With the ever increasing interest in wine, more and more people are seeking the best accessories to go along with their wine collections. State of the art “wine centers” are becoming integral aspects of stylish home decor, as wine lovers move beyond functional to an emphasis on presentation.
Wine refrigerators are quickly becoming the preferred storage method for wine collectors. There are multiple styles and sizes available, and at price points from less than $100 to several thousand dollars. Let’s look at a few key questions to ask before you make your purchase.
Big, Small, Or In Between?
The best advice we can give in terms of what size wine refrigerator to buy is this: when in doubt, go larger. Here’s why … if you’re considering buying a wine refrigerator, let’s face it, you’re into wine. Many first time buyers quickly outgrow their wine storage capacity, so plan ahead. As you learn more about wine and try new styles, you’ll tend to stock up more. That’s exactly what happened to us as we discovered some fantastic finds on our U.S. wine trails excursions.
Are There Differences In Storing Red vs. White Wine?
There’s absolutely no problem storing red and white wines together, as long as you’re aware of temperature storage needs for each style. In general, reds should be stored at warmer temperatures than whites. So, if you enjoy red wine and white wine and plan to have both on hand, buy a wine refrigerator with dual or multiple zone temperature controls. Doing so allows you enjoy the very best flavor of all your wines.
What About Storage Features?
One feature we really enjoy in our wine refrigerator are the slide out shelves. Slide out shelving makes access and viewing much easier for us and our guests. Another factor are the size of wine bottles you’ll store. Some wineries are bottling their wine in magnum style bottles, which are slightly larger than standard wine bottles. You’ll want to make sure your refrigerator can handle both.
How About Temperature And Humidity?
Keeping your wine in proper temperature and humidity conditions is the primary reason to own a wine refrigerator. Ideal temperature for wine storage is 55 degrees, and humidity levels should range between 50 and 70 percent to prevent dried out corks. If you’re planning to put your refrigerator in the garage, for example, be sure to choose a unit that’s well insulated and won’t be affected by fluctuating temperatures.
Anything Else To Consider?
Expect to pay about $100 for a small six bottle model, and well over $1000 for a unit holding 50+ bottles. If you’re storing your refrigerator in a secluded place in your home, choose function over style. Conversely, if your wine refrigerator will occupy a more prominent place, make sure the unit is quiet enough to live with. Finally, remember that proper wine storage is crucial to enjoying your wine to its fullest potential. Storage at proper temperature keeps a wine fresh, and allows you to enjoy the full bouquet of flavor.