Wine Racks

    Wine racks could be considered the "budget-friendly" option when decorating with wine, but don't be fooled. Wine racks can be quite the looker. Sure, they don't have the refrigeration that other types of wine storage have. But like I learned during my conversation with Jack Diener, Sales Manager at Wine Cellar Innovations, if you're not an avid collector, it's not necessary to have wine refrigeration.
    "For all practical purposes, if you're going to consume [your wine] in three to five years, not many wines are going to go bad in ones home, unless it's kept in your trunk or above a refrigerator," Diener said.
    So if adding a little vineyard ambiance to your home sounds good and you don't mind keeping your wine in less than ideal conditions, a wine rack might be perfect for you. Typically, wine racks are for those who enjoy wine, but aren't avid collectors. If you're a wine collector, you might want to look into a wine cabinet or wine cellar. But for those who enjoy a casual glass know and then, a wine rack not only keeps your counters clear of those bottles, but also provides a stunning backdrop in your kitchen, dining room, home bar or basement.
    "They're becoming much more a focal point, an entertainment portion of ones home," Diener said.
    And when he mentions entertainment, he's not kidding. Gone are the days of a simple wine rack. Sure, they are stick available. But now you also have the option of choosing large freestanding models featuring numerous decorating features.
   "In all of the pre-made units that we create here, you have the option of countertops, glass racks and standardized pieces of art," Diener said.
    Those decked out wine racks with wine tasting tables and hand-painted artwork look more like a wine cellar than a storage unit, which is exactly what they are meant to mimic.
    "You can combine [pre-fabricated wine racks] to get the appearance of a custom wine cellar without going through the expense of that," Diener said.
    But if you really want first class wine racks, you should consider going custom. Ordering a custom designed wine rack will allow the wine rack to fit perfectly in your space; whereas, pre-fabricated versions are only available in standard sizes. Of course if a custom wine rack is outside of your budget, trim kits are available, which will help to make your wine rack look custom even though it isn't.
    When choosing a wine rack, you'll have many options. Wine racks are available in numerous different styles, shapes and finishes. But more importantly, you can choose from a variety of different storage options: bulk storage versus single storage, diamond versus rectangular storage. Needless to say, you won't be limited in your options when looking for wine storage.
    Just remember, wine racks won't keep your wine at the ideal temperature, which means your wine could turn bitter if left on the racks for longer than 3 to 5 years - not that you'll have a problem drinking it before then. Plus, you may want to think twice before chilling your wine in your refrigerator. While at Wine Cellar Innovations, I asked Diener if that was a good idea, and he quickly advised against it.
    "Putting [your wine] in your refrigerator it's subject to everything in your refrigerator that smells," Diener said. "The cork of a wine is a natural substance, so things pass in and out of it. So if there's a piece of salmon or an onion in your refrigerator, eventually your wine is going to take on the smells or tastes of salmon or onion."
    Considering how onion wine would taste, you may want to avoid putting your wine in the refrigerator. Instead, opt for the old fashioned wine chilling method: a classy bucket of ice.