Wine racks for the home—what to look for
- Stability: is the most important characteristic—does the design ensure it will be stable whether it has one bottle or is completely full.
- Strength: good quality materials and good workmanship in construction will provide the strength needed to support the weight of full wine bottles.
- Capacity: will the wine rack hold the number of wine bottles you typically have on hand
- Size/Dimensions: measure your intended location and make sure you choose storage unit that will actually fit and be easily accessible
- Features: does the wine rack have additional features you require such as a stemware rack or wine accessories storage
- Style: does the design and material compliment your interior decor
Compliment your decor
Wine racks come in a wide variety of styles, materials and sizes. You can store your wine in your kitchen, dining or living area in storage units that compliment your interior decor and living style. Models are available that hold from three to thirty, or more, wine bottles and also provide storage for wine glasses, accessories, and a serving area for pouring wine.
If you're new to wine and unsure of how many bottles of wine you'll need to store, consider an expandable or modular style, so you can add to it as your collection grows. As a general rule, it's a good idea to purchase a home wine rack that will hold six to eight bottles more than you normally store—room for extra wine on special occasions or when you find a wine that you really enjoy!
Location, location , location...
The first step in selecting the best wine rack for your needs is to identify the optimum location—one that is away from extremes of temperature, provides a solid stable surface and is easily accessible. Look for models made from materials that match or enhance the surrounding decor or your home. If you are in the market for furniture, consider adding wine storage as a feature in a cabinet or table. When space is at a premium look for a combination wine and wine glass rack, or consider a hanging rack that can be mounted on the wall or under kitchen cabinets.
If you're a wine collector looking to age your wines, you will want to consider a wine cellar with humidity and temperature controls. You may create a specific room for your wine storage or use a stand-alone wine cooler. For larger collections of wine, check the wine storage section.
