Wine Racks: The Solution For Practical Wine Storage

In order to get the best benefits out of good wines, they first need to sufficiently mature.  Wines only get better with time.  They must be stored properly during this period of maturing, as factors such as humidity, temperature, and proper lighting play an imperative role.  The easiest and most effective way to store wine is to use a wine rack.  Wine racks are to be selected carefully, keeping in mind which size of rack that you will require.

There are many choices of wine racks.  However, the horizontal types of racks are normally preferred to those that are vertical, especially for wines that will be stored for a long period of time.  Vertical racks do tend to dry the cork, which will end up spoiling the wine, just as many tilted racks do.  Horizontal racks won't dry up the cork and allow any unnecessary air contact, leaving your wine which is stored in a horizontal rack to be totally absent of sediment when it is poured.  Another benefit is that it is also inexpensive to maintain.

The very wide range of wine racks are normally made of either wood or metal, that can be kept sitting on the floor, or they can be suspended from the ceiling.

A wooden wine rack has an advantage over a metal rack, as it can provide much needed extra storage space.  They are strong and hard, and are aesthetically pleasing, mainly because they are made of cedar, maple, and mahogany.  The wide range of these wine racks includes Diamond Bin, Rectangular Bin, and the Curved Corner Rack.  If none of these are appealing to your creative nature, then you can purchase your own wooden kit which is all ready to make up with all the tools needed, making it very easy to install.  This will allow you to create your own design for a rack that you want.

Wine racks which are smaller in size are suitable for homes and personal collections, but larger businesses will usually require larger racks to store larger quantities and varieties.  Wine racks are very affordable, with prices that can range anywhere from $20 to $1000.  For most home uses of racks, you can look to spend in the neighborhood of $35-$300, which all depends on the style and size of what you are looking for.  There is a wine rack for all your needs, it is up to you to find that rack and begin storage.

Wine Accessories -- A Wine Lover's Mark

The popularity of wine spreads all over the world.  This drink loved by all, is perhaps one of the oldest alcoholic beverages available.  A true wine lover not only loves to drink it, but also loves to serve it to other people.  For a wine connoisseur, a wine rack is a must to have in his house.  Wine racks are both decorative as well as utilitarian.  It is for holding your collection of different wine bottles, and for many it is like a display which they always are proud of.

Wine racks:

There are so many different designs of wine racks you can find.  Depending on your taste, whether you want an old classic look or a modern touch, you can choose the wine rack.  Wood is still the most loved storage wine rack.  There are a few wine racks that are even made for storing wine inside the refrigerator.  Wine bottles have to be kept and stored with utmost care.  These wine racks hold the bottles in contact with the cork, thereby preventing any loss of taste or smell of delicate liquids.

Wine racks can be made up of wood, metal, wrought iron, etc.  It is said that wrought iron racks are best, as they can not only be made into different artistic designs, but they are also sturdy, thus providing good support for your wine bottles.  For a classic Victorian look, go for a wooden wine storage rack.  This is also safe to use as it can go with any kind of furniture you have at home.  You can also buy table top racks if you are short of space in the house.

Things to remember:

For those who have a large collection of wine, you can also go for a refrigerator wine storage rack, as the refrigerator will keep the temperature under control.  There are a few things that you should remember while buying a wine storage rack:

• Decide on the place where you want to keep the rack, be it your kitchen or your dining area.  Depending on that, you can decide on what type of rack you want.
• If you have a big space, you can have choices as to what type of racks you want, but incase you are short of space, you can go for a hanging one or a wall rack.
• Check out the size, shape, and the number of bottles you want, and then you can decide whether you will need a big rack or if a small one will do.
• Find out the different price ranges and compare prices from all different dealers.  Buy the one that suits your budget.

A wine rack cannot be complete without wine accessories.  The most common ones include wine glasses, corkscrews, wine totes, coolers, wine stoppers, wine bottle holders, corkboards etc.  A wine corkscrew is an important tool.  There are many types of corkscrews available, though all serve the same purpose.  One end has to be screwed directly into the cork's center, and then the handle is used to lift the cork out of the bottle.  Now you can also find decanters for enhancing the look of your display.  They are glass bottles with designs on them, and they are also great for maintaining the flavors of wine rather than to keep in open bottles in your rack.

These wine accessories also make a perfect gift for someone who has a taste for fine things in life.

Wine Storage Temperature And Serving Suggestions

The love of wine has existed since the dawn of time.  Fossil vines, 60-million-years-old, are the earliest scientific evidence of grapes.  The earliest written account of viniculture is in the Old Testament of the Bible which tells us that Noah planted a vineyard and made wine (well with all those animals on the Ark what was he expected to do!)

