Corks vs Screw Caps: What’s Really Sealing the Deal?

If you've ever hesitated between two bottles of wine, one with a cork, the other with a screw cap, you’re not alone. For years, cork was seen as the hallmark of quality, while screw caps were unfairly labelled as “cheap” or “mass-produced.” But in today’s winemaking world, it’s not that simple.

At BC Wines, we believe in using the best closure for each wine; one that preserves flavour, protects quality, and suits the wine's unique style. Whether you’re a cork traditionalist or a screw cap supporter, here’s what you should know.

1. It’s All About Oxygen

Corks are made from natural oak and allow a very slow exchange of oxygen with the wine over time. This gentle oxidation can help age-worthy wines evolve in the bottle, softening tannins and building complexity.

Screw caps, on the other hand, create a tight, controlled seal. This keeps oxygen out almost completely, which helps retain the wine’s freshness, aromatics, and crisp acidity. That makes them a great choice for white wines, rosés, and any wine meant to be enjoyed young.

So, it’s not about one being better, it’s about what the wine needs.

2. Screw Caps Are Smart, Not “Cheap”

Once upon a time, screw caps had a reputation problem. But that’s changed, fast.

Top producers in South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia now use screw caps for premium wines. Why? Because they’re reliable, consistent, and eliminate cork taint (a musty, unpleasant flavour caused by a compound called TCA found in some corks, also known as wine becoming "corked").

With a screw cap, you know exactly what you’re going to get. No disappointments when you open the bottle!

3. Travel-Friendly & Sustainable

Screw caps aren’t just practical, they’re also perfect for life on the move. Planning a picnic? A hike? A weekend getaway? A screw cap bottle is easy to open, easy to reseal, and won’t leave you scrambling for a corkscrew.

Both cork and aluminium screw caps also have their sustainability advantages.

• Cork is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable material harvested from cork oak trees without cutting them down.

• Screw caps are lightweight, easily recyclable, and have a lower carbon footprint during shipping.

The real win? Choosing wine from a producer that puts thought and care into every decision;

from grape to glass to closure.

The BC Wines Approach

At BC Wines, we use screw caps across nearly our entire range, and proudly so. Screw caps offer consistency, protect against cork taint, and help us preserve the fresh, vibrant character of our wines exactly as we intended them to taste.

The exception? Our Brut Sauvignon Blanc, which is sealed with a traditional cork and cage to maintain the pressure and elegance expected of a sparkling wine.

Whether you’re opening a crisp white or a smooth red, you can count on our closures to deliver quality, convenience, and peace of mind with every bottle.

Ready to Sip for Yourself?

Browse our full range online and experience both styles in action: www.bcwines.co.za

Let the bottle speak for itself.