Wine Storage

Planning a well rounded wine cellar collection

I recently read this article on ft.com titled Nine Ways to Build an Affordable Wine Cellar which I thought was a really helpful guide.

Our customers may have fabulous wine cellars, wine rooms and wine storage solutions, but the idea of filling it can be a little daunting. Many customers really know their wines, other will just buy what they like (that’s what I do!) or perhaps you just want a well rounded collection for event event and meal, both for guests as well as yourself.

Here are some thoughts about starting a 300 bottle wine collection

Set a Budget

  • Before you start buying, decide on a budget. Wine collecting can be expensive, so it’s important to set a limit on how much you want to spend per bottle and overall.
  • A good strategy is to allocate your budget across different price ranges. For instance, you might spend more on high-quality wines intended for aging, while also including more affordable, everyday wines.
Wine-collection-budget

Diversify Your Collection

  • By Region: Include wines from different parts of the world. Classic wine regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne in France, Tuscany in Italy, Rioja in Spain, and Napa Valley in the USA are essential. Also, explore emerging regions like Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand.
  • By Grape Variety: A diverse collection should include a mix of red, white, and sparkling wines, each made from different grape varieties. Consider classic varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling. Don’t forget to explore lesser-known varieties such as Grenache, Sangiovese, and Chenin Blanc.
  • By Vintage: Include wines from different years. Some wines are meant to be enjoyed young, while others can be aged for decades. A range of vintages will give you wines to enjoy now and wines to look forward to in the future.
  • By Style: Make sure you have a variety of wine styles—light-bodied, full-bodied, sweet, dry, and sparkling. This ensures you have something for every occasion and every guest’s preference.

Focus on Quality over Quantity

  • While it might be tempting to fill your cellar quickly, focus on acquiring high-quality bottles rather than just accumulating numbers. Quality wines, especially those from reputable producers and regions, are more likely to impress your guests and will often age better.

Consider Age-Worthy Wines

  • Include some wines that are known for their aging potential, such as Bordeaux, Barolo, and certain Burgundy wines. These wines can develop complex flavors over time, adding depth to your collection.
  • However, also include wines that are ready to drink now, so you can enjoy your collection as it grows.
Champagne-collection
Wine rack in Surrey
solid oak vaulted wine cellar 1

Invest in Proper Storage

Temperature Control

  • Consistent Temperature: The most crucial factor in wine storage is maintaining a consistent wine temperature. Fluctuations can cause the wine to expand and contract, potentially damaging the cork and allowing air to seep in, which can spoil the wine.
  • Avoid Extremes: Temperatures above 24°C can cause wine to age prematurely and lose its flavour. On the other hand, temperatures below 10°C can slow down the aging process too much, preventing the wine from developing its full character

Humidity Control

  • Maintain Humidity Levels: Wine should be stored in an environment with a humidity level of around 60-70%. Proper humidity prevents the cork from drying out and shrinking, which could lead to oxygen exposure and spoilage.
  • Avoid Excessive Humidity: While some wine cellar humidity is good, too much can encourage mould growth on the corks and labels.

Darkness is Key

  • Protect from Light: UV light, especially sunlight, can cause wine to degrade, leading to unpleasant aromas and flavors.
  • Invest in UV-Resistant Lighting: If your wine storage area requires lighting, consider UV-resistant bulbs or LED lights, which emit minimal heat and UV radiation.

Stable Environment

  • Minimize Vibrations: Constant vibrations can disturb the sediments in wine, especially in older wines, and accelerate the aging process in an undesirable way.
  • Dedicated Wine Storage: For optimal stability, consider investing in a dedicated wine fridge or wine cellar.

Wine Racks and Shelving

  • Horizontal Storage: Store wine bottles horizontally to keep the cork moist. A dry cork can shrink, allowing air into the bottle and spoiling the wine.
  • Custom Wine Racks: As your collection grows, you may want to invest in a custom wine rack to fit your cellar or storage area perfectly.

Wine Fridges and Cellars

  • Wine Fridges: If you don’t have the space or budget for a full wine cellar, a wine fridge (also known as a wine cooler) is an excellent alternative.
  • Wine Cellars: A well-designed wine cellar will maintain the perfect environment for your wines and can be a stunning feature in your home. Whether you convert a basement or build a custom cellar, this investment will protect your collection for years to come.

Balance Collecting and Drinking

  • As you collect, don’t be afraid to open and enjoy your wines. Part of the fun of collecting is sharing your wines with guests and discovering what you like. Regularly tasting your collection will also help you refine your palate and make informed decisions about future purchases.

