- Should I buy one of those posh looking self contained wine cellars?
- Where, and what should I look for?
- What about more SIZEABLE options like built-ins and walk-ins?
To Buy or Not to Buy (A Wine Cellar)
That's a damn fine question. If you're considering buying one of those slick looking, electric wine cellars, I'll assume you like wine and like to keep a reasonable stash on hand for drinking, plus a few special bottles for sometime in the future. You enjoy having a variety to choose from when guests stop by and you're not buying crappy swill... If those assumptions are true, it's a simple question of whether you have an equivalent alternative.
Wine likes to rest on its side in a dark, cool place with a relative humidity of 70%. It likes to be left alone and likes its environment to remain constant. Even odors (oil stained garage) and naturally occuring yeasts (fruits & cheese) can affect your wine. Basically, if you plan to set up a wine rack next to the water heater and an open box of detergent opposite the laundry room window, you need a good smack.
Keep all of the factors in mind when cosidering an alternative. An old refrigerator, for example, is a bad alternative. Most are too cold, but beyond that they also pull humidity out of the air to prevent frost. The relative humidity inside an old fridge is far too low for wine. That's why they call it a
beer fridge...
Oooooh, Smoked Glass...
Ask yourself a couple of questions before you start shopping: what capacity do you need, do you have any space constraints (yes, get out the tape measure and take
accurate measurements) and how much do you want to spend?
When you're ready to go, try these two:
For top of the line wine cellars, try
Wine Enthusiast. They offer a wide selection of high quality wine cellars, cabinets and racks, and are definitely worth a look for anyone in the market for a cellar. These range from counter-top models, to full size built-in units ready to awe your guests.
Amazon also has some nice cellars for the more budget concious in the 12 to 60 bottle capacity range, all for under $500! Take a look at these models from
Haier first:
12-Bottle Table-Top Wine Cellar, Black w/ Silver Trim - $99.99
20-Bottle Wine Cellar w/ Contoured Smoked Glass Door - $189.86
20-Bottle Wine Cellar - $269.99
24 Bottle Capacity Wine Cellar - $149.99
30-Bottle Wine Cellar w/ Contoured Smoked Glass Door - $298.21
32-Bottle Wine Cellar - $199.99
42-Bottle Wine Cellar w/ Contoured Smoked Glass Door - $379.99
42-Bottle Designer Wine Cellar w/ Recessed Handle - $469.00
60-Bottle Wine Cellar w/ Slide-Out Racks - $499.99
I'd Rather Build One - a BIG One...
--coming soon--
Further Reading on Wine Storage
Wine Storage Basics - Information about wine cellars, both self-contained and built-in, including explanation of options and buying tips.
Wine Racks - Everything you ever wanted know about wine racks and bins, including types, plans and buying tips.
Back to the Wine Storage FAQs
