Close Menu
News

Coravin tackles safety concerns

The manufacturer of Coravin, a device which enables people to sample wine without pulling the cork, has confirmed that it plans to resume shipments in mid-July after investigating an alarming safety concern.

Earlier this month the company voluntarily reported seven incidents of bottles exploding when its device was used to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, stopped selling the product and issued a warning to existing users.

In a new update on its website this week, Coravin noted that a total of 13 breakage issues had now come to its attention, but assured customers that its system was “operating as designed and delivering the correct low pressure.”

Following investigations by its own team and external experts, the company reported: “We found no breakage patterns in vintage, varietal, region, or producers of the bottles. However, we did find evidence of preexisting damage or flaws in each of the bottles that made them susceptible to breaking apart when pressurized.”

Despite finding no problem with its device, the manufacturer confirmed that it will now be sending out a“Remedy Kit” to existing customers for each of their Coravin systems. This will include a Coravin Wine Bottle Sleeve, a warning label to be placed on the Coravin itself, and a “revised set of warnings and instructions.”

To clarify, the company emphasised: “ALWAYS use a Coravin Wine Bottle Sleeve while accessing and pouring wine with the Coravin System. Keep in mind that the sleeve can be removed as soon as you are finished accessing and pouring, and is not required for the storage of the bottle.”

It also confirmed that Coravin shipments are likely resume in “mid-July” once all existing customers have received these kits, which will be provided as standard on all new devices.

Having launched initially in the US, Coravin has been widely hailed as a “game changer” by early adopters. Although the £300 device can presently only be ordered from the US, there are plans to open a UK website and European office later this year.

 

It looks like you're in Asia, would you like to be redirected to the Drinks Business Asia edition?

Yes, take me to the Asia edition No