Exactly when it was discovered is unknown, but an ancient Persian fable credits a lady of the court with the discovery of wine.  This Princess, having lost favor with the King, attempted to poison herself by eating some table grapes that had spoiled in a jar.  She became intoxicated and giddy and fell asleep.  When she awoke, she found the stresses that had made her life intolerable had dispersed.  Returning to the source of her relief, her subsequent conduct changed so remarkably that she regained the King's favor.  He shared his daughter's discovery with his court and ...

The wine industry and consumption continues to grow every year.  Wine connoisseur are continually buying great wine to keep either for later consumption or for investment.

One of the most important aspects to ensure your wine stays fresh during storage is the wine storage temperature.

The basics of wine storage temperature are fairly simple.  First, the wine should be kept cool.  Like most beverages and foods, heat is the natural enemy of wine.  A cool temperature is optimal, but the temperature should not lowered too much as this too will harm the wine.  In the unlikely event that the wine freezes, it will probably only be suitable for vinegar!

The basics of wine storage are really straightforward with whites, reds, and blushes.  However, the serving preparation for each of these wine types is different and something worth discussing.  After removing the bottle from storage, getting your wine to the correct temperature is important.  With red wines, such as a merlot or sheraz, approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) is what is recommended.  This is basically room temperature.  Secret tip:  in a room of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit the wine, due to being a liquid will naturally be cooler.  It is highly advised to not chill red wines.  This is a more common error than you think, the cold can be very destructive on the wine and its flavor.

With whites and many blushes the need for refrigeration before serving is key.  Chilling truly brings out the flavor.  For these types of wine 39 degrees Fahrenheit or 4 degrees Celsius is usually a good temperature.

In the case of both darker wines and the lighter types, it is advisable to let the bottle ''breathe'' after opening.  It is recommended you do this about half an hour before drinking (longer is often better)

Now to tasting.  Swish the wine around the mouth to truly get the most out of the flavor.  I however recommend drinking as opposed to spitting it out!

In the end ENJOY the wine, it is after all a pleasure that has been with us for centuries.

Why All Wine Connoisseurs Must Purchase A Wine Storage Cooler

As the years pass, the quality and taste of wine changes.  The manner in which wine is stored can either slow or hasten this natural process.  Whether you are storing white or red wine, sparkling whine or champagne, it may be necessary to invest in a wine storage cooler in order to protect your assortment of fine beverages.

Wine storage coolers are available in a vast array of stores.  Even the lower end consumer retailers have gotten into the party.  It is not uncommon to find great deals on these products from stores like Walmart and Target.  Of course, for the more luxurious wine aficionados out there, high end retailers have more aesthetically pleasing and electronically sound wine storage cooler for sale.

What does a wine storage cooler do?  It sounds simple and many of you are probably wondering why not just use the household refrigerator.  The reason for this is that the storage temperature required for food to be kept fresh and the temperature required to keep wine properly cooled is different.

Food generally requires a much lower temperature.  Another reason is that the continuous opening of the refrigeration causes temperature readings to change.  Wine needs to be kept at a constant temperature in order to preserve its color, taste and quality.

Another problem to consider is that different types of wine require different temperature settings.  You are not going to have this flexibility with a standard refrigerator.  Many wine storage cooler are manufactured with the ability to delegate different temperature and humidity zones.  For instance, if you have a fine bottle of white and a deep red wine, you can set two different settings in your wine storage cooler to ensure the preservation of the liquid.

Besides the obvious usefulness of the wine storage cooler, there is an aesthetic component to having one in your home.  When a visitor sees a wine storage cooler, the immediate connection is made with luxury and class.

There are a ton of products on the market for you to choose from.  The best way to begin your search is by viewing consumer reports, fine wine magazines and doing some Internet research.

If you go to wine tasting events, you might want to ask some of the other attendees and even the wine manufacturers which devices are the best to keep your wine as fresh as possible.

How To Choose The Right Wine Rack

Have you just bought a dozen expensive European reds, but have no suitable wine rack to store them?  Are you a budding wine enthusiast and wondering how to choose the right wine rack for your growing wine collection?

Well-designed wine racks that keep wines from being moved too much could be the answer to your wine storage problems.  By keeping bottles in a horizontal position, good wine racks allow the wine to keep the cork moist so that it doesn’t dry out and allow air into the bottle.

