Aspiring wine collectors often consider routing their home’s central AC to their wine cellar or simply installing a window AC unit in their wine room. It makes sense—the idea behind a wine cellar is to maintain a constant temperature, and that’s exactly what air conditioners do, right? While that is true, there are fundamental differences in the functions between standard air conditioners and wine cooling units that are critical for both short and long-term wine storage. Here’s how the two appliances differ.

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1. Most Air Conditioners Can’t Reach Wine Storage Temperatures

When storing wine, maintaining the optimum temperature is one of the most important considerations. If wine sits at an ambient temperature that’s too high, it will “cook. Imbibers can expect an overall flattening of the wine’s flavor and aroma. On the flip side, wine that’s kept too cold can suffer from similarly detrimental effects.

The ideal temperature for wine is typically around 55° Fahrenheit. Most regular home air conditioners cannot reach temperatures below 60° Fahrenheit—and some air conditioners can’t even get below 65° Fahrenheit.

Temperatures in the sixties may feel cool to us, but it’s a little too warm for that special Cabernet you’ve been saving. Consider that the main goal of effective wine storage is to minimize the aging process; excessive heat is largely the number one factor that contributes to the aging of fine wine.

2. Air Conditioners Aren’t Great for Gradual and Consistent Temperature Control

Equally important to short and long-term wine storage is avoidance of radical swings in temperature. If the ambient temperature of your wine cellar or room fluctuates with the weather, the cork can expand and contract in the neck of the bottle. This can allow air to seep into the bottle, resulting in oxidized and spoiled wine. A cork shrinking and expanding can even be pushed out of the bottle, potentially causing leakage.

Another thing to consider is the purpose for which home air conditioners are built. When turned on, an air conditioner’s goal is to cool the room or home as quickly as possible. This is the exact type of radical temperature fluctuation you want to avoid when storing wine. Seasoned collectors know keeping a steady and consistent temperature is critical in allowing wine to age gracefully. Even minimal temperature swings over time where wine is stored could spell disaster for your treasured bottles.

3. AC Units Often Cause Vibration

Excessive vibration is another huge pitfall of DIY wine rooms. When the contents in the bottle shift—by even just a few, measly millimeters—energy is added to the chemical aging process. This can radically change and dull the flavors of wine over time.

Home air conditioners and window units are highly prone to cause this type of harmful vibration, as even the best, most expensive units accumulate some degree of wear and tear over time. Whether it’s a loose or bent fan, insufficient lubrication, or improper mounting, many factors can cause a standard AC to vibrate while running.

Wine cooling units and systems-, on the other hand, are specially designed to eliminate harmful vibrations. With recent advances in wine cooling technology, most consumer-grade units are virtually vibration-free, and many of the ducted and split cellar cooling systems run so quietly, they’re nearly silent inside the cellar.

4. Air Conditioners Eliminate Necessary Humidity

Another necessity in safely storing wine, even if just for a few weeks, is control over humidity. At humidity levels of 85-percent or higher, the labels on your prized vintage bottles could potentially degrade, grow mold and the glue may dissolve. If your wine cellar dips below 50-percent humidity, the corks can start to dry out, potentially ruining the overall wine quality.

While window AC units can keep a room cool, they certainly have no ability to maintain or measure humidity. In fact, these units draw all the humidity out of a room, leaving a downright dangerous environment for wine storage. Many wine cooling systems feature humidity control capabilities (called integrated humidifiers), allowing you to effectively control the overall climate in your wine cellar.

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Choosing a Wine Cooling Unit System

When building a wine cellar or wine room, the installation of a wine cooling system is non-negotiable. Although air conditioners and window units can cool the space, they simply cannot offer the specialized controls needed to preserve wine quality. There are several types of wine cooling systems available and choosing the right one will depend on several factors, like the size of your space, aesthetics, and budget.

Before embarking on your custom wine cellar build, be sure to call one of our expert Wine Storage Consultants at 855.406.9384, who can answer all your questions and help you find the best cooling solutions for you and your wine.

The post Can I Use an Air Conditioner to Cool My Wine Cellar? appeared first on Wine Enthusiast.

Jump To: The Four Types of Wine Cellar Cooling Units

Why Do I Need Wine Cellar Cooling System—Won’t an Air Conditioner Do?

While an air conditioner can obviously cool your cellar, it’s not designed to consistently maintain the proper temperature and humidity levels needed to protect and preserve and age wine. Wine cooling units are specially engineered to remove hot air from the cellar, blow cold air in and evaporate water to decrease humidity. They are also engineered to cool slower than standard HVAC systems, and minimize vibrations, which are often associated with regular home air conditioning units. With these critical differences, a wine cooling unit is simply non-negotiable for protecting your prized wines.

Learn More: Can I Use an Air Conditioner to Cool My Wine Cellar?

The Four Types of Wine Cellar Cooling Units

Through-the-Wall

This unit is the most akin to a traditional window AC unit. Instead of a window, it’s placed directly within the cellar wall, sending cool air into the room from the front, while expelling warm air from the back. Unlike flat vents in ducted systems, it protrudes several inches from the wall making it hard to hide, so aesthetically it’s the least attractive option. It also takes up the most room, so you’ll lose some bottle storage space. That said, this type is only powerful enough for small or medium-sized cellars.

You also need to consider the adjacent area that the hot air is being expelled into. If it’s inside your house, it needs to be a room that can handle warm temperatures, or it can go directly outside if that’s an option in your home. You also need a power source and condensation drain, but this can simply be a bucket. This unit generates noise, comparable to a window air conditioner, in both the cellar and the room where the heat is being exhausted into. However, it’s the easiest to install. If you’re handy, you can do it yourself by simply cutting a hole in the wall and inserting the unit—and it’s the cheapest option.

