Wine Gadgets and Gizmos

Several months ago a friend of mine was tellingpersonal bias in favor of my Vacu Vin. When I
me about a new wine preservation gadget. Heperformed side by side comparisons between the
suggested that I try out the new EpicureanVacu Vin and the Epicurean Preservation System
Preservation System (EPS). "My Vacu Vin worksin preserving still wines, I was ultimately more
just fine," I insisted. Reluctantly, I moved forwardimpressed by the EPS. Both the Vacu Vin and the
with this challenge, wondering at that time why IEPS both utilize rubber bottle stoppers, and both
was doing this. As a sommelier and wine writer, Isystems vacuum the air out of wine bottles
am often asked to review wines and wine relatedeffectively, but I observed some notable
products. Research is a key component to furtherdifferences. I am 215 pounds, and with great
wine education and any good written review, so Ieffort, I can really crank down on a Vacu Vin in
accepted my friend's challenge.assuring a terrific vacuum. However, other people
I contacted the Epicurean International Company ((i.e. seniors, smaller people, etc.) may not be able
and before I knew it I was speaking withto create the same result with a Vacu Vin. With a
Anthony Lemme. I was the lucky recipient of aflip of a switch and the press of a button, the
short seminar regarding the benefits of theirEpicurean Preservation System does all of the
Epicurean Preservation System versus thework for you. The more I used the EPS, the
features of the Vacu Vin. According to Mr.greater my realization of just what a labor
Lemme and their company's research, "Oursavings this EPS provides to its users. Regarding
patent pending dual-action Roto-ciprocal EPSextending the duration and preservation of still
vacuum and pressure pump system is designedwines, I found no difference between the EPS or
to preserve the optimum taste, color, and aromaVacu Vin systems.
of the wines and the sparkle of the finestIn side by side comparisons using both the
champagnes up to 14 days longer than openEpicurean Preservation System and Vacu Vin to
bottles." I asked Anthony what is the number onepreserve champagnes or sparkling wines, there is
sales point of the Epicurean Preservation System?absolutely no comparison. The EPS blows away
"Our product is the first truly cost-effective winethe Vacu Vin! If the Vacu Vin system is used on
preservation system that actually preserves thea sparkling wine, and a vacuum is created then
fizz in champagne. The Vacu Vin does notwithin a day or so the sparkling wine has lost all of
preserve the champagne's fizz," said Mr. Lemme.its effervescence. At best, the Vacu Vin bottle
At the conclusion of my interview, we completedstopper can be used without applying a vacuum,
the order and within a few days an Epicureanand the sparkling wine's effervescence will last a
Preservation System was delivered right to myfew days. The Epicurean Preservation System
PO Box.has two switch settings, red for vacuum or blue
Upon examining the Epicurean Preservationfor pressure charging, and with a 180 degree flip
System, I was impressed by the portable, selfof the switch, the user can immediately switch
contained design of this unit. The EPS unit whenfrom vacuuming a bottle to pressure charging a
not in use it rests upright in an AC charger.sparkling wine bottle. The EPS specially designed
Accompanying the wine preservation system aresparkling wine bottle stopper is screwed onto the
two types of bottle stoppers. One type is usedsparkling wine bottle and the EPS unit is then
for preserving still wines and the other is aattached to the bottle stopper. The bottle is
specially designed bottle stopper used forcharged within thirty seconds. Amazing! I can
preserving champagne or sparkling wines. Thepersonally vouch for the EPS' preservation of a
two EPS bottle stoppers used for still wines offersparkling wine's effervescence for at least one
two functions: one is a basic bottle stopper andweek. Given the fact that most sparkling wines
the other offers a functional pour spout in itsare usually consumed the day they are opened,
design. The EPS champagne or sparkling winethe EPS easily preserves sparkling wines for at
bottle stopper is designed to screw onto aleast a week. In vino veritas!
champagne bottle and maintain a high pressureThe Epicurean Preservation System is available to
charge.the trade only and costs approximately $300
The challenge begins! I am a huge fan of mydollars. EPS wins my vote of approval, and I have
Vacu Vin, and maybe up to the moment, thebeen using it religiously ever since.
biggest challenge I was facing was my own