Wine Cork
A wine cork is a small cylindrical stopper made primarily from the bark of the cork oak tree. It is used to seal wine bottles, preventing air from entering and preserving the wine's quality. Corks can also be made from synthetic materials, but natural cork is preferred for many wines due to its ability to allow a small amount of oxygen to interact with the wine over time.
The use of corks dates back thousands of years, with evidence of their use in ancient Egypt and Greece. They are typically inserted into the neck of the bottle and removed with a corkscrew when it's time to enjoy the wine. Proper storage of wine bottles on their sides helps keep the cork moist, preventing it from drying out and allowing air to spoil the wine.