Ducted Self-Contained

This system is the most flexible in terms of wine cellar design and unit installation. This self-contained unit houses the evaporator, fans, compressor, condenser, and controls and connects to the cellar through insulated flexible ductwork. Flat supply and return vent grilles are the only thing showing in the cellar, so if you don’t want a bulky and visible evaporator, this may be your best option if you have a small to medium-sized cellar. It’s also much quieter than the through-the-wall system and it allows for the possibility of integrated humidification control to ensure optimal temperature and humidity levels for your wine. Although pricier than the through-the-wall system, it’s still cost-effective because you don’t need a licensed HVAC technician to install it (although an experienced contractor is recommended).

Ducted Split

This option also features flat vents inside the cellar with none of the bulky units showing. What sets the ducted split apart from the ducted self-contained system is the separation of the evaporator and condenser into two distinct units. This allows the loud condenser to be positioned outside of the home, ensuring a quiet and vibration-free wine room, making it the quietest type of cooling unit available. It also features integrated humidification control to ensure ideal temperature and humidity levels for your wine. However, it’s more expensive than the previous options due to the system’s complexity, which also means you’ll need a licensed HVAC technician to install it. Still, it’s typically regarded as the best wine cellar cooling system available and is suitable for wine rooms of all sizes.

Ductless Split

This system is flexible in terms of cellar size, as it can work in any type or size of room. Like the ducted split, it features separate evaporator and condenser units, and the condenser can be placed outside the home, connected through a line set and communication cable. Unlike the ducted split system though, no air handler is required in a space adjacent to the cellar. Still, because the evaporator is in the cellar, this unit takes up space there. Like the through-the-wall unit, it’s not ideal if looks and limited space are a concern—although there are ceiling-mount units. While quieter than a through-the-wall unit, the ductless split still produces some noise, and requires a licensed HVAC technician to install it.

Choosing Your Wine Cooling Unit

As you can see, there are various factors to consider when selecting a wine cellar cooling unit. This is a big investment no matter which one you decide on, and you’ll want to make sure you purchase the right one for your wine and your home. Think about the size and scope of your collection (and even your future wine collection); the location of your cellar (Ideally away from sunlight and heat; the room’s construction, including the presence of glass walls or windows; the adjacent rooms; and the climate where your home is located. And remember that noise and vibrations can also negatively affect wine preservation.

Here are some important things to keep in mind as you decide:

• Wine cellar size and capacity requirements
• Installation constraints and space availability
• Energy efficiency and operating costs
• Budget
• Noise levels
• Aesthetic considerations
• Precision in temperature and humidity control
• Lighting and sunlight exposure
• Climate where your home is located

The good thing is you don’t have to make this weighty decision on your own. Our expert Wine Storage Consultants can take you through a comprehensive cooling calculation to determine which system is right for you and your cellar and guide you through all the critical details like proper ventilation and insulation when building your wine cellar.

Call 855.406.9384 to speak to a Wine Storage Consultant.

The post Wine Cellar Cooling Unit Buying Guide appeared first on Wine Enthusiast.

White wines should be served between 45°-52° Fahrenheit—depending on the varietal—and reds, between 58°-65° Fahrenheit. The rule of thumb is the lighter the wine, the colder it should be served. The bigger the wine, the warmer it should be served.

So which type of wine refrigerator is right for you? It really boils down to this question: Are you using your wine cooler for service, storage or both? Let’s look at the difference between single zone and dual zone wine cooler cabinets to help you determine your best option.

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What Is a Single Zone Wine Refrigerator?

A single-zone wine refrigerator is a unit with only one temperature-controlled storage compartment. This means the entire cabinet is kept at the same temperature. Single-temperature coolers are intended for one type of wine. If you are serving reds and whites simultaneously, you will need a second unit to serve both types of wine at their ideal temperatures.

What Is a Dual Zone Wine Refrigerator?

A dual zone wine refrigerator is designed with two compartments that are independently temperature-controlled. This means that you can store white and red wines in the same unit, each at their ideal serving temperatures. Dual zone coolers allow you to have a section for white wine service, plus an additional section you can use for storing or serving red wines. Dual zone wine refrigerators are also popular for simultaneously storing and aging wine. Collectors can use one part of the unit for serving, and another for long-term storage.

What Is a Dual Zone MAX Wine Refrigerator?

This exclusive Wine Enthusiast technology is uniquely engineered for storage and service and can be used as either a dual zone or single zone wine refrigerator. It features two storage compartments that can independently be set to different temperatures (like a standard dual zone unit) or if desired, to the same exact temperature. This offers wine drinkers and collectors the unique ability to change the cooler’s capabilities as their collections, tastes and needs change.

Which Is the Best Type of Wine Fridge for Me?

If you have a robust wine collection (or anticipate having one), a dual zone wine fridge is an ideal choice. Dual zone units are much more versatile, with the ability to accommodate and serve both red and white wines simultaneously. With a dual zone cooler, you can also store sparkling wines in the same unit. Wine drinkers who enjoy hosting wine tastings or who entertain guests regularly will benefit from the added versatility of a dual zone unit.

On the other hand, single temperature units offer their own share of benefits. Some casual wine drinkers only enjoy either red or white wines and don’t need a split zone. And serious collectors will benefit from having a dedicated cellar for aging their wines. If you are only interested in primarily reds or whites, a single-temperature cooler will work just fine.

Finding the Best Wine Cooler Cabinet

Once you’ve determined if you need a single zone or dual zone wine fridge, you’ll want to start looking at size, capacity, and special features that fit your style, collection and budget. Wine Enthusiast offers one of the largest selections of single and dual zone wine fridges to suit a wide range of needs and tastes. Here are our top recommendations to help you get started.

