Every time I get a new Wine Enthusiast catalog, I open it like it’s Christmas morning, expecting something new and revolutionary that’s going to change how I view wine and the many splendors of the wine accessory world. But, that initial exuberance is always quickly replaced by a lackluster realization that there are only so many wine accessories, tools, toys, etc. that can exist and still have utility and meaning for people.Then the guys from Wine Soiree roll around and show me something I haven’t seen and can get behind.
At the core, the Wine Soiree is really nothing more than another wine aerator, much like those made by Vinturi and Respirer. They’re all simple devices that “decant” and aerate the wine as it makes its way into the glass and provide an equal level of “aging” for the wine (what I would loosely compare to 1 – 2 years for a pour). I tested the Wine Soiree directly against the Vinturi and, although they both “aged” the wine nicely, they both accomplished it at approximately the same level. What the Wine Soiree does that’s different than the others is this:- It’s quiet. Some of the other wine aerators are very loud as the wine passes through the funnel. Not a big deal, especially since they’re all equally effective, but something that stands out right away.
- It’s the only aerator that looks distinctively like a Christmas ornament. It’s glass, bulbous and has stylish lines through it that make me think I could hang it on my Christmas tree and no one would be the wiser. They may even think of selling them with dates etched into them for special occasions.
- It’s fun. Not fun in a mind-blowing roller-coaster way or watching your favorite team win the national championship (I guess I’ll have to wait until next year for Lebron to pull that one off), but in a “what the hell is that?” kind of way. Use it at a dinner party and you’ll get looks that say “Uh, wait, are you really going to completely invert that wine bottle? Is that thing going to stay on?” or “Ooh, what a pretty little swirl the wine makes, kind of like a wine tornado.”
- It’s cheaper than the others. At $25 each, it’s about $10 cheaper than either the Vinturi or the Respirer. Not a huge difference, but every penny counts in today’s economy.
Bottom line, I’m a fan, but not because it provides me with a new tool or toy to play with, but because it does it in an interesting way.
What you should do: If you don’t have an aerator, buy it - this is a good one to have on hand, especially for entertaining. If you already have an aerator, I personally don’t see a reason to have another one…but that’s up to you.
NOTE: the Wine Soiree was sent to me as a sample from the manufacturers.
What you should do: If you don’t have an aerator, buy it - this is a good one to have on hand, especially for entertaining. If you already have an aerator, I personally don’t see a reason to have another one…but that’s up to you.
NOTE: the Wine Soiree was sent to me as a sample from the manufacturers.
I'm intrigued! I want one to tinker with.
yep, pretty cool. email me at rj@rjswineblog.com and i'll give you some contact info.
Alan, if you are interested in trying out a Soiree feel free to contact us! You can email me at alex@winesoiree.com or Andrew Lazorchak (founder) at info@winesoiree.com.
We hope to hear from you!
This seems like an interesting device. I hope it enhances my tasting experience.