What Are Wine Dispensers? The Secret to the Perfect Pour

The weather outside may still be frightful; but for wine drinkers, it's prime sipping-reds-by-the-fire (or television) season. And frankly, what weather isn't perfect for a glass of white, rosé, or even the newly-popular orange wine? No matter the current temperature in your locale, things could always be a little warmer with your favorite vino on tap.

Enter the wine dispenser—a wine lover's answer to the beer-lover's kegerator. This kitchen gadget is guaranteed to keep your wine fresh and at the perfect drinking temperature. And a wine dispenser also offers a surprisingly trendy way to pour and store your favorite bottles—and finally ditch the half-empty, corks-everywhere look.

Sick of spending $20 on a bottle only to have it morph into vinegar? We hear you. Keep reading if you’re ready to preserve your wine and learn more about your next sommelier-worthy spend.

For the true wine connoisseur, the most important benefit of a dispenser is taste. Most wines tend to lose their flavor relatively quickly when stored in an open bottle. A wine dispenser eliminates this issue.

Besides keeping your wine fresh, what exactly does this kitchen contraption do? A lot, according to wine dispenser owner Tim Wells, of Garage Transformed.

"A wine dispenser typically holds either a single bottle of wine or several bottles, depending on the size and model," says Wells. "And it allows the user to pour a pre-measured amount into their glass."

Wine dispensers also help keep your drink bacteria-free, since the wine is poured from a sanitary location rather than from an open bottle.

The main culprit behind an undrinkable glass of wine from an open bottle? Air. Air essentially "flattens" your wine, robbing it of flavor.

There's serious technology behind wine dispensers—it's all about minimizing air exposure to keep your wine as delicious as possible.

"A wine dispenser uses nitrogen or argon gas to preserve the flavor and aroma of an opened bottle," says Mary Cifuentes, senior director at Ferguson Bath Kitchen & Lighting Gallery.

The gas is injected into the headspace of a partially empty bottle, creating an oxygen-free atmosphere that eliminates the oxidation that can cause flavor degradation over time.

"The inert environment helps to preserve the character, taste, color, and aroma for up to several weeks after opening," adds Cifuentes.

And the best part about investing in a wine dispenser is that you can keep multiple bottles open at the same time. So you can always have different varieties ready and waiting when company comes over (or when you crave a French Sancerre).

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All the convenience of a wine dispenser comes with a hefty price tag.

"The initial cost for a wine dispenser falls into the range of $2,000 to $4,000, depending on model, size, and features," says Cifuentes.

And while you can find some more affordable alternatives (like this luxury decanter for $102 from Wayfair), you won't be getting the same level of preservation as you would with a full-blown wine dispenser.

Another thing to keep in mind if you’re considering buying a wine dispenser? The cost doesn't necessarily include installation. While putting in a wine dispenser is not complicated, the process takes a bit of know-how.

Unless you have a decent amount of plumbing and electrical experience, hiring an expert is a worthy investment when having your wine dispenser installed.

"Professionals will have the skills to install the unit correctly, including any connections," says Wells. "They can also provide advice and tips on how to best store, serve, and maintain the wine dispenser to keep it in good working condition."

Fortunately, once your unit is installed, upkeep is relatively straightforward and minimal.

"Most models just require periodic cleaning and maintenance by replacing parts such as filters or seals that may wear down over time, due to normal usage," says Cifuentes.

If you’re feeling ready to take the plunge (or, shall we say, pop the cork), there are a few dispenser brands to consider.

The first is from a company called Wine Cooler Direct.

"If you’re looking for something reliable, this Summit Kegerator is the way to go," says Wells. "This is the one I have."

The model comes with two taps—enough for two bottles of wine.

If you’re hoping to serve more variety, Cifuentes recommends the WineStation from Dacor.

"The upfront investment may seem daunting," she says. "But it can be well worth it for the homeowner who plans on entertaining often. It's also good for those looking to stock their home with a wide variety of wines to savor over longer periods."

Larissa Runkle is a writer and editor living in the San Juan mountains of Colorado. Her work focuses on unique real estate and lifestyle trends.