Best Dual Zone Wine Fridges

Wine Enthusiast Classic 70 Dual Zone Wine Cellar

With two cooling zones, the Wine Enthusiast Classic 70 is the ideal budget-friendly wine-serving solution. Named “Best Wine Cooler” by The New York Times and Forbes, this wine fridge has a generous 70-bottle capacity, making it perfect for serving the most diverse wine collections. It also features elegant, modern construction and blue LED lighting that makes it a fantastic showpiece. The tinted triple–pane glass door also means great energy-efficiency and optimal thermal performance. 

$849 Wine Enthusiast

Wine Enthusiast Latitude L 26” Smart Wi-Fi Dual Zone MAX Wine Cellar With Luxury Spacing

The Latitude L 26” Dual Zone MAX is one of the most advanced wine refrigerators available today. For especially robust, diverse collections, this unit has a massive storage capacity of 168 bottles as well generously spaced shelves that comfortably store a variety of bottle types and sizes. The unique Dual Zone MAX design provides great flexibility, and features a larger compartment for storing and aging, and a top compartment for serving wines. This unit is also versatile when it comes to installation and can be either free-standing or built into a wall or cabinets. Combined with its beautiful design, two-color full cabinet lighting and library-quiet operation, the Latitude L 26” is perfectly suited for any room in your home.

$1,999 Wine Enthusiast

Wine Enthusiast Latitude S 24” Smart Wi-Fi Undercounter Dual Zone Wine Cellar

The Latitude S Dual Zone wine cellar is an elegant, modern solution for storing and serving your favorite wines. Equal parts function and form, the S Dual Zone is as much a showpiece as it is a high-performing cooling unit. With a 46-bottle capacity, it’s ideal for growing collections. It comes equipped with high-performance compressor cooling technology, and boasts numerous amenities like smooth-rolling wood shelves, modern touchscreen controls, and built-in Wi-Fi so you can remotely control your cooler from your smart phone using the Wine Enthusiast Smart Remote App.

$799 Wine Enthusiast

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Best Single Zone Wine Refrigerators

Wine Enthusiast 24-Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler With Upright Bottle Storage

Compact and budget-friendly, this 24-bottle cooler fits easily in busy kitchens and space-conscious home bars and is ideal for small-but-growing collections. With its efficient compressor cooling technology, it provides great temperature stability and lasts two times longer than comparable thermoelectric models. That makes this powerful cooler an ideal option for discerning collectors who keep only a small selection of bottles on hand. The upright storage rack is a favorite with customers who love the convenience of storing and accessing four opened bottles without leakage.

$349 Wine Enthusiast

EuroCave Inspiration S Wine Cellar

The EuroCave Inspiration S Wine Cellar is a beautiful unit that is specially made to complement any modern kitchen. This elegantly designed, high-performance wine cooler is available in three different sizes with customizable glass, door and shelving options. The EuroCave S can store anywhere from 30 to 89 bottles depending on its configuration, making it one of the most customizable wine coolers available today. Because the EuroCave Inspiration is just as much a showpiece as it is a functional appliance, special care has been given to the aesthetics of the unit. Soft amber lights illuminate your bottles, while a backlit touchscreen gives your kitchen a modern, techy flair. This wine cooler is the ideal solution for collectors who are looking to showcase their wine right in the kitchen.  

$4,199 Wine Enthusiast

Wine Enthusiast VinoView 28-Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler

This compact wine fridge is a favorite of wine connoisseurs for its exceptional style and performance. The unique VinoView matrix shelves store bottles label-forward, which are beautifully illuminated by softly dramatic LED lighting. The sleek black cabinet features double-pane glass with UV protection and black stainless steel trim. In addition to its luxurious look, it’s built with durable, long-lasting compressor cooling technology that will last twice as long as standard thermoelectric units that’s typically found in this size unit.

$359 Wine Enthusiast

For more options, explore our full range of wine cellar cabinets or call one of our expert Wine Storage Consultants at 844.895.4020 who can help you find your perfect buy.

The post Do You Need a Single Zone or Dual Zone Wine Fridge? appeared first on Wine Enthusiast.

In addition to providing storage, home bar cabinets can also double as entertaining pieces. Our team spoke to the experts behind the bar, and those who design them, to learn what the most important features to consider are when at-home bar cabinet shopping, plus the design trends and best home bar cabinet picks for 2024.

Jump To: Our Best Home Bar Cabinets for 2024

What to Consider When Buying a Bar Cabinet for Home

Overall, the pros agree that design, size, storage capacity and materials/durability are the most important factors to consider. Jarett Karlsberg, beverage director at Wythe Hotel, recommends considering whether you’ll be storing bottles, glassware, or both, as well as if you’ll also be using the cabinet as a place to prep. Jennifer Ewald, partner at Parkbench Architect, mentions noting the dimensions of the bar cabinet, as well as factoring people’s ability to flow to and around the bar. “There are great options on the market at all price points, and keeping your budget in mind will help you find one that meets your needs without overspending,” she explains.

Design and Aesthetic

Jordan Schehr, interior designer and founder of Jordan Schehr Design, notes that although home bar cabinets can be statement pieces, they should absolutely make sense in the context of the room they will live in—and above all, should enhance the other furnishings and design elements in the space. “For example, a rustic wine barrel-themed bar cabinet will look out of place in the context of a quiet modern room,” he explains. Doris Gilch, commercial interior designer at J Banks Design, agrees, stating that bar cabinets should complement the style, design, and aesthetic of an entire space.

Stilo Pimentel, east coast ambassador for Milagro Tequila, adds that home bar cabinet should reflect your personal style, as well as your taste for the bottles inside. “It’s important to let your bottles share the stage; don’t let the cabinet steal all the attention,” he suggests. Above all, Ewald recommends choosing a bar cabinet that goes with your home’s existing decor. “Great bars should be a beautiful addition at all times, not just during cocktail hour,” she says.

