What we like: This crystal wine decanter is light and durable. The eye-catching design showcases wine. Fun to use for other beverages, like water or juice.

No, that decanter filled with wine at that fine dining restaurant or at your friend's fancy dinner party isn't a decorative centerpiece. It has a real purpose.

Decanter models from Riedel the Wine Glass Co. include (clockwise from top right) Ultra, Sommeliers, Pomerol, Dominus and Vinum Extreme. Chronicle illustration by Hulda Nelson ...

Our wine columnist breaks down the benefits of introducing oxygen to certain wines by way of decanting. And she shares recent finds, practical as well as pretty, worth considering for your table.

Decanting a young wine (one with no sediment) is easy: Just pour it into the decanter. Let it sit for twenty minutes or so before you serve it, and you'll likely notice a dramatic increase in ...