Keep Track of Your Collection

  • Use a wine inventory app or a simple spreadsheet to keep track of what you have, including details like the purchase date, price, and ideal drinking window. This will help you manage your collection and ensure you’re drinking your wines at their best.

Seek Advice from Experts

  • Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from wine merchants, attend wine tastings, and join wine clubs. This can introduce you to new wines and help you make informed purchases.

Stay Informed

  • Keep up with wine trends, new releases, and vintage reports. This knowledge will help you spot great wines and make your collection more current and exciting.

Have Fun!

  • Lastly, remember that collecting wine should be enjoyable. Collect wines that you love and are excited to share with others. The best collections are built with passion and curiosity.
Posted in Wine Cellar, Wine Recommendations, Wine Storage

See our top 5 under stairs wine rack projects

Below we attempt to list our top five under stairs wine rack projects, judging on a combination of the complexity of the project, the required level of craftsmanship needed, the ingenuity of the wine racking capacity, the finalised look, and (most important) the client’s satisfaction.

We have noticed a growth in the demand for bespoke under stair wine rack projects in the UK recently. Our guess is there are two reasons, firstly people really love wine these days, and secondly space is often at a premium in modern houses so homeowners have adopted new innovative ways to maximise that space.

Under Stairs Wine Rack Projects

1. The Classic Oak Stained Pine Installation

A timeless design that can complement almost every British home whilst keeping costs to a minimum, featuring handcrafted pine racks and shelves with a natural oak stain finish to highlight the wood’s grain.

2. The Rustic Retreat

Ideal for the country house, this wine rack uses reclaimed wood to add character and history to your wine collection.

Wine Cubes Small Under Stairs Wine Storage
Pine cubes and galvanised steel wine racks under stairs

3. The Glass Showcase

Incorporating glass elements to display your prized bottles, this design is perfect for the modern collector who loves to showcase their collection.

Solid oak LED Lights under stairs wine room

4. The Minimalist

This project is all about clean lines and uncluttered design, using white ash wood and a matte finish to achieve a minimalist look.

Traditional wood-metal under-stair wine rack
Traditional wood-metal under-stair wine rack

5. The Modernist Dark Wood Blend

For the contemporary home, this project combines sleek metal with warm wood tones, creating a striking contrast that’s sure to be a conversation starter.

Solid Oak stained dark oak colour understairs wine rack
Solid Oak stained dark oak colour understairs wine rack

Complex shapes need skilled craftsmanship

The biggest stand out of these under stairs wine rack projects is the need for versatility and creativity of both our design team and the craftsman.

The under stairs space is often awkward, triangular, and non standard. Our goal is to complete each project so that the new under stairs wine rack looks like it was always a part of the house and that is perfectly belongs in the space. At WineRacks.co.uk, we pride ourselves on every job that our long serving and experienced craftsmanship create, matching with the client’s specific needs and adopting the ideal wood type and finish every time.

Call us for a quote for your project

Tel: 0115 9441434

Posted in Under Stairs Wine Rack, Wine Storage

Cellar Temperature using cellar conditioners

This article provides the information you need to make sure your wine cellar, or wine room is kept at the perfect temperature. In particular, we look at the importance of cellar conditioners.

Cellar Conditioner Experts

If a cellar conditioner is needed, and for perfect wine storage it usually is, you need to understand what a cellar conditioner does and how it works.

At Wine Racks UK we have nearly 50 years of perfecting the storage of prestige wines for our very discerning clients.

If you are wanting the best place to store your collections call A&W Moore Wine Racks UK.

Tel: 0115 9441434

fondis sp100 cellar conditioner

What is a wine cellar conditioner?

A wine cellar conditioner is a specifically designed system for achieving and maintaining the the perfect atmosphere for your wine cellar and the wines in it. They operate like an air cooling systems, with built in monitors, refrigerating system and an evaporator.

Why should I buy a cellar conditioner rather than a regular/ standard air conditioner?

There is a significant difference between a cellar conditioner and a regular air conditioning for a cellar. We strongly advise to use the former and will explain what a cellar conditioner does and how it works.

What is the main difference between a standard or regular air conditioner and a proper wine cooling system/cellar conditioner?

Lower demand for temperature. Slower rate of cooling. All year running and humidification function.

