The 5 Essential Hacks Every Wine Enthusiast Should Know
Just like any hobby, there’s more to wine drinking than meets the eye. From learning the best bottle to buy on a budget to graduating from wine pairings 101, us vino lovers are always looking to improve our sipping skills. In celebration of oenophile’s everywhere, we’ve rounded up the 5 essential wine hacks to make the most out of your wine drinking experience. With this list, you’ll never again have to worry about being stranded without a corkscrew or find yourself forced to drink a warm white. We don’t know how we’ve survived up until now without these tipsy tricks!
- Need to open a bottle without a corkscrew?
When, by some awful chain of events, you happen to find yourself stranded without a corkscrew, this hack will be a lifesaver. The easiest method to uncork a bottle on the fly? Twist a picture hook or screw into the cork and pull!
If you’re unlucky enough to find yourself without either of these, try this little party trick. Grab a key and firmly push it at an angle into the cork. Twist, so that it anchors itself in, then pull! Master this trick and you’ll be applauded as a party saviour.
- Want that Chardonnay chilled extra fast?
Let’s face it, we’re not always the most patient and that’s especially true when it comes to uncorking our wine. While we love our whites, it’s a pain to play the waiting game. For a quick fix, wrap the warm bottle with damp paper towel and then pop it in the freezer. After 10 minutes it’ll be chilled to perfection!
If you plan on slowly sipping your glass, plan ahead and have some frozen grapes handy. Pop a few in your drink and this graceful garnish will keep it cool without watering it down.
(NOTE: Download our Free Wine & Food Pairing Guide. Enhance the Enjoyment of Your Meals! CLICK HERE) 
- How can you store wine after it’s opened?
Waste not, want not! We pride ourselves in never letting a good wine go to waste, but once in a while we find ourselves unable to finish off a bottle. Remember, you can always recork! Both red and white wines will keep in the fridge for 3-5 days. If you can’t foresee yourself drinking it before then, pour the last few ounces in an ice cube tray and freeze it. If you drink the same white often, the frozen cubes can be used to cool down your next glass. And, if you’re preserving a good red, you now have it perfectly portioned for a boozy recipe.
- So you’ve had a spill…
It happens to the best of us: swept up in the aroma of some great vino and even better conversation, you find yourself a tad overenthusiastic and now your Shiraz is all over your shirt. Luckily, there are a few ways to remove red wine stains:
- Milk: While your stain is still wet, try soaking the stained garment in milk and it should be gone within the hour.
- Salt: This dry method can be just as effective. Immediately after spilling, cover the spot in salt, letting it absorb for a few minutes. Brush the salt off the fabric and the wine will go with it.
- Shaving cream: If you can’t treat the stain while it’s wet you might not be completely out of luck. Cover it in shaving cream before throwing it in the wash and it should come out good as new.
- Make the most out of a cheap bottle
It may be no substitute for good wine, but in a bind you can elevate the taste of a cheap bottle of red by aerating it. No need to run out to the store for a fancy bottle attachment, just pour it in a blender and whirl it around for 30 seconds to fool your taste buds.
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