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Wine Rack Tables
A great way to combine storage and function in your wine collection is the addition of wine rack tables. These allow you to display, store, and serve your wine with ease. Choose wine rack tables that reflect your personal style. A bistro table with wine rack is an obvious choice for French collections. Kitchen designs ca be bumped up a style notch with the inclusion of a counter hight table with wine rack. The options are virtually endless!
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VigilantInc.com Tip: Wine Storage Without the Wine Cellar
Not everybody has an entire spare room to dedicate to wine storage. Not everyone lives in a climate that allows for year-round unaided underground wine storage, either. But this doesn't mean you can't have a great wine storage system. A wine cube or wine rack kit is great for short-term storage or display, and it gives you many options to create your own custom design.
A wine storage refrigerator can easily be incorporated into the design of a kitchen, dining room, or bar area; but wine storage plans shouldn’t be relegated just to cellars and refrigerators. By keeping your wine in an easily accessible location, you can be sure that when you want to enjoy your wine you will be able to locate exactly the bottle you are looking for in minimal time. Creative wine storage is a great way to show off your taste and style in any room of the house.
When designing the layout and décor of your room, don’t limit yourself to one type of wine cube or wine rack kit. By interchanging different shapes or styles of wine storage systems, you can have a unique design that suits both your functional and aesthetic needs.
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Temperature Guidelines for Wine Storage
Here are some basic temperature guidelines for wine storage.
Champagne and sparkling wine: 43-47° F
White blush, rosé, and dry wines: 46-57°
Light, airy red wine: 55° F
Deep, rich red wine: 59-66° F
Investing in a wine cellar means you have the freedom to customize the space to fit your ceiling height and wall lengths. It also means you'll need to factor in the cooling element to ensure your wines are at the best temperature. For instance, you might consider placing a cooled cabinet for the whites within the wine cellar.
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VigilantInc.com Tip: Creative Wine Storage Has Never Been So Easy
Once you run out of room in your countertop wine storage system, you may start trying to think of creative ways to incorporate your wine storage systems into other areas of your home. With the wide variety of wine storage plans, finding the right wine rack kit or wine storage furniture is easier than ever. Don’t think of being creative with your wine storage as a way to stack more bottles on your existing wine rack, but as a way to bring your love of wine to a more prominent place in your home.
One of the easiest ways to get creative with wine storage plans is the wine cube. Wine cubes come in a variety of sizes and styles. Mixing and matching cubes creates a wine storage system as unique as you are, showing off your taste in both wine and home décor.
Wine storage furniture such as a wine table or wine rack kit can be easily incorporated into any room you use for entertaining or relaxing. For example, wine storage furniture can also take the place of the traditional china cabinet in your dining room, showing your dinner guests how much appreciation you have for the wine you serve.
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How To Store Wine
All corked wine should be stored on the side so that the cork remains wet.
Both red and white wine should be stored in an area away from any direct sunlight and extreme heat or cold.
Temperature should remain between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit..
Storage temperature should remain consistent. Don't store wine in a standard refrigerator. The temperature is too cold and fluctuates since the door is opened often.
A small wine refrigerator is ideal for storing white wines since the temperature remains between 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit. Although wine supply companies sell wine refrigerators ranging from 12-100 bottles, they are expensive. A small wine refrigerator (18-24 bottle capacity) can be purchased at Lowe's or Home Depot for under $150.
White wine should be consumed withing one to three years.
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VigilantInc.com Tip: How to Build an Under-the-Stair Wine Storage Space
Finding space for your wine racking needs can sometimes be a challenge. Extra space in your home might be hard to come by. But if you think creatively, you can probably utilize a low-traffic area such as under the stairs as a great way to fit a wine storage space into your home. Building a wine storage space under the stairs is a good alternative to storing your wine in cellar-like conditions without having to dedicate an entire room as a wine cellar.