How a cellar conditioner works

The cellar conditioners that sit in the wall have a fan that runs and circulates the air inside  the cellar. The air entering the unit is cooled if it is above the desired temperature and the same air is returned to the cellar. There is a heat exchanger and the units operate within a 2C  range so that the cooling side of the unit is not constantly  being turned on and off. If the unit is set at 12C it will run between 11-13˚C.  The warmth created by the unit is then expelled out of the back of the unit. Some people think that the warm air coming out of the back of the unit is the same warm air that went into the front of the unit from the cellar which is incorrect. The air in the cellar is recirculated. As the air in the cellar is cooled it will produce a small amount of moisture.

Damp with Normal Air Conditioning

What tends to happen is that when the units are first turned on they will produce a small amount of water and then settle down to produce very little water if any, providing that the cellar has no damp problems and that the door has a proper seal and is not being continually opened. The units are not designed to be a dehumidifier for a damp cellar. The water that is produced is recirculated back into the cellar to keep the humidity at a reasonable level. Excess water is drained off.

The split systems work in a very similar way except the warmth created by the unit in the cellar is transferred to a liquid which is pumped to the outside of the building and the heat is expelled into the atmosphere.

The importance of using a cellar conditioner

We have often been asked, particularly on new build projects, whether the company doing the air conditioning for the house can put a standard conditioning unit in and programme it to operate at 14˚ C . For example, Panasonic make a wall mounted PACi that can be programmed to operate at low temperatures. 

There has been problems with the standard units as the ones that we have used in our cellars have a special coating on the internal parts so that it helps to prevent corrosion.

Cellars often have relatively high humidity levels compared with normal living accommodation. When moisture comes out of brick work or concrete it can form efflorescence salts. When this is combined with water it produces acid which can destroy the standard air conditioning.

Efflorescence salts damage normal air conditioners

The above picture shows efflorescence salts on the brick work. This was a new build cellar and the owner employed a company that did not have experience in fitting cellar conditioners.

The Advantage of Cellar Conditioners

Unlike a cellar conditioner, a standard unit has no corrosion protection so it failed after a few months of operation. After having a new cellar built it is a good idea to use a dehumidifier for a few weeks so the bricks and concrete can be thoroughly dried out. Often concrete will look and feel dry but it is still emitting moisture which can cause wood to warp. It is easy to tell when the cellar is properly dry as the dehumidifier will no longer be extracting water from the air.

Good humidity as well as temperature

Standard air conditioners also tend to dry the air in the cellar as when the air is cooled moisture is removed and they have a drain to take this out of the cellar. The result is that the air can become very dry and can damage the corks by drying them out. It is not uncommon for the moisture content to be reduced to 50% humidity which is far to low for a wine cellar.  Proper cellar conditioners such as the Fondis units retain the water so that it can be sent back into the cellar to maintain a reasonable humidity. If there is excess water in damp cellars the units do have a drain to remove the excess.

Need help with your wine cellar? Contact the experts on 0115 944 1434!

Posted in Wine Cellar, Wine Storage

Avoiding damp when building a wine cellar

When building a wine cellar you need to know about, and get right, the four vitally important factors to good wine storage namely; humidity, temperature, light and the correct storage system.

This article covers humidity and damp.

The wine cellar experts

A & W Moore Wine Racks UK are often contacted after a wine cellar has been built and asked what they need to do to rectify problems and faults.

Below we aim to share some of our nearly 50 years of experience and give you some advice of how to avoid the pitfalls and the correct procedures.

Better still, give us a call and our experienced craftsmen will know how best to deliver the perfect wine cellar project.

Tel: 0115 9441434

Humidity

Generally the British climate is never too dry to store wine and the need for a humidifier is not needed provided that the cellar does not have an excessive amount of ventilation. There are many more cellars that are too wet rather than too dry.

When building an underground cellar it is important that it is constructed to a grade 3 standard where no damp or seepage is acceptable.

Unfortunately we have come across many cases where the home owner did not take proper specialist advice and their builder was inexperienced in building under ground cellars/basements.

The grades for waterproofing underground structures:

Grade 1A – Seepage and damp areas from internal and external sources are tolerable if they don’t affect the intended use of the space.

Grade 1B – Seepage is not tolerable, but damp areas from both internal and external sources are (free water can’t enter, but damp patches can occur).

Grade 2 – Seepage is not acceptable, but damp areas may be tolerable if resulting from condensation or moisture in the air (this may require management measures).

Grade 3 – No seepage or damp is acceptable.

Wine Cellar Damp Problems

Grade 1B states that seepage of water is not tolerable, but damp areas from both internal and external sources are (free water can’t enter, but damp patches can occur).

