Why Use a wine Aerator? aeration will help the tannins to mellow a bit, softening any harsh edges in the wine and making it a more pleasant drinking experience that isn’t overpowered by a tannic punch. Effectively wine aeration is trying to replicate the wine’s natural aging process, and tries to make up for lost years bottled in the cellar within an hour of open oxygen exposure. Both ways help break down harsh tannins.