The first thing to consider is the size of the space under your stairs. Measure the area and sketch it out on paper, including all exact measurements. This will allow you to easily plan out your new, conveniently-located wine storage area and the wine rack within it. Make sure you have all the required building materials, as well as the right tools to assemble your storage space and wine rack. You should use materials that will be able to withstand the weight required to hold your racks and wine. Leave about an inch of space above the wine rack to ensure that traffic on the stairs does not jostle your wine.
Before you assemble and install your wine racks in your new wine storage space, make sure to clear out any cobwebs and clean the area thoroughly.
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Corkscrews
Over the years I've had the opportunity to try just about every cork extraction method known to man and I get asked quite often what is the best? The uncorking machines that most good wine bars use are probably the best. They are, however, big and expensive. The easiest method to use at home would be one of the many different cork pulling machines. On the higher end are the Metrokane Rabbit and the VinoPull. Both are good choices, but are a bit pricey if you are not a wine aficionado. Probably the most cost effective way to get a cork out a bottle is the classic waiter's corkscrew. Although some can top $100, most are available for under $20. The Prestigio, the Capitano, and the PullParrot are all favorites. The main thing you want to look at when buying a corkscrew is the screw itself. There are two types, one bad, one good. The good type is the open or helix style screw. If you look down the screw from the pointy end, it should be hollow down the center. The screw should resemble a wire that was wrapped around a pencil. All the opening machines and most waiter's style pullers use this type of screw. The bad type looks like a large screw. The center is solid and the spiral is connected to the center. One thing to be careful with when using a screw type cork puller is to try not to go all the way through the cork. You want to stop just short of going through the bottom of the cork.
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Quick Storing tips
Quick Storing Tips
Keep bottles on their sides
Store in cool place with little temperature fluctuation.
For long term storing, maintain high humidity levels (65%-90%)
Keep out of direct sunlight.
Keep away from heavy vibrations.
Buy a little more storage than you think you need.
Find out the age worthiness of your wines before they are past their prime.
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Wine Rack Furniture Finishes
Mahogany wine racks are durable and beautiful, and they can be finished to match your existing furniture. The Shaker Maple Stain available for wine rack furniture and kits can match your existing cabinetry or furniture, and give a rich furniture finish to your rack system.
If you install your wine rack furniture in a kitchen or dining room, you'll want it to match up to your decor and style. Be sure to choose wine racks that are really fine wood furniture, and you'll be sure to have style and durability in one very functional furniture piece.
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Wine Storage System Construction -- Vapor Barriers
There is yet another consideration to think about when constructing your wine storage system, especially in new construction. If your walls are concrete or stone, and you're using a wine cooling system, you have to install a vapor barrier to prevent the moisture from escaping the cellar.
Your builder should discuss the barrier's specifications with the design professionals. They should also investigate local building codes before they install the barrier. The most common vapor barrier is a 6 mil polyethylene installed on warm side of walls and ceilings.
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How Much Wine Storage Do You Need?
Only you know how much wine storage you need and what size cellar you would like to create. However, it's a good idea to over-build, rather than under-build. Give yourself room to grow your wine collection, so you can invest in additional bottles or cases in the future.
Limiting the size of your wine cellar now may really complicate investing in future wine buys. Take into consideration how you entertain, and how often, too. Do you keep extra bottles on hand for parties and celebrations? All of these considerations should add up to building a wine cellar big enough to handle your wine storage needs now and in the future.
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The Perfect Wine Storage System
The perfect wine storage system is the one that best meets your specific needs. However, there are some things to look for. Look for high-quality construction with strong, durable woods. Look for a modular wine storage system that can grow right along with your collection. Look for accessories that add dimension and flexibility to your wine storage system. If you do a little research before you buy, you'll be sure to find the perfect wine storage system for your needs.
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From Wine Storage to Table
When you bring your wines from wine storage to table, there are some things to think about. Champagnes and white wines should spend at least an hour in the refrigerator to make sure they are properly chilled to the right temperature. Reds should stand upright for at least an hour, and perhaps more, to ensure any sediments settle to the bottom. You can serve white wines and Champagnes from a chilled cooler on the table. You can also decant red wines to remove sediments and allow them to breathe. Whatever you do, plan ahead when you serve your wines, and don't just serve them directly from your wine storage to the table.
