned wine company in the US. "One, because they’re beautiful, and two, because they work really well. This is the one I really like."
2
crate and barrel Sullivan Wine Carafe
Credit: Crate and Barrel
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Simple design
- Easy to use
Cons
- Hand wash only
This two-opening decanter is affordable, stylish, and a great way to let a new bottle of wine breathe. "It’s best to get a fat bottomed decanter," says Amy Racine, beverage director of Iris in NYC. (Iris is a former Best New Restaurant at Esquire, and in 2021, we awarded Racine our Beverage Director of the Year award.) "This is a great entry level one. It’s basically a goose neck. It looks U-shaped, so there’s a hole on both ends, and the oxygen can go in and skim the surface of the wine and you can pour it out of the other side."
3
Tienda Glass Porrón Wine Pitcher
Credit: Tienda
Pros
- Affordable option
- Fun to pour
- Versatile size
Cons
- Takes some learning to master the pour
This decanter is a bit different from the others on this list, because you pour the wine right into your mouth! "It’s a super fun one," says Victoria James, beverage director at the Michelin-starred Cote in NYC and Miami. "It comes from Basque Country in Spain. It’s a must for any good party. The essential decanter you didn’t know you needed for Txakoli."
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5
Josephinen Brilliant Decanter
Credit: Josephinenhütte
Pros
- Deep slope for maximum aeration
- Hand blown crystal glass
- Large opening easy to pour
Cons
- Delicate wash only
"You think about wine, how it’s been trapped in this little bottle for so long. It needs to breathe. It’s a living thing," says James. So when you're not looking to funnel directly into your mouth, as she aided you with above, she highly recommends this one designed by Kurt Josef Zalto.
Aaron Thompson, co-owner of the bar Brother Wolf and restaurant Osteria Stella, agrees. "It’s absolutely gorgeous," Thompson says. "One of the things I like about this one is that it has an inward slope on the bottom so that you can actually swirl the decanter like a glass of wine and aerate it even more. "
6
Waterford Elegance Accent Decanter
Credit: Waterford
Pros
- Unique design
- Crafted from luxury crystal
- Eye-catching centerpiece
Cons
- Difficult to wash
An elevated option for your next dinner party, this decanter makes for a dazzling centerpiece, and its smart design can improve your oldest bottle of wine. "The Waterford Elegance is a crystal hand blown decanter," says Racine. "Its openings fold over itself. It really opens up the flavor and aromas of your wine."
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9
J. & L. Lobmeyr Patrician Wine Decanter
Pros
- Vintage design
- Elegant but easy to use
Cons
- Pricey
This one of a kind decanter is a delicate investment piece. The glass is hand blown and designed by Austrian glassware maker, J. & L. Lobmeyr and evokes a classic old world elegance. "This decanter is a special high end option," says James. "Have fun with it! This decanter models lots of gorgeous vintage decanters."
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