WOOD Magazine’s free plan shows how to make Eric Jorgensen’s fish-shaped wine bottle holder from a 3/4 × 4 × 12-inch wood blank. The bottle rests at an angle in a 1 1/2-inch through-hole, balancing the fish-shaped piece. The official page includes a downloadable pattern; availability may change. View the plan and pattern at WOOD Magazine.
What the plan makes
The project is a single fish-shaped holder designed by Eric Jorgensen of Chesapeake, Virginia. Its balance depends on the holder’s shape and the bottle’s position in the large opening; the page’s phrase “Defy gravity” is promotional, not a measured performance claim. WOOD’s instructions ask makers to build only a few and give them as gifts. The official plan was published December 12, 2017.
Materials and tools
The instructions call for a 3/4 × 4 × 12-inch piece of scrap wood. Goncalo alves is shown in the pictured example, but the plan does not require that species. You will also need a finish and sanding supplies.
- Drill and 1 1/2-inch bit for the bottle opening
- 3/16-inch drill bit for the shallow eye hole
- Scroll saw to cut the fish profile
- Router table and 3/16-inch round-over bit for the edges
The plan specifies operations, not brands or models, and does not give a difficulty rating or build time.
#1 Best Overall
- A sleek fish-shaped bottle holder in a polished nickel finish with sculptural curves and a stable base
- Perfect for Contemporary, Beach, Coastal, Farmhouse, or French Country spaces that blend nautical charm with modern metallics
- Use it to display wine or specialty bottles on a bar cart, kitchen counter, or dining table
- Made of cast aluminum with a durable nickel-tone finish and artful silhouette
- 10.5" L x 5" W x 9.75" H
How to build the holder
- Transfer the downloadable pattern to the 3/4 × 4 × 12-inch blank.
- Drill a 1 1/2-inch hole all the way through the blank for the bottle. On the top side, drill a separate 3/16-inch hole 3/8 inch deep for the eye.
- Chamfer both sides of the large opening by 3/16 inch.
- Cut the 45-degree bevel at the end of the tail. Use a scroll saw to cut the fish shape, leaving the mouth uncut for now.
- Use a router table with a 3/16-inch round-over bit to round the fish’s edges.
- Cut the mouth, sand the piece, apply a wood finish, then friction-fit the eye into its hole.
What the plan does not establish
The published instructions provide the opening and blank dimensions, but do not specify a compatible bottle-size range or report testing across bottle shapes. They also give no tested load or safety procedure. Treat the design as a woodworking project rather than a verified fit for every wine bottle, and follow safe operating procedures for your tools.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Beachy Room Decor: This adorable turtle stuff wine holder is nice for adding a coastal vibe to your home, office, or party. Its ocean-inspired design complements beach-themed rooms, kitchens, living spaces, and even classrooms, making it a versatile decorative piece.
- Functional & Decorative: Not just a cute figurine, this wine bottle holder doubles as a functional wine bottle holder rack for single bottle. It’s ideal for countertops, shelves, tables, or desks, and adds a whimsical touch to your bar, kitchen, or dining area.
- Nice Gift Idea: Surprise your grandma, granddaughter, or loved ones with this unique gift! Its beachy aesthetic and cute beach sea turtle design make it a thoughtful present for men, women, or anyone who loves coastal or nautical themes.
- High-Quality Design: Crafted from quality materials like ceramic or resin, this turtle figurine is both elegant and sturdy. Its aesthetic blue tones or tropical-inspired colors make it a beautiful centerpiece ocean decor for home or tabletop decoration.
- Versatile & Fun: Nice for coastal cottages, modern apartments, or even RVs, this wine holder brings a touch of the ocean decor. Use it as a decorative accent, a funny novelty item, or a functional bottle stand for liquor, champagne, or wine—it’s a must-have for beach lovers!
Rank #4
- Height: 7.09", width: 6.30", length: 16.93" (depends from the bottle height)
- The sculpture takes up one bottle with narrow bottleneck (wine bottle)
- The wine bottle is not included
Rank #3
- Handcrafted and welded from recycled metal
- Length: 11.8", Height: 14.6", Width: 4.3"
- Max. bottle diameter: 3.3"
- Excellent gift for any occasion
- Comes WITHOUT bottle!
Rank #2
- Metal wine bottle holder with funny details like the removable net - including greeting card.
- Gift idea for anglers as an invitation for boat fishing, as a birthday present, for retirement and other occasions.
- Dimensions of the bottle holder: Height 14.2 inches, width 4.1 inches, length 9.3 inches (without bottle).
- The maximum bottle diameter is 3.54 inches.
- The wine bottle is not included.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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