Consider Wine Storage When Buying a Wine Rack

Wine Storage Facts You Need to Know Before You Buy a Wine Rack

wine rack furniture Okay I am just going to put it out there. Not everyone can afford to have a cellar for proper wine storage. And even if you can, you may just want an interesting artistic way to display and store a few bottles in your kitchen or dining area. Hence the beauty of the wine rack. A wine rack not only is the average wine drinkers answer to wine storage, but it is the wine lover's iconic display of their knowledge of and passion for wine. It makes sense then to consider proper wine storage when selecting a wine rack for you home.

Wine rack furniture is the average wine lover's wine cellar. Just as modern wine cellars do, wine furniture offers storage and presentation space all in one.

There are 4 key points to keep in mind, light, temperature, humidity and vibration. It is also important to understand how wines are made to be consumed in the US. Cellarnotes.net points out the following:

"The majority of wine, made or imported into the USA up to the $20.00 price point, is meant to be consumed within a year or two of the release. Some of these wines will get better in a year or two and its fine to keep them around a little longer, but most of the world's wines (about 90%) are meant to be consumed young."

That being said, wine storage is still important, but unless you are planning on buying and keeping wines for 2 or more years, perfect storage conditions may not be as critical.

Light:

You want to keep your wines out of direct sunlight. Therefore, when considering a wine rack style, i.e. table top , wall mount, or wine furniture, think first about a location in your home that is protected from direct sunlight. Maybe the north wall in your dining room stays shaded, or the countertop in your kitchen gets the least direct sunlight. A shaded spot in the study is also a great place to consider putting your wine rack.

Temperature:

55 degrees is the ultimate temperature for storing wines. However, without a cellar that is difficult to accomplish. But remember, most wines sold in the US are not meant to be stored for longer However, without a cellar that is difficult to accomplish. But remember, most wines sold in the US are not meant to be stored for longer periods of time, but to be opened while still young. Keeping the temperatures of your wines constant is key. Temperature fluctuations can be damaging to your wines. So although you may not have it at 55 degrees, a constant temperature is helpful.

Humidity:

The importance of humidity is related to keeping the cork moist and if you are not storing your wines for the long term then keeping your bottles on their side will help keep the corks moist until you open them.

Vibration:

Exposing your wines to vibrations are thought to negatively affect the evolution of the wines. So do not place your wine rack on top of your refrigerator or dryer.

And one final point to consider. Do not store your wines in areas where strong odors exist. The wines may pick up the odors in their flavors. Yuck who wants a wine that tastes of car gas fumes?

A quick recap of things to consider before you purchase your wine rack.

Select a space that is shaded from direct sunlight, the darker the better.

The area should have no vibration.

Be sure not to choose a location that would put your wine around strong odors.

And lastly select an area where temperatures will stay more consistent (not the garage if is is not temperature controlled.)

Once you have chosen the best locations for a wine rack in your home then you can select your wine rack and fill it up. Keep in mind one last point. If you are storing wines that use cork closures, then you want to select a rack that will have the wine bottles on their sides or upside down to keep the cork moist.

If you follow these tips you can be confident that you will be able to store your wines correctly enough to enjoy great tasting wine every time. For tips and ideas on serving wine visit our sister blog wineranddiner.