It was the Romans who developed better wine storage methods, keeping wine in barrels and bottles.  But how do you solve the modern-day problem of finding space and the right wine rack for your wine collection?

Tips on how to choose the right wine rack for your wine collection

1. It is important to ask how many bottles you're going to store and when you're going to drink them.
   • If you have a dozen bottles, ready for drinking within a month or two, then all you may need is a wine rack that sits on the floor in a closet somewhere on the north side of the house.
   • If you are a serious collector and want to store your wines for more than a year to maybe ten years, then you may need modular wine racks that hold hundreds of  bottles of wine.  A cellar or converted cellar measuring less than 3 meters square will easily hold 100 dozen bottle bottles or wine.
2. The second most important question is where are you going to put your wine racks?  The best place for wine storage is a cellar or cellar-like place that is dim, cool, and stable in temperature and movement, slightly humid and with few odors.  The worst place would be the top of the fridge where you get vibration, constantly changing temperature, heat from the kitchen and constant exposure to light.
   • In most modern homes the cellar-like place can be a large closet, a walk-in wine pantry, space under a stairway, a specially constructed and insulated room with wine racks and wine cellar cooling systems, or even a converted corner of the garage.
3. What material do you want for your wine rack?
   • If you want a modern look, you may opt for a stainless steel wine rack.
   • If you want the traditional look of wood, then you can choose from inexpensive pine to more expensive oak, walnut, cherry, western red cedar or mahogany.
   • If you want novel styles and shapes then you may opt for wrought iron which can be moulded into various shapes and powder-coated in various colors to match your home décor.
4. What style do you want?
   • Do you have enough space for a freestanding wine rack?
   • Do you want your wine racks incorporated into fitted cupboards?
   • Do you want them hanging or mounted to the wall if space is limited?
   • Or do you want stackable wine racks that allow you to increase your storage space when you need it?
5. Is your wine rack sturdy, stable and strong enough to bear the weight of your wine bottles?  Is the wine rack made of durable and attractive material such as Philippine mahogany?  Does the wine rack have full 13.5 inch-deep shelves for full bottle depth and added stability?  Does the manufacturer provide at least one year warranty?
6. Other important questions to ask would be:
   • Do you have enough space not only to store your wine bottles on their side but to be able to rotate them occasionally to preserve their flavour?
   • Does your wine rack have slightly wider openings allowing storage for most Champagne and Burgundy style bottles, as well as standard size 750 ml bottles?
   • Does it have angled front slats to avoid damage to labels and your hands?
   • If you are buying a wine rack kit, are they pre-drilled and screw together using simple tools for easy assembly?
7. And last but not least what is your budget?  Most wine rack stores -- whether online or brick and mortar -- stock a range of wine racks to suit all budget and tastes and some even include free shipping.

For less than $30, you can get a stackable metal wine rack with simple lines that hold up to 4 bottles.  Or for less than $200, you could get a wooden wine rack in handsome mahogany, 6 columns wide and 9 rows high that will hold 60 bottles of your favorite wines.  Take your pick.

Add Elegance And Luxury To Your Wine Drinking With Wine Storage Furniture

Nothing speaks of elegance quite like a fine piece of wine storage furniture.  The truth of the matter is that there is an abundance of products on the market -- for seasoned connoisseurs of wine to the occasional drinker -- that can add a fancy look to your home.

Wine storage furniture can range from storing only a few bottles to massive and intricate storage systems capable of filling up an entire wine cellar.  The decision you have to make is which piece of wine storage furniture best suits you.

The storage of wine is highly important to the preservation, aroma, taste and color of the wine.  If wine is not stored properly it will begin to lose all of these essential attributes.  Fine wine collectors especially have to consider this possibility as certain bottles of wine can cost thousands of dollars.

There are a few ways you can go in selecting the proper wine storage furniture for you.  One method is to buy one of the manufactured products that have saturated the market.  If you look around, the bulk of consumer product retailers have gotten into the wine storage furniture market.  These products can also be found on the Internet with relative ease.  Just type in your search query and you will instantly be greeted with thousands of products to sift through.

Another, more costly way is to look into a custom unit.  This is recommended for serious wine connoisseurs.  Custom wine storage furniture can be tailored to fit your home, especially if you are lucky enough to have a wine cellar.  Contractors and experts creating this form of storage are available.  If you have invested heavily in wine this may be the best option for you.

Don’t forget that the temperature you store your wine in is very important.  Make sure you factor this important information into your decision.  The majority of wine storage furniture on the market is not equipped with coolers.  Instead, simple wooden racks and cabinets rely on your setting of room temperature to properly store the wine.