The problem with this standard is that when the water table rises considerably as it can during very heavy rain fall the damp patches turn to being extremely damp and wet. It is very difficult to construct grade 2 structure that does not turn into a Grade 1 structure after persistent heavy rain.

The result is a wine cellar with a humidity above 80%, mould is likely to form or grow on wooden surfaces and if wine was to be stored the labels and corks will grow mould as shown in the picture below.

This example shows where a new build cellar was built to grade 1B.

Solutions to Damp

If you have a cellar that is too damp there are many waterproofing products available that can be used to turn a very damp cellar into a perfectly usable one. The type and method will have to be assessed on an individual basis depending on the wall structure and the depth below ground level. The water pressure below ground rises the deeper the cellar is and this needs to be taken into account when deciding upon the remedy for a damp cellar. We have come across a case where a leaking cellar was successfully tanked, but after a period of heavy rain, the water pressure cracked and lifted the concrete floor.

Construction Chemicals

Construction Chemicals Ltd provide a range of products that can be used to solve the problems of a damp cellar and they offer good advice on which product should be used. https://www.constructionchemicals.co.uk/ The products can be applied by a local builder. Other solutions involve lining the wall with a water proof membrane so that the water drains into a sump and a cellar pump to take away excess water.

Cellars that are built above ground level should be built with a vapour barrier to the floor, walls and ceiling and care should also be taken to ensure that they are well insulated.

Need help with your wine cellar? Contact the experts on 0115 944 1434!

Posted in Wine Cellar, Wine Storage

A wine cellar to store investment wines

Wine is being seen by more and more people as an alternative asset, especially when traditional investment opportunities may not be returning sufficiently attractive returns. Investing in wine can be done as a means of diversifying an investment portfolio, as well as providing a great reason to invest more time in pleasurable hobby!

As a business that specialises in designing and building wine racks and installing cellar air conditioning units for storing personal wine collections, Wine Racks UK can help and share our expertise.

An introduction to Investing in Wine

This is by no means advice, but if you are interested in the idea of investing in wines here are the basics and links to some good articles.

As with any investment the process to investing wine is;

  • Research what to buy
  • Choosing when to buy
  • Deciding where you are going to store your investment wine
  • Understanding how long to hold on to your investment
  • Final the call on when to sell and at what price

A good place to start is Vin X, a specialist wine investment service.

Another good article on investing in wine include can be found on Unbiased.

How to store investment wine at home

Wine investors will not be surprised to hear about the importance of proper wine storage. Good storage of investment wine collections is paramount to success.

You can store with third party, professional warehouses, which might be the safest place if you are not 100% sure on how best to keep your investment wine at its optimum quality. However there will be a charge for this service.

You can store your collection in a home cellar but we strongly advise getting it professionally built.

As a guide your investment wine storage needs

  • The perfect temperature for each wine type
  • As near zero UV light as possible
  • Cellar wine storage racks at the right angle
  • Reduce dampness for long term storage
  • Seal the room as best you can.

The professional at Halleck Vineyard have written a good article on building a home cellar to store wine.

In for the long haul

Wine is a slow-return investment that needs patience and long term planning.

Make sure that whatever you wine investment storage plans are, that they can last for many years.

Posted in Wine Cellar, Wine StorageTagged in

We are the company to design and build large wine racks

Wine racks come in all shapes and sizes, but there’s no denying there’s something extra special and especially eye-catching about a large wine rack, if done right.

Large wine racks are most commonly found in commercial premises like hotels, restaurants, bars, brasseries and pubs, and indeed most of our large wine racks are made to order for these kind of spaces. But that’s not to say that they’re the sole preserve of these establishments. Far from it. Large wine racks have long been a popular and attractive option for our private clients too, right from our inception back in 1977.

It’s worth pointing out that there isn’t an exact definition of what constitutes a large wine rack, but for our purposes we’re talking about the size and type of storage you’d need for a wine cellar – so a space which could potentially hold thousands of bottles of wine. Speaking of wine cellars, if you want to know why they’re the best place to store your wine, please check out this recent article on wine cellars[1] .

Options for large wine racks

There are several things to consider when you’re going through your large wine rack options. The importance you place on each factor depends on your specific requirements, but the obvious starting point is the size and dimension of your wine cellar space, and its location within your property. A wine cellar isn’t necessarily situated below ground level, it’s simply the place where you keep your wine.

The more spacious your area, the more flexibility you’ll have. You may even be planning to use your cellar as an area for socialising, beyond its main purpose as a place to store wine. But whatever the size of your cellar, smart decision making will result in a more effective use of the space at your disposal. We’re of course here to advise you in any way we can.

