Article
Two retired engineers from Derbyshire have turned their attention from industry to fine wine, creating a clever device designed to ensure every bottle is served at the perfect temperature.
Mike Lake and Brian Edmundson, who both began their careers at Rolls-Royce in Derby, have developed a new product called Tempevin. The compact device gives an instant reading of a wine's temperature, whether it is still in the bottle or already poured into a glass.
For anyone who enjoys wine, that temperature matters more than many people realise. Wine experts have long argued that serving conditions can dramatically influence how a wine tastes. As renowned wine writer Jancis Robinson and others have repeatedly noted, serving wine at the right temperature is critical for bringing out its full aroma and flavour.
Mike explained that the idea grew out of a shared interest in practical engineering challenges.
“We are retired from running our companies,” he said, “but we engage in projects to keep our brains busy.”
The pair's long experience in software and electronics made them well placed to tackle the problem. After years spent designing and managing technical projects, they began experimenting with ways to measure wine temperature quickly and accurately without disturbing the drink itself.
The result is Tempevin, a simple-to-use device that provides an immediate temperature reading. Unlike traditional thermometers that may take time to stabilise, the new tool is designed to deliver results instantly, making it useful both for home wine lovers and for professionals in restaurants and bars.
Getting wine temperature right is often overlooked. White wines served too cold can lose their aromas, while red wines that are too warm can taste heavy or alcoholic. Even a few degrees can make a noticeable difference.
Tempevin aims to remove the guesswork. By providing a quick reading directly from the bottle or glass, it allows drinkers to know exactly when a wine has reached its ideal serving point.
Mike and Brian suggest the device could be useful not only for consumers but also for the hospitality trade, wine growers, wine retailers, wine tastings, sommeliers and enthusiasts who want to get the best from their bottles.
Despite the technical achievement, the two engineers are not planning to build a global sales operation themselves.
Instead, they are now looking for partners who can take Tempevin to market in the UK and beyond.
“We've done the development and we are a bit long in the tooth to start retail sales.” Mike said. “Now we're looking for the right partners to help with marketing and sales, both in the UK and worldwide.”
If their invention catches on with wine lovers, the Tempevin device could soon become a familiar tool at dinner tables and in restaurants - proving that even in retirement, a pair of engineers can still find ways to innovate.
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