The next time you are at a wine tasting event remember to ask people for their opinion on how to store wine and their recommendations as to the best furniture on the market for doing so.  As one of the finer things in life, wine should be treated like royalty.

Wine Storage is the Key to Preserving and Aging your Wine

Wine storage is key to the success of any collection.  If you enjoy collecting find wines then you will want to look into the best of all wine storage options.  There are many different ways to store your wine but no matter which wine storage solution you choose you will need to keep the conditions constant.

The temperature of any wine storage space needs to be at a constant 50-60 degrees.  There should also be plenty of ventilation of the area and this wine storage should be far away from the main area of the house.  You do not want to have your wine collection suffering due to too much vibration and you need to keep any source of light to a minimum.  No sunlight should be permitted into the wine storage area.

You can use a wine cellar for your wine storage or you can have a special cooler.  Wine racks are a necessary part of your wine storage.  The wine racks can be made of metal or wood and the wine storage that you choose will be a matter of personal taste.  Both of these sorts of racks are wonderful to look at but the metal racks tend to be more flamboyant and stylish while the wood racks are classic and traditional in style.

You may want to choose your racks in order to have them match the rest of your wine storage solution.  The final choices that you make will be affected somewhat by whether or not you are planning to show off your wine cellar to your friends.  If you are then your wine storage solutions will need to be a little more coordinated.

So look into the wine racks and other wine storage options that will all look well together.  Your wine storage area can look like those of a professional wine collector.  It is not hard to do but it can cost you a little money.

Your temporary wine storage options are a little simpler.  Just before you serve your wine you will probably want to chill it, this of course depends on the wine.  In order to store your wine for chilling you can look into cool wine storage solutions.  Wine coolers are easy to find, you can find them in many department stores or wine stores.  Even the Internet is a great source for finding these types of wine storage options.

Secrets to Becoming a Wine Connoisseur

Wine is a broad term that refers to the fermentation of plant matter for the purpose of producing an alcoholic beverage.  Of course, most people think of grapes as the basis for wine, but other sources include rice (sake), various fruits (elderberry, grapefruit, cherry, etc.), barley, and even honey (mead).

For the purposes of this short explanation, we'll stick with wines made from grapes.  These are categorized several ways, including by vinification methods, taste, and vintage.  Many casual drinkers pay little attention to the differences in these categories.  After all, for most folks the sole consideration is good taste.  However, for many aficionados wine is serious business.  The variety, taste, and vintage must all meet high expectations before serious collectors will consider owning a bottle.

Vinification

Vinification simply means the method by which grape juice is fermented into wine.  The practices followed during fermentation are what determine the type of wine you end up being able to purchase.  A common misunderstanding by the average drinker is that grape juice colors vary, which is what produces red, white, or rose wines.  Actually, all grapes produce clear (or very close to clear) juices.  What creates the color of the wine you buy is whether the grape skins have been left in contact with the juice during the fermentation process.  Red wines have been fermented thusly;  whites have not fermented in contact with grape skins;  rose is a combination of the two.

Sparkling wines, such as champagne, have bubbly characteristics that are caused by the addition of carbon dioxide.  This effect is achieved by fermenting the grape juice two times.  The first time, the juice is fermented in open containers, which allow the carbon dioxide to escape.  During the second fermentation, the juice is kept in closed containers, trapping and infusing the gases.

Taste

Most wines are described as dry, off-dry, fruity, or sweet.  Technically, this refers to the amount of sugars left over after fermentation is completed.  Dry has a tiny amount of residual sugar content, while sweet has high sugar content.

Beyond this basic taste classification, wine-tasting experts have developed a system of classifying wines by the more in-depth tastes and aromas they exude.  Many outsiders find this a somewhat bewildering system, but tasting pros consider the ability to discern subtle elements of a wines taste to be a badge of honor.  As one example, Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular variety that wine tasters claim contains a combination of black currants, chocolate, mint, and tobacco flavors.

Vintage

Vintage is a straightforward classification.  It refers to the year of the grapes harvest from which a bottle of wine was made.  This is important because many grape growers have exceptionally good harvests only during certain years.  Also, the best grapes are usually singled out for use in a producers vintage bottles.  You get the highest quality wine from that year’s harvest.

