APB on a wine theif

[JohnT]

Can anybody tell me where I might find a wine theif in this style?

It is a traditional wine thief (rather long, about 4 feet, with a "big bulb" on the end). This is a very traditional wine theif. It will fill several glasses with just one draw and really brings back great family memories.

Story: I was traveling in Hungary just after 9/11. While in a market, I found one, made of hand blown glass, for just $12. YES, TWELVE DOLLARS US!

I figured that there would be no way that I could possibly get this back to the states in one piece. I did not know if they would even let me on the plane with what amounted to a long glass spear, especially right after 9/11. But, for $12 I figured that I had nothing to lose.

With a lot of tape, bubble-wrap, and praying, it made it home in one piece!

To keep it safe, I made a special bracket in blacksmithing class. I hung it on the wall and only used it on special occasions. It survived just fine until my nephew accidentially backed into it and smashed it into a thousand pieces.

I have been searching for a replacement for 4 or 5 years and have had no luck. I really miss the darn thing! If anybody comes accross one, please let me know! I would do anything to get another one of these.

I would even post a thread praising the virtue of Welches! LOL

 

[MrKevin]

wine thief

Try this link.

http://winenvinegar-dispensers.com/...Blown_Wine_Thief_Wine_Extraction_Pipette.html

Kevin

 

[ibglowin]

I hope you find one John but I suspect the only way you will get another is to take another trip back to Hungary.

Good luck. Really nice work!

 

[JohnT]

Try this link.

http://winenvinegar-dispensers.com/Artisan_Made_Glass_Pipete_Traditional_Mouth_Blown_Wine_Thief_Wine_Extraction_Pipette.html

Kevin

I saw that link, but they are located in the UK. I dunno if they even ship to the US. They do not have any on-line ordering and only have an option for "Inquiry".

 

[ibglowin]

Very poorly maintained website. If you click on the link to inquire the website is not found. Doesn't look good but you could try to call or email them.

[email protected]

Renaissance Arts Company Limited, 3, Triq il-Hut, M'Scala MSK 3503, Malta, Europe
Tel: +356 21 632623

 

[Scott]

Arn't there some members in UK? Maybe they can pick one up and send it to you? Otherwise "road trip"

Good luck, looked like a nice piece of equipment.

 

[Sirs]

I would assume you could get a stateside glass blower to make one or two for you for a reasonable price check with local craftsmen

 

[ibglowin]

Local "craftsmen" would only charge you 200-300 bucks........

 

[Runningwolf]

John that is really cool. Please let us know if you find one and the details. There are several boys on here who like their toys! As you know, I happen to be in the club with you.

 

[winemaker_3352]

John

Found this link:

http://www.tradeim.com/product_2453031_Mouth-Blown-Glass-Wine-Pipette.htm

Don't think u can order it - but there is a contact number.

 

[Runningwolf]

Hey John tell me some more about this. Does the wine automatically draw up when you release your thumb or do you have to suck it up. Four feet is a long ways.

 

[JohnT]

With this thief, you draw the wine up in several breaths. You use your tongue as a valve in between breaths. Is is not as hard as it might seem.

The interesting thing about this type of thief is that you hold wine in the thief by placing your finger over the bottom of the thief (and not the top).

What makes this thief really cool is that it acts as a mini water-tower. With all of the wine held in the bulb at the top, there is a surprising amount of pressure at the bottom. If you release your finger (at the bottom) "just-so", you can produce a stream of wine spanning 7 or 10 feet! With a little skill, this stream can be aimed! Some of the old timers in Hungary can fill your glass from that distance without spilling a drop. All you need to do is hold your wineglass at a 45 degree angle, and hold up a finger. WOOOSH! wine delivered via airmail!


It is without a doubt one of the COOLEST things i have ever seen! You would be surprised at how much I would pay for one of these. The hard part is finding one for sale. I have been searching for 4 or 5 years!

To give you a better idea, here is a picture of my cousin Fritz from this year's Hungarian crush. He runs the winery in Hungary. The thief he is holding is a mini version of the real thing (which is at least twice as long).

Also, now that I think of it, if you folks are interested, I can post other picture from this year's crush in Hungary. My Aunt sent me a whole bunch......

 

[winemaker_3352]

John,

I would love to see more pics...

What part of Hungary are they located??

 

[JohnT]

John,

I would love to see more pics...

What part of Hungary are they located??

The winery is on the western shore of lake balaton.

 

[robie]

Hey John,

I think that wine thief falls into the same category as the humble hydrometer - always buy two.

 

[JohnT]

Hey John,

I think that wine thief falls into the same category as the humble hydrometer - always buy two.

OH, If I could only find them, I would DEFINITELY get more than one!

 

[JDC]

Contact these folks

http://www.amyra-arts-crafts-design.com/product.php/Wine-Pipette-121_10/420/

 

[JohnT]

JDC,

They quoted me a price of 105 euros (plus 175 euros in shipping-fragile).

A grand total of 280 Euros. Converted to US$, that's 364.20.

YIKES!

Nice to know that I can at least get one. Still would like to shop around and see if I can get a cheaper one.

 

[ibglowin]

Cheaper than a trip to Hungary but probably not as much fun. Sounds like a good excuse to go back to me!

 

[MrKevin]

John

I contacted the link I told you about and it was the same 105 euro cost that JDC came up with. I didn't get a quote on shipping. I live in Alaska so getting hammered on shipping is normal up here.

Good luck.

Kevin