Size and Space

Considering the physical size of the bar cabinet—as well as the available space in your home—is key. Caden Worley, beverage manager at Don Angie, says it’s important to find a bar cabinet that uses space effectively. “Whether you’re an amateur bartender or simply want the basics, you’re going to want a cabinet that can contain bottles and glassware, ideally in the sexiest way possible,” he says.

With regards to maximizing space, Schehr recommends being realistic about what needs to be stored in the cabinet, and making sure that it has enough room to be useful, while also remaining the right size for the room it will live in. “The worst is when a bar is too massive for the room; this tends to scream bachelor pad vibes,” he says.

Storage Capacity

In addition to the size of the home bar cabinet, ensuring sufficient space for bottles, wine glasses, barware, decanters and accessories is a must, as is considering adjustable shelves and compartments that can accommodate various size bottles and can change with your needs Liz Pearce, central US ambassador for Hendrick’s Gin, notes that shelves should be sturdy enough to support the weight of bottles, and ideally, have some form of door closure to keep potential clutter hidden.

Functionality

When purchasing a bar cabinet, there are a few functionality features to consider. Will you be using the cabinet for wine, spirits, or both—and if so, will it have an integrated wine refrigerator? Are there any expandable features or organizational units, such as racks or drawers? Of course, these are all a matter of preference, but knowing which features will suit you best up front will help lead you to the best cabinet possible. Schehr finds that having versatile shelving and an open-flat surface for drink preparation is often best. “The value of a generous open flat space cannot be understated,” he says.

Pimentel cites an appreciation for cabinets that can be used both as a place of storage and a workspace, like a credenza, thus alleviating the need to move to a separate counter space. “When choosing this option, make sure the counter space is at waist level,” he suggests. “Proper bartenders consider the workspace as a cockpit —meaning everything you need should be at arm’s reach,” he affirms. Pearce finds that drawers are great for storing bitters and tools, and if the option for refrigeration is there, it’s absolutely worth springing for.

Karlsberg agrees, stating that if wine is also going to be stored in the cabinet, then it should most definitely be temperature controlled, and while Schehr finds wine storage handy, he states that should you already have it elsewhere, prioritizing additional storage and workspace for your bar cabinet key. No matter which cabinet you choose, Pearce recommends placing it away from direct sun. “You don’t want your home bar cabinet to be righting in front of a window, as light can damage or change some spirits and liqueurs!” she exclaims.

Materials and Durability

Materials and durability go hand in hand, which is why the professionals tend to steer towards certain foundations. Pearce affirms solid wood all the way, though, suggests not skimping on cheap materials, such as medium-density fiberboard (MDF). “I also recommend glass shelves only if they’re tempered and very sturdy,” he says. With regards to bar tops, Karlsberg finds that metal will be the most durable, though he personally loves wood. “It’s still sturdy, but picks up character over time,” he reveals.

Bar Cabinet Design Trends for 2024

Schehr says curves will be big in 2024, as well as quieter wood grains with more refined finishes and deco-inspired metal details. “As the arch continues to appear in architecture, so too will the curve show itself in furniture design,” he explains. Ewald agrees, adding mixing and matching historical eras of furniture will be on the rise, as well as bold, lacquered colors and wood veneer. An emphasis on lighting interiors with LED strips or linear fixtures is also gaining popularity in both residential and commercial interiors according to Gilch, which works beautifully to illuminate bottles and finishes.

Our Best Home Bar Cabinets for 2024

Now you know what to look for in a home bar cabinet, we’ve asked the industry pros to weigh in on the best home bar cabinets for 2024 spanning a variety of sizes, budgets, and features for every type of space and style.

Best Tall Bar Cabinet

Carousel Acacia Wood Bar Cabinet With Cooling Storage Option

A great way to maximize space in smaller homes is to take advantage of height over depth. Schehr finds that the Carousel’s curved rotating top cabinet gives it an architectural feel reminiscent of design details you might find at a swank hotel or downtown haute. “Bonus points for the inlaid granite fold-out work surface that makes worrying about ring marks and faded veneers unnecessary,” he says, also citing the cabinet’s versatility and volume of storage, all while “keeping a tighter footprint” that works well in homes with limited space.

$2,395 Wine Enthusiast

Best Bar Buffet Cabinet

Navarra Acacia Wood and Resin Inlay Sideboard with Cooling Storage Option

Schehr describes this option as the “un-bar cabinet,” in that it’s the perfect piece for those who seek to hide functionality with an aesthetically pleasing piece. “This [cabinet] flows seamlessly into your living room or dining room without ever looking like a bar,” he explains. He recommends pairing this cabinet with large-scale art on the wall above along with a trio of vases for a beautiful contemporary design scheme.

Pearce agrees. “This Navarra option is really beautiful and discreet, and I like the refrigeration option—plus, you still have the option to display things on top!” she exclaims. Worley highlights the cabinet’s all-in-one feel, specifically with regards to the wine cooler option. “If you have more square footage, this can double as a congregating area with the increased surface area on top, with space to hold canapés, ice buckets for white or sparkling wine, or small pieces of home decor—plus the wood is totally sexy,” he says.

$3,295 Wine Enthusiast

Best Bar Cabinet With Wine Fridge

Cheverny Metal Inlay Bar Cabinet with Cooling Storage Option

Pimentel reveals that he personally loves this piece’s use of solid mango wood, bronze accents, and overall art-deco design. “It’s like your own personal speakeasy; it has space for everything you need, as well as the appropriate workspace to make drinks,” he says. Worley agrees, additionally highlighting the cabinet’s wine cooler storage option. “It’s an all-in-one: it’s space efficient, plus has room for glassware, spirits, bar tools, and a fridge for all the showpiece wines one might have,” he says, noting the cabinet’s beautiful door handles, which promise to work well in both minimalist or maximalist home designs. The French doors make this look as good looking open as it is closed,” adds Schehr.

