Which wine aerator is best? Wine has two natural enemies: light and air. Although the best way to preserve your favorite vintage is to keep it in a dark, cool place, when you’re ready to drink it, letting it breathe for at least 30 minutes unleashes the wine’s delicious bouquet and complex flavors. If you have neglected to decant the wine ahead of time and you’re ready to have a taste, a wine aerator can save the day.