How to Choose a Wine Rack to Fit Your Style and Budget

Cultivating an appreciation of wine is a growing trend in the US.  Shops specializing in wine are appearing throughout the country, not just in the traditional vineyard regions of California, Oregon, and Virginia.  People who may not have grown up around wine are now drawn not only to sampling but also to collecting it.  Tasting parties and special wine pairing events are a common theme in restaurants and in the home.  With this comes an increase in interest in home storage.  While proper storage can help wines become even more exquisite, improper storage can lead to ruined wine.

A freestanding, temperature controlled wine rack is ideal, but much more expensive than a simple wooden or metal wine rack.  However, it is not necessary to spend several thousand dollars to enjoy wine in your home.  If you can find a dark, cool, slightly humid location in your house, you will be able to then select a simple rack that will keep your wine for years to come.  The ideal location will be 50-60 degrees, with constant 60-70 percent humidity.

Wine Rack Kits

One way to cut down on cost is to build your own wine rack.  For first-time enthusiasts, it is probably best to stick to a wine rack kit.  There are many considerations when designing a wine rack, and starting from a kit will keep the wine in the rack where it should be - the last thing you want is the whole thing to come crashing to the floor due to a miscalculation.

There are many commercially available wooden racks that offer snap-together assembly, requiring nothing more than a hammer.  These inexpensive kits are usually made of redwood or pine, and can be bought for under $35.

The most important thing to keep in mind when building your own wine rack is to consider the strength of the rack.  A bottle of wine weighs approximately 3 pounds, so the weight adds up quickly.  Make sure not only the rack but the floor itself can handle the weight, keeping in mind the weight of the rack.

If the kit is wooden, make sure the wood has been dried properly (no more than 14% moisture), and that the cross sections are no less than 3/8" (½" is better).

Also, make sure the wine is stored horizontally so that the wine stays in contact with the cork.  A dry cork signifies that the wine has been damaged.

Wine Rack Capacity

How much wine do you need?

While having 1500 bottles of wine on hand sounds exciting, most people have neither the space nor the wallet to support such a venture.  If you would like to have something for everyday, a 15-30 capacity rack should meet your needs.  That way, you can have 2 bottles of sparkling wine, 3 bottles of red (merlot or cabernet), 3 bottles of white (chardonnay, pinot grigio, or white zinfandel), one bottle each of red and white cooking wine, and still have room for a few special bottles that you plan to let age for years.  Also keep a nice red ready for company, and a reisling or shiraz for a spicy meal.  Have one bottle of white wine on hand in the refrigerator (it will only last in there for a week), and you'll be ready for any gathering.  A 30-bottle capacity rack is enough for a wine-tasting, an extended gathering, or for someone who likes to try a different wine every day.

Also, keep in mind that most wine rack manufacturers list the total bottle capacity.  This may be different from racked wine capacity, as total capacity may have bottles stacked directly on top of each other.  While this will not damage the wine, it is not as aesthetically pleasing and may be inconvenient when getting the wine out of the rack.

Styles of Wine Racks: Location is Key

Wine racks come in many styles.  Racks can be freestanding cabinets, counter top, or wall mounted.

When choosing a style, keep the following in mind:

• How much space do you actually have?
• Do you want the wine rack to be visible, or would you rather have a large, hidden wine rack that does not necessarily match your home's decor?
• Where can you put the wine rack?

The most important part of your choice is the location.  If you choose a rack that is not freestanding, make sure it is protected from vibrations.  It is not a good idea to put the wine rack next to the sink where the disposal will rattle it.  Never place the rack on the top of the refrigerator, as it gets very warm.  Also, keep the rack away from a window, as the temperature may vary too much, and UV light will damage the wine.

If you can not find a wine rack to fit in that perfect location and you are not confident of making your own, consider having a custom wine rack created just for you.  While this option is more expensive than an off-the-rack version, it is still much less than the freestanding units, and can keep your wine for years to come.

Wine Rack Material

Wine racks come in a variety of materials, from wood to metal to glass.  Whether you choose one made of mahogany or steel depends on a variety of factors, include cost, weight, and appearance.

Wooden Wine Racks

The most common type of wine rack is the wooden wine rack.  It is generally easier to assemble and relatively light.  Common woods are pine, cedar, spruce, oak, and redwood.  Another less common wood is mahogany.  Mahogany is a high quality wood and is used in both moderate and expensive racks.

Metal Wine Racks

Metal wine racks are becoming increasingly popular, especially those made of steel.  They are very strong and last longer than wooden racks with less care.  They can be painted to match any home.  They can also be formed into a wider variety of shapes while maintaining their strength.

Choosing a wine rack should be an enjoyable process.  Consider it an investment for all the wines you will try today as well as those you will keep for a special occasion down the road.