$2,495 Wine Enthusiast

Best Liquor Bar Cabinet

Crescent Spirits Bar Cabinet

Home bar cabinets with dedicated liquor storage space are ideal for showcasing spirits, and the Crescent Spirits Bar Cabinet makes an exceptional statement. “The Crescent [offers] a marriage of beauty and function,” says Schehr, highlighting the elegance of the cabinet’s demilune soft curve and mix of materials. LED lighting and a woven rattan backsplash is especially notable, illuminating your bottles with a warm golden glow. “This is the perfect cabinet when you want to display your love and enthusiasm for spirits and entertainment,” he says. Gilch also finds the use of various materials (wood, metal, rattan-woven back) intriguing, citing that the combination makes the cabinet “appear like a vintage piece of furniture that has been retrofitted to a bar cabinet.”

$2,195 Wine Enthusiast

Best Modern Bar Cabinet

Lodi Hutch Bar Cabinet

“Another winner here,” says Pimentel, describing the piece as light and elegant, while also calling out its “flirty peekaboo/porthole style doors” that can easily display beautiful bottles of booze. The unit’s locking liquor cabinet and three storage drawers offer multi-use functionality, including hiding potential clutter and keeping tools out of sight when not in use—plus the mango wood and powder coated metal finish offer the perfect mix of durability and elegance. Pimentel says it’s “a perfect workspace so that eyes are always on you and your gorgeous cabinet.”

$3,295 Wine Enthusiast

Best Space-Friendly Bar Cabinet

Hideaway Bar Cabinet With Cooling Storage Option

With a built-in cooling system and foldout Murphy table, our experts agree that the Hideaway Bar Cabinet is perfect for wine and spirits lovers alike. Karlsberg points out the cabinet’s ample amount of shelf space and additional workspace up top. “It’s simple and beautiful as a cabinet, but can easily transform into a functioning bar,” he says. Schehr says it’s an elegant option for a wine lover, due to the optional cooler. “I love that it opens to a generous surface for service and folds into a clean neat package when not in use,” he shares. Pimentel agrees, stating it’s a perfect complement to other wood or leather pieces in the home. “This option would be perfect for small spaces; once opened, it is extremely inviting to the curious guest—and would make one heck of an impression,” he says.

$2,195 Wine Enthusiast

Best Compact Bar Cabinet

Barrel-Inspired Spirits Wall Bar with Prep Shelf

With its narrow depth and clever design, this spirits bar is a great low-profile and affordable option. “The integrated lighting and pull-out table offer great flexibility at a very modest price point,” says Ewald. Schehr agrees, describing the interior lighting shining through the metal grate front as particularly inviting. “The pullout drawer [also] makes a homey serving surface and just feels good to use,” he says, equally noting that this cabinet is perfect for those with limited floor space (hello, apartment-dwelling city folk).

$795 Wine Enthusiast

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a full-service bar for your prized wines and spirits or a simple solution to enjoy your favorite drinks, Pearce says your home bar cabinet decision ultimately comes down to style choices. “All of them have storage, and which one would choose would ultimately depend on how you entertain,” she says, and don’t forget the contents inside. For more inspiration, explore our full collection of furniture and decor.

The post Best Home Bar Cabinets of 2024 appeared first on Wine Enthusiast.

With all of the wine refrigerators on the market today, it can be confusing as to which is best for your particular needs. Some of the smaller units utilize thermoelectric cooling (which is technically the cooling effect that occurs as a result of current flowing between two different conductors) while others are run by a compressor. But which is better?

Thermoelectric units are extremely quiet and efficient, making them perfect for smaller spaces or living areas. While they will protect your wine and are great for short term storage, they need a decent amount of clearance and may not function all that well in warmer ambient temperature environments.

Compressor units use refrigerant, much like your standard refrigerator. They can get down to lower temperatures (if keeping white wine at really cold), can handle higher ambient temperatures and may last a bit longer than the thermoelectric wine coolers. However compressor units can be louder and heavier than their thermoelectric counter parts.

So as you can see, it is not really a matter of which style of cooling is better in a wine cooler. It is more a matter of what factors are most important for your particular wine storage needs.

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Top-Rated Thermoelectric Wine Fridges

Wine Enthusiast 18-Bottle Slimline Dual Zone Wine Cooler

• Two temperature zones can individually set for storing and serving red, white and sparkling wines
• Upright bottle rack stores up to four open bottles without leaking
• Slim footprint easily fits into any space in your home

$349 Wine Enthusiast

Wine Enthusiast 6-Bottle Wine Cooler

• Compact size and countertop height fits easily in apartments, dining spaces and offices
• Affordable price point, great for casual drinkers and as supplemental storage
• Single zone storage ideal for serving your favorite white or red wines

$129 Wine Enthusiast

Top-Rated Compressor Coolers

Wine Enthusiast 32-Bottle Dual Zone MAX Wine Cooler

• Adaptable storage, can be used as a  dual or single zone cooler for red and white wines
• Bottom bulk shelf to display your prized bottles

• Sleek styling with tinted full glass front door

$499 Wine Enthusiast

Wine Enthusiast Classic 80 Wine Cellar

• Elegant single zone cabinet ideal for collections of primarily red wines
• Dramatic LED cabinet lighting showcases your collection
• Full triple-pane glass door with UV protection

$999 Wine Enthusiast

The post What’s the Difference Between Thermoelectric & Compressor Wine Coolers? appeared first on Wine Enthusiast.

