At Friarwood Wines and Spirits, we pride ourselves on bringing you the finest wines alongside innovative solutions to enhance your wine experience. Today, we're delighted to spotlight the remarkable ETO Decanter—an award-winning wine preservation system that elegantly combines form and function.
The Wine Wastage Dilemma
Did you know that the UK alone pours away a staggering 50 million litres of wine annually? This shocking statistic not only represents a significant financial loss but also an environmental concern. Enter Tom Cotton, a British designer and inventor whose passion for wine and sustainability led him to create a solution to this widespread problem.
After discovering that existing wine preservation products were either ineffective or prohibitively expensive, Tom embarked on a journey in 2012 to develop something revolutionary. With the support of an Innovate UK government grant and six years of meticulous development involving over 60 prototypes, the ETO Decanter was born.
What Makes the ETO Special?
The name "eto" means "again" in Welsh—a perfect description for a device designed to let you enjoy your favourite wines time and again. The ETO Decanter houses unique and innovative technology that seals out oxygen, preserving your wine's full flavour profile and ensuring not a drop goes to waste.
Its elegant, minimalist design means it's not just a practical tool but also a sophisticated addition to your dining table or wine cabinet. The decanter fits perfectly into a fridge door, making storage simple and convenient.
Using Your ETO Decanter: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting the most from your ETO Decanter is remarkably straightforward. Here's our comprehensive guide:
First Use
- Before first use, thoroughly wash all six parts of your ETO in hot water and dry completely. The included microfibre bag is perfect for polishing the metal components.
Decanting Your Wine
- Open your bottle of wine and pour yourself a glass to enjoy immediately.
- Remove the ETO stopper and fully extend the neck.
- Hold the ETO at an angle and decant your bottle through the neck. This process gently oxygenates the wine, opening up its character and enhancing its flavour profile.
- Pour a glass if desired—the long neck provides gentle aeration while the sharp lip ensures drip-free pouring.
- Replace the closure and push the neck down. The valve automatically locks when it reaches the wine, creating a perfect seal that prevents oxidation.
- Store your ETO in a cool, dark place or in your fridge door.
- When ready for your next glass, simply lift the neck very slightly to release the seal before pouring.
Cleaning Your ETO
Proper maintenance ensures your ETO will serve you perfectly for years to come:
- Fully extend the neck, unscrew the shoulder, and raise the shoulder to the top.
- Lift and rotate the inner components out.
- Turn the ETO upside down and unscrew the valve (anti-clockwise).
- Separate the black seal from the horn and, if needed, remove the ball from the ball holder for easier cleaning.
- Hand-wash all parts in hot water and dry thoroughly.
Reassembly
- Replace the black seal and return the ball to the ball holder.
- Screw in the valve securely (clockwise), ensuring the seals are fully air-dried.
- Guide the horn in at a 45° angle.
- Push inside (approximately 10cm), then screw on the shoulder and replace the stopper.
Invest in Your Wine Experience
With the ETO Decanter, you'll never again worry about wasting wine or losing flavour due to oxidation. This expertly designed system preserves the integrity of your wine, allowing you to enjoy every last drop of your favourite bottles.
Available now at Friarwood Wines and Spirits, the ETO Decanter makes a perfect gift for the wine enthusiast in your life—or a brilliant treat for yourself. After all, fine wines deserve to be enjoyed to their fullest potential, and ETO ensures exactly that.
Visit our shops or online store today to discover how this remarkable British innovation can transform your wine experience.