Perhaps you already have an idea in mind for the kind of large wine rack you want, and how you imagine it looking once installed. The material you decide on – from various wood or metal options – depends on whether you favour a traditional or more contemporary design. This of course is a matter of personal taste, but you might also wish to consider how the style of your cellar and the large wine racks within it would complement your property’s existing interior design.

Further reading on large wine racks

The articles below can help your decision making:

Whether you’re a serious collector or an enthusiastic amateur, we can promise you a unique, bespoke solution made to measure and precision fitted for your specific needs – this is what we do, so please get in touch when you’re ready and we’ll get the ball rolling.

Why a Wine Cellar is the Best Place to Store Your Wine

Wine Cellar Ideas

Large Wine Rack

Traditional Wine Rack Calculator
Posted in Wine Cellar, Wine Storage

Why a Wine Cellar is the Best Place to Store Your Wine

Update to “Wine Cellar is the Best Place to Store Your Wine” article 27th January 2023

Here is what the leading Ai chatbot had to say about the best temperature for a wine cellar.

Any wine connoisseur dreams of having a wine cellar in their own home. As wine cellars are becoming increasingly popular for many conventional homeowners, it’s never too late to get one installed in your home!

Read on to discover why upgrading from a wine rack or wine cabinet to a wine cellar is the best place to store your wine.

Arrange into categories

If your collection of wine is continuously growing, having a built-in wine cellar in your house is the perfect way to organise your wine. You can arrange your wine into categories, such as colour, age, region and even different occasions. Organising your wine makes it easier for you to choose and get access to the bottle you wish to drink for a special event or even just to sip leisurely.

Avoid direct sunlight

Wine cellars can prevent and protect your wine from coming in to contact with sunlight. The UV rays from sunlight can cause damage to your wine and speed up premature ageing. As every room in a house has windows, the wine on the wine racks or wine cabinets will inevitably be exposed to the natural light.

It is, therefore, best to keep wine cellars in darkness and away from sunlight, you’ll need to have some form of light to see and pick a bottle of wine when a guest comes around. It is recommended to use a LED light source for your wine cellar, as minimal heat is emitted from the bulb. An LED bulb also prevents temperature fluctuations, as well as eliminating wine degradation and the build-up of moisture.

Prevents temperature fluctuations

Changes in the temperature can have a negative impact on the wine’s ageing and chemical process. A wine cellar will be a great solution to keep the temperature mild, constant and controlled. Although you are able to control the temperature and store wine in wine fridges or coolers. They’re not ideal for storing wine in the long-term as they produce heat, whereas with wine cellars, considering they’re in an environment with a controlled temperature and other optimal cellar conditions, you can store your collection of wine for many years.

Optimise humidity levels

Humidity is another factor that affects the condition of the wine. Wine stored in a wine fridge can dehumidify the wine and cause the cork to dry out, but excess humidity offers the perfect condition for mould to grow and destroy wine labels. With a wine cellar, you can control the moisture in a room to the optimal level – it is recommended that the wine should be at 70% humidity.

Reduced vibrations

Vibrations can accelerate the ageing process of wine and speed the chemical reactions, which decreases the quality of the wine. No matter whether it is accidental, or if you have limited room to move around freely, you can create vibrations by bumping into the side of the table where the wine racks are placed or nudging wine cabinets. A wine cellar can minimise vibrations, and thus allowing you to store your wine for longer.

Increase the price of your home

You can increase the price of your home if you build your own wine cellar. All you need is a basement, small room, or garage – you can even consider extending your home if you do not have space. There are many wine enthusiasts who would love to live in a house with an area that’s dedicated to wine. With the in-built wine cellar, they could be willing to pay more for your property as this feature is rarely offered to the housing marketing.

Posted in Wine Storage

Case Study: Traditional Wine Bar Experience Elevated With Contemporary Wine Rack Display & Storage

The concept of the wine bar is not new. Many people conjure an image of a small, dark, intimate venue with a selection of wines available, and perhaps some nibbles if they are lucky. But one company, with wine bars in popular locations across London and Paris, is changing the very idea of the wine bar.

When the team at 28°-50° contacted A & W Moore Wine Racks UK (Wine Racks UK) and explained their brand vision, Wine Racks UK had the perfect solution to help them. 28°-50° is taking the traditional wine bar experience to a whole new level with its curated wine list, delicious seasonal dishes, and its luxurious, bright, and airy venues.

