Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing light exposure and expelling air from a container of wine while at the same time containing, preserving and dispensing the wine. The method of the invention comprises varying the volume of a container with a movable piston to purge the container of air and minimizing degradation of the wine by shielding the wine from light in the container. The apparatus comprises a body for containing wine, a cap for closing the top of the body, a piston movable with a handle within the body for adjusting the volume, and a top portion of the body which is at least in part translucent such that the level of the wine is ascertainable as the piston is moved in the body.