What are the benefits of re-corking my wine?

We don’t re-cork wine unless necessary, as it can only be done once. When a bottle is opened, it undergoes oxygenation; therefore, specialised tools are used by our winemakers to reduce the impact on the wine. A very small amount is poured from the bottle to assess, and the bottle is then topped up with the current vintage of that wine, arresting any further deterioration due to leakage or low levels. Some collectors investing via the secondary market prefer to purchase a re-corked bottle as the condition has been certified, therefore minimising risk.

Does my wine qualify for Penfolds Re-Corking Clinic?

To qualify for an appointment at our clinics, your red wine must be fifteen years or older and can’t have been re-corked previously. Should you have purchased your wine through the secondary wine market and it has been re-corked before, you’ll find a certification label on the back of the bottle signed by a winemaker. Ideally, your wine has been well-cellared and has good ullage.

download the ullage tool here

GREEN ZONE - your wine doesn’t require re-corking

AMBER ZONE - requires re-corking

RED ZONE - wine is no longer certifiable and will not be re-corked

Please note: wines on the cusp of Amber and Red zones should be booked for an appointment.

Understanding what qualifies for re-corking is essential before booking an appointment. In this short video, Jamie Sach, Penfolds Global Ambassador, shares all you need to know.

"We meet people from all over the world, from all walks of life, united by their love of their treasured Penfolds wine."

Peter Gago

Penfolds Chief Winemaker