Wine Glass Storage Ideas and Best Practices

Just as there are enemies of wine in wine storage, there are foes to face when caring for your glassware. Before even thinking about stowing your wine glasses away, there are a few things you should consider: 

Before You Store

First, make sure your glasses are properly cleaned, polished, and, above all, dry. Proper glass preparation will extend the life of both the furniture and the glass itself and will ultimately look better than water spots and wine stains. 

Bowl Up or Down on Shelves, in Cabinets? 

It’s up to the glass. There are many different varieties of glasses of different qualities. If the piece you have has a thicker rim or foot, storing it upside down shouldn’t be an issue. To avoid toppling glasses and breakage, place more refined, delicate wine glasses with thinner rims right-side-up.

Required Space

Whether your glass is thicker, thinner, break-resistant, crystal, etc., it is still best to maintain some space between each glass—around a half inch to an inch. Giving each piece a little breathing room will decrease the likelihood of accidental collisions and damage.

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Hanging Wine Glass Racks

All storage best practices considered; a hanging rack may just be your fit. Hanging wine glass racks are flexible in both storage ability and placement and can supply a much easier and aesthetically pleasing way to store your stemware. Storing the glass by its base allows you to fit many more in one place, and the rack itself can be hung above areas with untapped potential, such as your kitchen island. Additionally, the light-reflecting stems of wine glasses suspended in the air make quite a striking display.

Metal Hanging Wine Glass Rack

This rustic wine glass rack is crafted from heavy-gauge metal and securely suspended from steel chains. Not only are you able to hang your stemware, but you can also store up to eight wine bottles on top. Regarding its capacity for storage, customers give it great reviews as a perfect fit for small spaces. The wave design across the body adds a special touch of elegance, as well.

$29.99 Wine Enthusiast

Wall Mounted Wine Glass Racks

Empty wall space can be a positive aesthetic element, but it must be balanced. A wall-mounted wine glass rack will add warmth and dimension to your home’s sparser areas. The designs are more unique than their free-hanging counterparts, making it an ideal choice if you want to achieve a specific look.

Personalized Lighted Reclaimed Barrel Wine and Stemware Rack with Cork Catcher

This handcrafted wall rack stores wine glasses and bottles with a captivating rustic look. Three box shelves connected by a wine barrel stave and hoop feature stemware racks for your favorite wine glasses and plenty more room for other glassware and accessories. With LED lighting and a personalized cork catcher accent, it provides effortless storage with ambience and personality.

$999.00 Wine Enthusiast

Bar Cabinets with Storage

You might not be buying a bar cabinet specifically for the stemware rack, but it’s a plus to have alongside your wine, spirits, and barware—especially when entertaining guests. With this form of storage, you’re able to select your bottles and glasses and serve them all in one place. It’s as charming as it is convenient.

Cheverny Metal Inlay Mezzo Bar Cabinet with Cooling Storage Option

The front doors of this bar cabinet are much more than a pretty face! Open them up and you’ll find built-in stemware racks that can accommodate up to 18 wine glasses. It’s smart use of space, with style customers love.

See Price at Wine Enthusiast

Morgon Live Edge Metal and Wood Wine Bar Center With Glassware Storage Hutch

Enter the storage hutch—perfect for bar storage-seekers who like the look of hanging or under-cabinet wine glass racks. It’s essentially a storage bar cabinet with a stemware rack and a bar top. It evokes a well-built industrial style and is of “amazing quality and craftmanship,” according to one customer.

See Price at Wine Enthusiast

Lodi Hutch Bar Cabinet

This modern bar cabinet with hanging stemware rack stores up to 18 wine glasses with simple striking style. With a top hutch cabinet for top-shelf liquor and sleek peek-a-boo drawer for wine bottles, it offers a bevy of storage in a smart space-friendly design.

$2,636.00 Wine Enthusiast

Wine Bottle and Glass Racks

A wine bottle and glass rack combination may be the solution for you if you want easier access and visibility. These racks could be used in cellars or wine rooms, to create cellars or simply to add a cellar aesthetic to your living and entertainment areas. In any case, the design is centered on the wine.

115-Bottle Iron Wine and Stemware Rack with Tasting Shelf

This iron wine and stemware rack is simple, sleek, and has a tasting shelf for serving and showcasing accessories. Combine it with one or more of our 150-Bottle Iron Wine Racks with Display Shelf to create a visually appealing storage solution for hundreds of bottles.

$316 Wine Enthusiast

So, Is Your Current Wine Glass Storage up to Snuff?

Wine glass racks and storage play an integral part in the safekeeping of your favorite stemware. Days of crowding your cabinets can come to an end as you transition to something better suited for your collection, whether beautifully hanging in the air, on the wall or in a bar. Whatever the choice, you’ll find a new appreciation for the form, function, and composition of every glass as it’s displayed.

The post A Complete Guide to Wine Glass Storage and Racks appeared first on Wine Enthusiast.

Most wine cellars require some form of clearance and have recommended minimum and maximum ambient temperature levels. While some built in wine cellars are ‘zero clearance’, some may require up to an inch depending on the model and size. Free standing units typically require 2-3”, so once your cellar is installed you want to just ensure that proper clearance and ventilation is being provide.

Ambient temperature cannot only affect the temperatures inside your wine cellar but will affect the longevity and overall efficiency of the unit. So be sure to adhere to the recommended minimum and maximum ambient temperature levels when deciding on the location for your wine cooler.

Be Sure to Change Your Filter and Clean Drip Trays

Some wine cellars come standard with an air (sometimes charcoal) filter. These filters will help to keep the air clean within the cellar, and in some instances will limit the amount of air that is allowed into the cellar. If there is too much air that enters the cellar, it can lead to higher than desired humidity and moisture levels which can entice the growth of mold (see below for more on mold). Most filters are good for approximately a year or so, but that can depend on the overall ambient temperature and humidity levels in your area. So, if you notice that moisture is starting to build up to undesirable levels and your humidity is exceeding 80%, it is probably time to change that filter.