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What's in the Storage Racks? Wine Storage Management Software
Even if you have a small collection, it can be daunting to remember where every bottle is, and just what vintages you have in your collection. Luckily, there are many software programs and even entire computer systems available that can help you manage your wine collection. You can create a database of wines you own, and would like to own. You can map where each bottle is in your cellar. You can even keep tasting notes and wine auction information. These programs are a must for the serious collector. They'll help you keep your collection manageable and organized no matter how large it grows.
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The Ideal Wine Storage Temperature
The ideal wine storage temperature can ensure longevity of your fine wines while allowing them to age and mature at the optimum level. Wine cellars should be about 50 to 55 degrees, with relative humidity between 60 and 70 percent.
If you want to hold your wines is a type of "suspended animation," where they hardly age at all, the ideal temperature is about 45 degrees. This is a solution for some wines that may pass the point of good drinkability if they are stored much longer at the higher temperatures.
A good wine storage system will allow you to maintain your wines at the optimum temperature and humidity. That will ensure your collection lasts as long as it possibly can, and you'll always be drinking wine at its very peak of perfection.
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White And Red Wines Mature Differently
Consume most red wines sold on the market today within a year. This means that proper storage conditions are necessary in order for the wine to have the full, rich flavor of the label you have chosen.
Consume white wines within two or three years after production for the best flavor available.
White wines generally do not need the amount of time to mature as red wines. The best-quality wines need at least four to ten years to reach maturity and desired flavor. Controlling the conditions in your wine storage area will help you to attain the best result possible for your wine collection.
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The Mahogany Wine Cellar vs. Other Woods
The Mahogany wine cellar is the epitome of wine storage. Other woods simply don't measure up to the color, the durability, and the absolute strength of mahogany.
The wood is beautiful, and the color is always consistent. It can also take a stain that will help it blend with existing furniture. It is strong, and so the wine racks made from it are stronger and can hold more bottles.
The mahogany wine cellar is beautiful, but it is also the best you can buy. It will last longer, so it's as important an investment as the wine you plan to store in your mahogany wine cellar.
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Proper Wine Storage Depends on Temperature
Storing wines over a long period is essential to the health of your product.
One of the most important aspects of wine storage is the temperature of the wine cellar. The perfect temperature range for your wine cellar is between 55 and 58 degrees Fahrenheit. The desired humidity of your wine cellar is between 55 and 75 percent humidity. In order to maintain the above-mentioned conditions for your wine cellar, you must have a completely controlled environment, accomplished through insulation, vapor barriers and a proper cooling system.
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Redwood Wine Storage Racks
Many people prefer redwood wine storage racks because of the look and because of redwood's enduring properties. The issue with redwood wine storage racks is that redwood is endangered, so not only can these be prohibitively expensive and hard to get, you aren't doing the rainforests any favors.
Redwood is also softer than mahogany, so it can dent. Out wine storage tip is to skip the redwood and stick with mahogany. Either that or contact your wine rack retailer of choice and find out what they recommend.
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Home Wine Storage of Champagne and White Wine
Many people wonder if they should store Champagne and white wines in their cellars along with reds. There's no reason not to!
The best wine rack retailers offer systems that are created to hold a variety of sizes and shapes of bottles, so Champagne bottles will fit nicely in your wine racks. Even over-sized bottles, like Jeroboams will fit in bins and diamonds.
Many people like to place Champagne or white wine in the refrigerator for an hour or so before serving, to bring the temperature down a bit more. Otherwise, storing these wines in your cellar is just fine.
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Store Wine Bottles Horizontally
Table wines should be stored horizontally, so that the wine is always touching the cork. When bottles are stored in an upright position, the wine sediment settles at the bottom of the bottle and affects the flavor. As long as the cork continues to touch wine, it will stay moist and prevent air from entering the bottle and affecting the flavor of the wine.
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On its side or not?
