Every great innovation begins with a simple question. For PhD chemist James Kornacki, that question arose during a family gathering as he watched his aunt, who is sensitive to sulfites, have to decline a glass of wine. Why should a substance added only for preservation stand in the way of enjoying one of life’s simple pleasures? This question sparked a journey that would lead to the creation of Üllo®, a revolutionary product designed to restore wine to its pure, natural state.

A Mission Bottled in Purity

Üllo® was founded in 2014 on a clear belief: the best things in life are simple and pure, and wine is best enjoyed as the winemaker intended, free from the artificial sulfites added for transport and storage. While these preservatives are essential for preventing spoilage on a wine’s journey from the vineyard to your home, their job is finished the moment you open the bottle. For many, they leave behind a bitter taste and are associated with unwanted next-day effects.

The Magic of Üllo Purification

Kornacki leveraged his background in chemistry to develop a solution that was as elegant as it was effective. The result was the patented Selective™ technology, the engine that powers every Üllo® purifier. The true innovation lies in the word “selective.” Many filtration methods are blunt instruments, removing not just sulfites but also the delicate organic compounds that give a wine its unique character—its aroma, color, and tannins. Üllo’s food-grade polymer filter is different. It is precision-engineered to attract and capture sulfites while allowing the natural chemistry of the wine to flow through completely unharmed.

An Elevated Pour, A Simple Twist

The experience of using Üllo® is designed to be as seamless as the technology behind it. The sleek device enhances your wine ritual through a few simple steps, giving you complete control over the purification and aeration process.

  • Purify with Every Pour: Simply rest the purifier atop your wine glass or decanter. As you pour, the wine passes through the disposable filter, instantly removing sulfites and sediment.
  • Choose to Aerate: With a simple twist, you can toggle the built-in aerator. Turn it ‘on’ to send red wines cascading in a graceful helix, allowing them to breathe and develop their bouquet.
  • Protect the Delicate: For crisp white wines or rosés, turn the aerator ‘off’ to protect their carefully crafted balance while still benefiting from sulfite removal.

The difference is immediate. By removing the harsh, bitter notes of sulfites, Üllo® reveals the true expression of the wine. Flavors become more pronounced, and the finish is smoother. It’s a subtle but significant transformation, restoring the wine to the state its creator envisioned. This improved taste is why internal taste tests have shown that three out of four people prefer wine purified with Üllo®.

From a Simple Question to a Global Movement

Since its creation, the Chicago-based company has made a global impact, purifying over 40 million glasses of wine for enthusiasts around the world. With over 5,000 five-star reviews, the community of Üllo® users is a testament to the product’s success. It has become an essential tool for those with sulfite sensitivities, as well as for connoisseurs and casual drinkers who simply want to enjoy wine in its purest form.

At its core, Üllo® is more than just a product; it’s a new philosophy for wine drinking. It empowers you to “drink the wine you love – with no next-day regret.” It’s a return to nature and a tribute to the craft of winemaking, ensuring that every glass is enjoyed exactly as it was meant to be: pure, simple, and delicious.

Written in partnership with Tom White