Abstract: Beverages, in particular wine, are preserved by forming an atmosphere within the container, above the liquid level, which will help to preserve the qualities of the beverage. In the case of still beverages, a subatmospheric pressure will be produced by placing a non-return valve in the mouth of the container and then evacuating air from the container. In the case of sparkling beverages, a superatmospheric pressure is produced instead. The pressure inside the container is produced by a motor driven pump and is controlled so that when a predetermined pressure level is reached, the pump stops pumping and the container is sealed.