On its side or not? Definitely, on its side. Here's why. Oxygen is the worst enemy to the wine inside the bottle. Most wines are sealed from the oxygen with pliable, expansive cork. If the cork dries out, it will shrink and possibly let oxygen enter the bottle and oxidize the wine. Storing wine on its side will keep the cork moist and maintain the protective seal for a long time.
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Offsite or Home Wine Storage?
In the past several years, many off-site storage locations have popped up where you can store the bulk of your wine collection. These off-site locations charge you to store your wine, and then you can access it before you want to serve it. Home wine storage in your own cellar offers many advantages.
Obviously, your wine is available whenever you want it! Eventually, the cost of leasing space to store your collection could add up to more than the cost of your own home wine storage. In addition, if you store your wine at home, you will have total control over the conditions and the proper storage of your wine. Home wine storage simply makes more sense for most serious wine collectors.
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Wine Storage Racks
Wine storage racks are an affordable way to build a top-notch cellar yourself, especially since they come in kits. In fact, they are so simple to put together, most handy homeowners do it themselves rather than calling in a contractor. Remember, if you are not into constructing and carpentry, this may be over your head!
The wine storage racks are all pre-drilled and come with all the hardware you need. All you need is a few common household tools and you'll be storing wine in no time! The wine storage racks also come with complete, detailed instructions, and design professionals are available to help if you have any questions about the installation.
Wine storage rack kits are a great way to add value to your home while you store your growing wine collection.
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Wine Storage System Construction
There are many considerations when it comes to constructing your wine storage system. Your builder and architect can consult with design professionals to create the wine cellar of your dreams, but there are still some things you need to know.
For example, if your wine storage system includes wood-paneled walls, you need allow for the expansion and contraction of the wood due to the moist, cool air inside. If you don't allow for this, your paneling could crack and buckle.
Wine storage system construction is complicated, but by using professionals, the hassles will be far less and the ultimate enjoyment will be far greater!
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Quality of Wine Storage Cabinet Important
Wine storage cabinet styles are as varied as wine storage racks and other storage accessories found in your wine cellar. Some have better amenities and they are not all made with the same quality and artisanship. Inspect all aspects of a wine storage cabinet before you make a purchase. What type of hinges does the wine storage cabinet contain? For example, you cannot use a piano hinge on a wine storage cabinet because it will cause the door of the cabinet to close improperly.
How durable are the walls of the wine storage cabinet? This is significant because you will be storing bottles of wine, some of which may weigh up to 3 lbs each. The construction of your wine storage cabinet must be able to stand up to the weight of the wine bottles it will hold.
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Wine Cooler For Small Wine Collection
A wine cooler is a good wine storage component to house a small collection or a few bottles from your wine cellar. A wine cooler is similar to a refrigerator, however, it can be set to the proper temperature and humidity levels to assure your wine maintains a good quality.
Regular refrigerators are not meant for wine storage. They maintain cooler than necessary temperatures and are constantly being opened and closed, which causes temperature fluctuations and unnecessary movement. These factors cause a negative impact on your wine.
A wine cooler maintains a consistent temperature and can help to preserve your wine in the best condition possible.
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Services From Wine Storage Companies
Wine storage is a booming business. Choosing the right company to house your wine collection is important, as you trust them with your investment.
Whether you are storing a few bottles or hundreds, some services should be offered at any wine storage facility. These services include:
* Variety in the types of storage available, from wine storage racks, walk-in wine cellars, wine storage cabinets, lockers and more.
* A trained staff available to answer any questions you may have, make suggestions and offer assistance as needed.
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Ask If Your Wine Storage Company Offers Extras
A wine storage company offers core services, and, in some cases, extra incentives for their best customers. Check to see if your wine storage company offers extras, such as: * Happy hour on the weekends with hors devours to accompany your wine * Private banquet rooms * Lounge areas * Custom wine storage racking systems
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Tip your glass
Having only come into existence in the early 1600s, the traditional wine bottle was a revolution in the world of wine making. No longer did they have to haul around heavy barrels and build large rooms in which to store them; now they could carry wine around in their pockets.
