As much as I love beer, sometimes a little red wine will do just fine. After venturing into different labels, vintages and types, I’ve come to realize that, like anything else, you get what you pay for.

Yes, you can get lucky with a decent-tasting bottle that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, but once you’ve tasted better (and more expensive), it’s hard to go back.

That’s where the Vinturi essential wine aerator comes into play. It can help make a $15 bottle taste like a $50 one — OK, maybe just $30.

What aerators do is speed up the “breathing” process that decanters are typically used for, to release a wine’s inherent aromas and flavors — basically, airing it out to taste good.

To use this one, simply pour your freshly opened bottle (3-day-old is OK, too) through the aerator into a wine glass. You’ll notice a better-tasting glass of your favorite bottle (cab or pinot for me).

This aerator also takes care of stray pieces of cork, removing them with a little strainer.

Vinturi also makes a travel-sized aerator that some diners take with them to restaurants.

Once again, I can thank my sister Mel and bro-in-law RJ (aka Gadget Guy) for another wonderful alcohol device.

Manufacturer: Vinturi

Does it work?: Yeah!

Pros: Faster than a decanter and makes that cheaper bottle taste noticeably better

Cons: If you pour too fast, it can overflow, so take your time.

Cost: $20-$30, available at Williams- Sonoma, Target and Amazon

Worth it?: Yes.