Other cellars will have drip trays that collect excess moisture from the cellar. If your wine cellar or refrigerator does have a drip tray, those should be checked every few months to make sure there is not excessive water build up (a mold spore attractor) and that the tubes are clear allowing a flow of water to the tray.

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Wiping Down the Coils and Interior Cabinet

In certain cellars, the condensing coils or fans may be exposed on the back wall of the unit. If so, we recommend just taking a dust brush/paper towels (or ideally a handheld vacuum or compressed air) and cleaning those once a year or so. It helps the functioning of the coils and avoids any exterior coil damage as the condensing coils are the part of the cellar that get warm when the compressor is on. It is also a good idea to wipe down the walls and possibly the floor of your cellar at that same time if there is an excessive moisture build up. Any mineral deposits, residual water, or dust/dirt should be cleaned with warm water. A non-perfumed mild soap could be used. Again, the idea of these cellars is to maintain humidity between 50-75% for long term storage so the corks do not dry out. So, if the humidity goes above 80% for longer periods of time and there is visible moisture, that is something you want to handle before it can become a potential issue.

Other cellars will have drip trays that collect excess moisture from the cellar. If your wine cellar or refrigerator does have a drip tray, those should be checked every few months to make sure there is not excessive water build up (a mold spore attractor) and that the tubes are clear allowing a flow of water to the tray.

Keep an Eye Out for Mold and Mildew

All wine cellars are intentionally humid to keep the cork moist. Although, humidity can lead to mold. But don’t be alarmed as you can simply wipe it off with a clean, soft cloth. However, you do want to make sure to react at the first sign of it, as once it reaches your labels it could affect their appearance…. Unless you choose to go for the old wine cave style for your bottles.

Rest assured, mold won’t affect the wine inside their bottles, but you should try to address it at first sight to make sure it does not lead to an unnecessary larger problem. Ideal humidity should be between 50-80% which helps keep your corks from drying out. If the humidity is consistently around 80% or higher, a small room dehumidifier will probably help lower the humidity levels in the room and the cellar.

The post How to Care for Your Wine Cellar appeared first on Wine Enthusiast.

But what wines are made for the long haul? And how do you know?

The drivers sustaining these wines that can improve over a decade or more are acidity, alcohol, and for reds, tannin and for sweet wines, sugar. Every bottle of quality wine is a self-contained world where time moves slowly (larger formats, such as magnums, slow the process due to the ratio of air-to-wine in a given bottle). They should be cellared in darkness at temperatures between 50–59°F.

This allows the chemical reactions to proceed naturally. The interplay of those structural components, flavors and microbes will yield new aromas and tastes possible only with time—like tobacco, petrol and dried fruits may reveal themselves eventually. You don’t get those notes every day.

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But you need not wait years to enjoy that expensive bottle. Many winemakers work to ensure a wine can be enjoyed now, or 30 years from now.

“If you get the structure right, the ageability will fall in line, and the approachability will fall in line,” Jeff Smith, the owner of Hourglass Wines, a cult Napa Valley winery, tells me. Certain winemaking techniques can bond abrasive tannins with color compounds, allowing uncorking in youth or longevity in the cellar. Hourglass uses precise manipulation of temperatures during fermentation in order to release color compounds—monomeric anthocyanins, specifically—that bond with tannins.

“If you understand organic chemistry and how to translate that into the actual winemaking discipline, you can have your cake and eat it, too.”

You can also age Champagnes—and not just vintage ones. “Even nonvintage champagnes can age beautifully,” says Émilien Boutillat, the chef-de-cave of Piper-Heidsieck, founded in 1785.

To prove it, we taste several nonvintage Champagnes in their Essentiel collection, as well as older Brut bottles, whose base wines go back decades. If you were to buy a bottle on store shelves today, you would be drinking a nonvintage wine, the foundation of which was grown and pressed in 2018. It possesses the signature characteristics of Piper-Heidsieck: a notable vibrancy and fresh fruits. When we dug further back, to a nonvintage bottle with a 2012 base, however, we found shyer fruit, but honeyed notes and more pronounced toast.

“It is still fresh,” he says, “but it is on the line in-between of a wine you enjoy for its youth, and maturity. It still has bite.”

Backward in time we go—trying wines with bases from 2010, 1995, 1985—and the notes change markedly: coffee beans, dry apricots, and lemon pie. Consistent throughout is a lovely line of acidity, vibrancy and freshness.

“It’s really a matter of taste,” Boutillat says. “Each one of us is different. It’s up to you to keep your wine as long as you’d like.”

This article originally appeared in the December 2023 issue of Wine Enthusiast magazine. Click here to subscribe today!

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The post Why Does Some Wine Get Better with Age? appeared first on Wine Enthusiast.

Wine Enthusiast’s Latitude 26” L wine cellars feature universal shelves with luxury spacing so you can freely slip your bottles in and out of the unit without interference. What is luxury spacing? Each shelf measures 21-inches wide and is generously spaced four inches apart (3/4- to 1-inch more than the average in its class), offering plenty of room to comfortably store and access a variety of bottle types and sizes, including hard-to-fit ones, like Burgundy, Champagne and 1.5 mL magnums.

“By far, Latitude L wine cellars have the best spacing between shelves as compared to other units in its class, and in a sleeker, more efficient design too,” says Wine Storage Expert and Chief Revenue and Education Officer of Wine Enthusiast Marshall Tilden III.

Here is a look at the benefits the Latitude L 26” with luxury spacing offers.

Protects the Value of Your Wine

If you’re buying and selling wine on the market, the condition of your labels can make or break your return. According to Zachary Karle, Partner at fine wine dealers Baron Wines USA , label damage can decrease the value of your bottles by 10- to 15-percent, depending on the age and worth of the wine itself.  “Damage to the label can be an obvious indicator of poor storage conditions. Especially when dealing with older bottles, storage quality is paramount. Any potential issues can cause a sharp drop in pricing,” says Karle.

