Maintaining a serviceable and well-rounded home bar requires glassware, wine bottles, and a variety of accessories. With so many items, it's important to have proper storage that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
A wine storage cabinet offers a safe and convenient space for all your wine and bar contents. They are made in various shapes and sizes, and with material intended to match or complement your home décor.
Our guide will highlight some important considerations when shopping for wine storage cabinets. For those looking for an elaborate, elegant unit, check out our top pick, the Walker Edison Furniture Company’s Industrial Wood and Metal Bar Cabinet, or read on for further insights.
The wine storage cabinet is the most elaborate of storage options, typically providing shelving options for accessories and horizontal storage units for wine bottles. They may also feature a wine glass rack, and any number and style or doors and drawers. However, there are two other options worth keeping in mind that may be employed in place of or even in addition to the cabinet, depending on your lifestyle:
Cheaper storage cabinets and options will feature metal racks. While these offer convenience and better show off bottles, they can scratch bottles if not carefully used. Such wire options may bend over time, too. Wood is an ideal option as it better nestles and protects the wine from elements.
The alternative to racks is shelves, which may be adjustable or allow the stacking of wine bottles. These tend to be quite protective and may provide increased capacity.
Wine is enjoyed not just for its taste, but also the aesthetic. Your wine storage cabinet should be viewed similarly, not only preserving the taste of the wine, but offering a unique or complementary look in your home. The design may be modern and sleek, or rustic and farmhouse. Look for a cabinet or storage option that fits your taste.
Most wine storage cabinets don’t control temperature, but higher-end options may feature different temperature zones so you can best store varied bottles. This is useful if you enjoy both red and white, as the latter is best enjoyed around 20 degrees cooler than the former.
Similarly, some storage options regulate humidity, keeping it in a moderate range where it doesn’t dry out the cork, but also keeps it from getting damp.
Decent wine storage cabinets, particularly for red-wine lovers, may cost up to $300, but those with added cooling features and a larger capacity can run over $500.
A. Wine is best stored in dark, dry places away from sunlight or extreme levels of humidity. What’s more, wine bottles with corks should be stored on their side, so that the cork can continue to interact with the wine, thus preventing it from drying out, cracking, and letting in air.
A. Increasingly, wine around the globe, particularly from new world regions, is made with screw caps. As such, humidity becomes less of a factor, as does the need to store wine on its side. Still, you’ll want to keep it out of the heat and sun and avoid any movement.
Walker Edison Furniture Company’s Bar Cabinet
Our take: This is a gorgeous, industrial-style bar cabinet boasting both functionality and a beautiful aesthetic.
What we like: A laminate top shelf displays favorite bottles and accessories. Mesh metal doors provide rustic quality. It includes a hanging stemware rack.
What you should consider: Bottles must be stored upright.
Where to buy: Sold at Amazon
Our take: This is a convenient and compact storage solution for your wine bottles and glassware.
What we like: Horizontal slats store up to 20 wine bottles. Hanging stemware racks offer glassware storage. It offers solid, durable construction.
What you should consider: The dark aesthetic may not appeal to all users.
Where to buy: Sold at Amazon
South Shore’s Munich Bar Cabinet
Our take: The rustic build and modern touches provide a promising aesthetic with adequate wine storage.
What we like: The interior boasts a stemware rack and pull-out drawer. A middle shelf provides additional storage. The top drawer can hold accessories. It offers a rustic look with modern flashes.
What you should consider: It only has six horizontal bottle storage options.
Where to buy: Sold at Amazon
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Anthony Marcusa writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
