My friends like to tease me that I’m a seasonal wine drinker – white wine in warm seasons and red wine in cool seasons. Needless to say, I enjoy my wine and now more than ever I’m finding fun and functional accessories that I believe are worth sharing.

The Vinturi Red Wine Aerator breathes life into wines instantly, with or without a decanter. The simple act of pouring wine through the aerator increases pressure as you pour, drawing in and mixing just the right amount of air to help wines open up to their full potential. I mentioned the Ravi  Wine Chiller in a previous post but I’m still a big fan of this great gadget that instantly chills your wine from room temperature to its ideal serving temperature.

What to do with all those corks? Turn them into a creative Trivet with this great kit from Greenfeet or if you have a huge amount, send them to Yemm & Hart who are one of the few places that recycles them. My friend, Kristina, turned me onto the Woozie, an insulated sleeve for your wine glass. They are made from neoprene and are stretchable, washable and reusable. They can be purchased from a variety of places online or locally here in St. Louis at Embroider the Occasion in Webster Groves. Perfect for these hot summer days & nights.

Many of the items mentioned here would be great gift ideas or think about “adopting a vine” for a special wine person in your life. Both Taylor Brooke Winery and St. Helena Winery both offer such programs. Cheers!