Preserves the Beauty of Your Bottles

There’s nothing more disappointing than uncorking a special aged vintage or spoiling a beautifully set dinner table with a scraped label. Whether you’re in the market or not, luxury spacing easily keeps your labels intact so you can enjoy and appreciate the beauty of your collection. “A big part of the pleasure and pride that comes along with storing a bottle of wine is the ritual of pulling it out of your wine cellar and serving it to guests, displaying that beautiful wine label as it’s being poured,” adds Tilden.

Generous Capacity Per Shelf

The combination of luxury spacing with the extra wide universal format gives you the potential to fit a case of wine per shelf with most types of bottles. (Some extremely fat and long Napa Valley reds would most likely not allow for a case.)

Hassle-Free Versatility

Universal shelves on the Latitude L Wine Cellar accomodate variety of bottle types and sizes.

Unlike higher-priced units with customizable shelving systems, Latitude L universal shelving comes standard with scalloped silicone insets and the luxury spacing you need to accommodate all types of 750 mL bottles and magnums without the trouble of removing and adjusting shelves.

A wine label is not only essential for understanding the wine’s origins and its vintage, but also a reflection of your tastes and appreciation for wine. “The Latitude L is a great option for any wine collector who values not only the wine itself but the entire wine package and experience,” shares Tilden.

In addition to its luxury spacing, the Latitude 26” L wine cellar delivers premium protection against wine’s natural enemies with ultra-consistent Steady-Temp compressor cooling. It’s also Wi-Fi enabled so you can conveniently monitor and control your unit from your smartphone using the free Wine Enthusiast Smart Cellar Remote app.  It’s available in single zone as well as in Dual Zone MAX with two temperature-controlled compartments for storing and serving reds and whites.

Shop Latitude L 26″ Single Zone

Shop Latitude L 26″ Dual Zone MAX

The post Goodbye Scraped Labels! Luxury Spacing Is the Solution You’ve Been Looking For appeared first on Wine Enthusiast.

What Is the Best Temperature to Store Wine?

Storage time greatly impacts the conditions at which your wine should be kept. Generally, recommendations can be divided depending on whether you’re planning for short-term or long-term storage; where short-term is less than six months, and long-term is any time beyond that.

For short-term storage, you want to avoid any pre-mature aging or agitation. To do this, a constant temperature of 50°-59° Fahrenheit is best. If you’ll be storing your wine for longer, you’ll want to keep your cooler a little colder—53° to 57° Fahrenheit. This temperature will prevent spoilage and allow the wine to age and mature gracefully.

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Variables in Wine Storage

Red vs. White Wine Storage Temperature

While common to keep whites in the fridge and reds on the shelf, that’s not what the experts at Wine Enthusiast recommend. Although different wines should be served at different temperatures, all wines should be stored at the same temperature.

Whether white, red, sparkling or fortified, we suggest following the above-mentioned temperature guidelines, depending on how long you are storing your wine.

Ideal Temperature by Unit

For wine storage, coolers are available in single-zone models and dual-zone models. Single zones are often more economical, beginner friendly and ideal for long term storage of all wines. However, if you are looking to have both long-term and short-term storage as well as service temperatures in the same device, a dual-zone cooler is probably best. With dual-zone coolers, you can independently adjust the temperatures of two separate storage areas.

Another consideration is compressor coolers versus thermoelectric coolers. These two different types of refrigerators offer their own unique advantages. While they operate like a traditional refrigerator, compressor coolers can get cooler in warmer climates (80° F+) and are the more popular of the two. Thermoelectric coolers use electricity and heating plates to operate much more quietly, but you won’t find them in stock as readily.

Are you exclusively storing wine, or do you have spirits, beer, and mixers to keep cold as well? If the latter is the case, consider looking into beverage-center units. These typically have space for beer/soda cans, standard bottles, and sparkling wine bottles. Not only do these units free up space in your standard refrigerator, but they offer a convenient space for all your entertaining needs and supplies.

Wine Fridge Temperature Range

Most standard units have a temperature range between 40° F and 65° F. Some specialized units can offer temperatures below 40° F, but that will be too low for most wines.

Tips for Proper Wine Storage

Say your reds and whites are stowed away, stored in a cooler at the ideal temperature. Is there anything else you should know about storage to enjoy optimal quality and flavor? The answer is: Yes.

The location of your unit is something to consider. We suggest avoiding any particularly harsh environments that could force your wine cooler to work harder than it has to. That means non-air-conditioned garages or patios in hot climates.

We strongly suggest avoiding areas that are subject to intense ambient temperature fluctuations. This is going to put some very unnecessary stress on your wine refrigerator. And while the units we offer can certainly stand up to the task, keeping your refrigerator in a relatively constant ambient temperature is going to prolong its life.

Like any refrigerating device, wine coolers are rated at certain max-capacities. It’s important to keep keen attention to these recommendations. When wine refrigerators are over-filled, they won’t be able to maintain a constant, ideal temperature. That brings us to our next point…

Wine refrigerators operate just fine when under-filled. So, we always consider buying for what your wine collection will be, not what it already is. This way, you’ll be able to comfortably grow your collection, without worrying about storage space.

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In Conclusion

All in all, our wine refrigerators are going to do most of the work for you. But you’ll just want to make a few considerations to ensure that you’re optimizing the performance of your unit. We suggest taking into account your current and future needs to determine which unit is best for your home. No matter what you decide, we’ve certainly got a wine refrigerator for you. Take a look around our online shop–the perfect unit is only a few clicks away!

The post What Temperature Should Wine be Stored At? appeared first on Wine Enthusiast.