The traditional 750ml size bottle is just the right size for mid-long term storage, although the larger the bottle the better, since wine oxidizes in proportion to the amount of air it is exposed to. Half bottles are popular for single servings and picnics, but should not be considered a bottle that should be saved for too long. Other wine bottle sizes include the two bottle capacity magnum, the three bottle "Marie-Jean", the four bottle double magnum, the six bottle Jeroboam and the eight bottle Imperiale. The sparkling wines have even more of a selection, including the 20 bottle capacity "Nebuchadnezzar".
When looking for just the right method of wine storage, it's important to keep in mind the wide variety of bottle sizes as well as shapes. Many refrigerated units, wire racks and wooden units are built for the standard size bottle and won't accommodate the wide base of a Burgundy bottle or the extra long neck of an Alsacean wine.
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Types of Wine Cooling Systems
The main three types of wine cooling systems are through-wall, ductless split, and ducted systems. Through-wall systems are mounted through the wall of the wine cellar and send exhaust into an adjoining room. The heat from the wine cooling system exhaust will need to be cooled as well, so installing an air conditioner in the "vent room" is a good idea.Ductless split units are similar to through-walls, except that the evaporator coil is in the room along with a split refrigeration unit. The condenser is in an adjoining room or even outdoors. A drain is needed for excess condensation. With a ducted system, you're offered the most complete wine cooling system. The unit is either put in through-wall or installed remotely. Air is ducted into and out from the wine cellar as well as the room in which it's housed, allowing for proper cooling and exhaust.
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Temperature & Timing
Consistency is a vital element of wine storage. Wine cellar cooling units are particularly helpful for keeping temperatures even in your cellar. However, your wine cellar cooling unit should not cause the balance of humidity and temperature to fluctuate radically or quickly. (This is why air conditioners are not ideal for wine cellars; they tend to drop the temperature too quickly.) Good systems for wine cooling maintain even adjustments in temperature and humidity, allowing your wine the time to adjust as well.
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Temperature and Humidity Control
Wine storage options are as varied as the wines being stored. There are a number of facilities offering wine storage services for a nominal fee. However, in most cases, people want to be able to store their wine collection right at home --- for convenience and accessibility.
A wine storage cabinet can provide the perfect atmosphere for a smaller collection of wine to help owners keep their collections in their homes. Wine storage cabinets are temperature and humidity controlled, durable and generally affordable.
These cellars are a great addition to your wine furniture collection and can be a viable substitute for a walk-in wine cellar in your home. A number of different brands and styles exist for wine storage cabinets, so choose one that fits in with the overall decor of your home.
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Wine Storage Locker Option For Smaller Wine Collections
Wine storage lockers are yet another potential avenue in wine storage. Wine storage lockers are usually located within a wine storage facility and are available for small quantities of wine.
Similar to a walk-in wine cellar, wine storage lockers are temperature and humidity controlled and incur regular maintenance to be sure your wine stays in the best possible condition. Insurance is usually included with the cost of storing your wine in a wine storage locker, if the locker is located within a storage facility.
You can usually access your wine during the facility's business hours. However, keep in mind that you should always have a bottle available in your home as many wine storage facility's keep day and early evening hours only. You likely will not be able to access your wine storage locker after these hours.
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Check Out Local Wine Storage Companies
Should you decide to store your wine at an offsite location, it is best to do so within a close distance to your home, for several reasons. 1. Working with a local company gives you an opportunity to tour the storage facility. Check out the conditions in the wine cellars or storage units and see if the company pays close attention to temperature, humidity, vibration, etc. 2. You have the opportunity to inquire, in person, about the training and expertise of the company's employees, access testimonials from other customers and read any reviews or write-ups they have had locally. 3. Word of mouth is essential to any business. Ask friends, neighbors and co-workers what kind of experience they have had or know of with the company before you agree to store your wine cache with them. Your collection is important to you - whether you have five or 50 bottles. Make sure that the company you choose for wine storage is reputable with an unfailing reputation for commitment and excellence.
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