Wine Refrigerator

Tips on Storage of Wine

1. Decide if you simply want to store reds, whites, or both. This is because each type of wine has its own specific temperature requirement. Most of us prefer one or the other though there are many people who like both types of wines equally.
2. Check on the estimated number of bottles you may want to store at any given time. A good starting rule for first time enthusiasts is to add 20 – 30 % more to the number of bottles that you anticipate you will need. You may want to store more than what you initially estimated and this safety factor will ensure that you do not run out of space.
3. You can get win coolers that can store a few bottles at one time; wine refrigerators that can store many bottles together at one time; wine refrigerators with separate compartments for reds and whites that accommodate both types of wines together and, lastly, for the dedicated wine enthusiast and expert – wine cellars that are more like a cooled room.

Wine Storage Options

1. If buying a cooler, see that it closes well and has quality insulation so that the wine will stay cooler longer and at the right temperature. Coolers are also quite compact in size.
2. Wine refrigerators also come in many types, from smaller versions that store a few bottles to larger compartmentalized versions with separate temperature controlled compartments for reds and whites. If buying a refrigerator, always enquire on the specified ambient temperature that it will maintain in the separate compartments. Also check that the insulation and the finishing of the doors and specially glass sections is of a high quality.
3. Better quality wine refrigerators will also have specially treated glass to better regulate the temperature inside. It is also a good idea to check if the shelves are adjustable as you may be storing wine bottles of different sizes. Refrigerators are available in various sizes from small counter-top models that store a few bottles to larger models that can store a hundred or more bottles.
4. Many fine furniture manufacturers provide well-crafted wine refrigerators that look very elegant and can be customized to the décor of the room where they will be placed. These are usually quite expensive when compared to the smaller counter-top models.
5. Wine cellars or rooms are available as easily assembled, modular units. These are advisable only if you are a serious wine collector and connoisseur, intent on storing about 900 - 1000 bottles of wine. These usually have built in temperature and humidity controls.

Caution

If you plan to store high quality wines for long periods of time – it is always better to ensure that the refrigerator has a built in vibration controller so that the normal sediments in fine aged wines can settle as they are meant to.

Where to buy wine refrigerators

Wine refrigerators are available at a number of places, try some of these links for a start:

• bacchusCellars has a good range of quality countertops and cabinet style wine refrigerators.
• Visit Air and wine for a wide range of budget wine coolers and refrigerators.
• International Wine Accessories has a very wide range of wine refrigerators.