What do you need?

Make sure you have the following on hand before you begin:

1. A Coravin wine system that is compatible with screw caps.
2. One or more Coravin screw caps (check that the size fits your bottle).
3. A filled argon capsule in your wine system.
4. Your favorite screw-cap wine, ready to enjoy.

Step 1: Remove the original screw cap

Unscrew the original cap from the bottle. This is the only time the wine briefly comes into contact with air, so work steadily but without dawdling. Put the original cap aside, as you no longer need it.

Step 2: Attach the Coravin screw cap

Screw the Coravin screw cap firmly onto the bottle. Make sure it's secure but don't overdo it, otherwise the threading will be harder to open later. A good seal is crucial because the argon gas can only do its job if there's no way for air to get in.

Step 3: Attach the wine system to the screw cap

Place your Coravin wine system onto the screw cap as instructed by your system's manual. On models compatible with screw caps you click or screw the system onto the cap, instead of inserting a needle through a cork. Check that the connection feels secure before you continue.

Step 4: Pour your glass

Tilt the bottle with the system towards your glass, just as you normally would with the Coravin system. Press the lever to pump argon into the bottle and let wine flow. Pour as much as you like. The argon gas fills the space the wine leaves behind, so no vacuum or oxidation occurs.

Step 5: Detach the system and store the bottle

Carefully remove the wine system from the screw cap. The cap remains on the bottle and provides an airtight seal. Place the bottle upright in a cool, dark spot. The wine is now protected by argon and will stay fresh for the next time you want to enjoy it, whether that's tomorrow or in a few weeks.

Step 6: Next time, use the same screw cap

The Coravin screw cap stays on the bottle as long as there is wine in it. You attach the wine system to it each time, pour a glass, and store the bottle again. You don't need to unscrew the cap in between. That's how simple the system is — and that's exactly its strength.

Cleaning and maintenance

When the bottle is empty, remove the screw cap and rinse it with lukewarm water. No soap needed, just rinse thoroughly. Let the cap air dry before storing it. Do not put the screw cap in the dishwasher—that can damage the material and the seal. Proper care means you'll enjoy it for a long time.