Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2025
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by Outside Contributor
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Sponsored By: WSJ Wine
Ever found yourself wondering if the closure on a wine bottle—whether it’s a cork or a screw cap—actually makes a difference? You’re not alone. While corks have been the go-to for centuries, screw caps (or “twist-off” caps) have become a major player in recent decades. Below, we break down the pros, cons, and differences between the two, so that you can sip with confidence.
What Exactly Is a Wine Cork?
There are several types of wine corks out there, but let’s focus on natural corks. These are made from the bark of the cork oak tree (Quercus suber), mainly found in Portugal and Spain, and have been used to seal wine bottles for hundreds of years.
A cork tree’s bark is harvested about every nine years, a process that doesn’t harm the tree and allows the bark to regenerate. After drying and boiling to remove impurities, the cork is shaped into a cylinder, cleaned and prepped for bottling.
Corks are beloved for many reasons—but they also come with some trade-offs.
Why Wine Corks Are Still Loved & Prevalent
Aging potential – Natural corks form a flexible yet snug seal that expands and contracts. This helps trap in the wine’s aroma and flavor, while allowing a small amount of oxygen in—just enough to help certain wines age gracefully and develop complexity.
Sustainability – Cork forests store carbon and support biodiversity. Plus, corks are biodegradable and can be recycled.
Tradition & ritual – There’s something timeless about “uncorking” a bottle. Many wine lovers enjoy the ceremony, and most prestigious wines still come with natural corks to signal quality.
Downsides of Wine Corks
Cork taint – Natural cork can be affected by TCA (2,4,6-trichloroanisole), a compound that can cause a musty, off-putting smell. While better treatments have reduced this risk, a small percentage of bottles are still impacted. (Worth noting: TCA can also come from barrels, or anywhere the wine is in contact with wood, not just corks.)
Inconsistency – Since corks are natural, no two are exactly the same. Over time, this can lead to slight variations in aging between bottles.
Cost & convenience – Corks are more expensive to produce and require a corkscrew—something not always on hand at a picnic or cookout.
Environmental footprint – While cork is sustainable overall, transporting raw materials and finished corks can be energy-intensive.
What About Screw Caps?
Screw caps are made from aluminum and include a plastic liner that creates the seal. First popularized in the 1970s by Australian and New Zealand producers trying to avoid cork taint, screw tops now dominate in those countries’ wine markets and are gaining traction globally.
Perks of Screw Caps
Consistency – Screw caps provide an airtight seal that keeps the wine tasting just as the winemaker intended, minimizing oxidation and taint.
Ease of use – No tools needed! They’re quick to open, easy to reseal, and travel-friendly—perfect for casual sipping or outdoor gatherings.
Cost-effective – These closures are almost always less expensive than cork, which helps keep the overall wine price down.
Potential Drawbacks
Aging questions – There’s still debate over how well wines age under screw cap. The seal limits oxygen exposure, which can be great for preserving freshness but may affect long-term aging. Some newer screw caps allow a controlled level of oxygen ingress, offering more aging options.
Perception – Some still see screw tops as “cheap,” although that’s changing as more premium wines adopt them.
Environmental concerns – Aluminum caps are recyclable, but the plastic liner typically isn’t.
So, Which One’s Better?
Choosing between cork and screw cap comes down to the type of wine, how long you plan to keep it and your personal preferences.
One myth we can bust right now: high-quality wine doesn’t have to come under cork. Many top-tier producers, especially in regions like New Zealand, bottle exceptional wines with screw caps. In fact, screw tops are often the better choice for white wines, rosés and others meant to be enjoyed young and fresh.
So don’t be put off by a screw cap—it doesn’t mean the wine inside is any less special.
Other Closure Options
You might also spot some alternative closures on the shelf:
- Synthetic corks – Often made from plastic, they’re resistant to cork taint and mimic the cork-pulling experience. However, they are not ideal for long-term cellaring.
- Composite corks – Made by combining cork granules together with glue, these keep the traditional look and feel, with fewer risks of taint—but their aging performance is mixed.
- Innovative closures – Glass stoppers like VinoLok™ or twist-style cork hybrids like Helix offer modern alternatives that are especially popular for rosé and early-drinking wines.
The Bottom Line
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether you prefer the classic feel of a cork or the practical benefits of a screw cap, both options serve their purpose—and the right choice depends on the wine, the moment and your personal style as a wine drinker.
Want to learn even more about wine? Check out our other articles:
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