What is a wine whip?

Answered by Daniel Conrad

A Whip is a handy tool designed to make the process of degassing wine easier and more efficient. It is a simple and effective solution for removing unwanted carbon dioxide (CO2) from your wine, allowing it to clear more quickly and improving its overall taste.

The Wine Whip itself consists of a long, stainless steel rod with a curved shape, resembling a whip or a spoon. At the end of the rod, there is a circular paddle-like attachment that helps to agitate the wine and release the trapped CO2.

To use the Wine Whip, you simply insert it into a household drill, making sure it is securely attached. Once attached, you can gently lower the Wine Whip into your wine, making sure to keep it submerged. Then, you turn on the drill and let it do the work for you.

As the drill spins the Wine Whip, the paddle-like attachment stirs the wine, creating a swirling motion that helps to release the CO2. This process is known as degassing. By agitating the wine in this way, the CO2 bubbles rise to the surface and escape, leaving the wine free from excess gas.

The degassing process typically takes around 3 minutes with the Wine Whip. This is a significant time-saving compared to traditional methods, such as using a spoon, which can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. With the Wine Whip, you can quickly and efficiently degas your wine, allowing you to move on to the next steps of the winemaking process.

One of the main benefits of using a Wine Whip is that it helps to improve the clarity of your wine. When wine is not properly degassed, it can take longer for any sediment or suspended particles to settle, resulting in a cloudy appearance. By removing the excess CO2, the Wine Whip helps the wine to clarify more quickly, allowing you to enjoy a clear and visually appealing final product.

Additionally, degassing your wine with a Wine Whip can also help to eliminate any residual CO2 taste. When wine contains too much dissolved CO2, it can have a slightly fizzy or carbonated sensation, which can be undesirable in certain styles of wine. By degassing with the Wine Whip, you can ensure that your wine has a smoother and more balanced taste.

A Wine Whip is a practical and efficient tool for degassing wine. It saves time and effort, while also improving the clarity and taste of your homemade wines. Whether you are a beginner winemaker or a seasoned enthusiast, the Wine Whip is a valuable addition to your winemaking toolkit.