About Wine Racks

Based in Derbyshire, the team at Wine Racks UK has over 40 years of experience in designing, manufacturing, and installing bespoke wine storage solutions. During this time, the family-run business has gained a reputation for quality products at affordable prices. 

We help customers convert damp unusable cellars into beautiful climate-controlled state-of-the-art wine cellars that perfectly preserve wine or Champagne, and we help couples make the most of unused under-the-stairs spaces for wine storage. We’ve helped business owners from luxury hotels to beautiful countryside restaurants and Parisian wine bars. 

Aside from designing the layout, Wine Racks UK advises on everything from cooling systems to lighting options, the type of materials to use (solid oak, solid pine or wood and metal) and storage solutions for different sized bottles. Specialist storage options can be created for wooden Bordeaux boxes to large format bottles, half size bottles and Brandy or Rum. 

For a free quote

For any wine room design service,

please call 01159441434 or contact us via our form.

Please include your requirements and approximate dimensions to provide you with a quote.

Challenges and Objectives

The overall aim of the project was to elevate the existing 28°-50° wine bar venues by enhancing the wine rack storage and display spaces available. The company prides itself on offering far more than the traditional wine bar experience as it hosts Wine Tasting Experiences, Private Dining, and a range of menus from breakfast to lunch and more.

28°-50° offers guests a curated wine list that features 15 red and 15 white wines. The list changes regularly and is endorsed by the company, which guarantees its quality. There is also a Collector’s List, which features fine wines from private collectors who have agreed to let the company sell special and often rare bottles from their personal collections. These wines are rarely seen in restaurants.

It was imperative that the wine rack displays reflected the unique proposition offered by 28°-50°. A key challenge faced by 28°-50° was the tight timeframe. It was crucial the works did not disrupt the opening of the locations any longer than strictly necessary.

How Wine Racks UK Helped

The team at 28°-50° knew exactly what they wanted in terms of the size of the case racks, which expedited the planning stage. Wine Racks UK met the tight timeframes for each venue, which helped to keep the overall project on schedule. For instance, there were only two weeks to complete one of the projects, which the team did.

To streamline each project and ensure the key deadlines were met, the units were supplied unpainted, which saved time, as once the bar area had been fabricated, all the metal work was painted at the same time. Wine Racks UK provided customised case racking to enhance the display space available and the overall atmosphere.

Results

The project with 28°-50° was challenging because of the tight turnaround, but the team at Wine Racks UK met each deadline. The result is a sheek consistent look that accurately reflects the 28°-50° brand across multiple locations in London and France.

Wine Racks UK has provided bespoke metal racking and storage solutions to display special wine cases for Restaurant Le Lido in Tresserve, France, 28°-50° Wine Workshop & Kitchen (Chelsea), 28°-50° By Night (Wigmore Street), and 28°-50° Wine Workshop & Kitchen (South Kensington).

For example, the case racking showing the boxes suspended on the wall adds to the ambience of the venue and perfectly achieves the original goal of elevating the traditional wine bar experience at each venue.

What 28°-50° have to say…

Our wine racks are one of the key features of our brand. When our customers see our bespoke, unique wine racks, they immediately know they are in a 28°-50°. Thank you, Wine Racks UK, for your professional, reliable service.

WINE RACKS CUSTOMER

To transform your wine bar, contact the team at Wine Racks UK to find out how they can help.

Posted in Case Studies, Wine Storage

The Best Materials to Use for your Wine Rack

Finding the perfect storage solution for your wine collection can be an intimidating job with so many aspects to deliberate and choices to decide between. To make this job a tiny bit easier for you, we have put together our first ultimate guide to choosing the best materials for wine racks. Carry on reading to find out what type of material will best suit your wine rack needs.

Wood

There are only a select few types of wood that are suitable to be used for a wine rack, the most popular types of wood being Redwood and Mahogany. These two kinds of wood are extremely resistant to rotting, decay and infestation. They also have no characteristic odour associated with them, which is extremely important when it comes to wine racks as you do not want the smell to start affecting the wine.

Oak is also a popular option for making wine racks, especially oak from reclaimed oak barrels. These can look extremely pleasing and sometimes even give off the smell of an old wine cellar. Oak is used for kit and custom racks but can be hard to work with as it is extremely dense.

Metal

If you intend to store your treasured wine bottles in a smaller area, such as a closet or in a cupboard or small kitchen, metal wine racks may be the best solution for you. Metal racks are typically thinner than those made from wood, which normally ends up saving you some space – making metal wine racks appealing for those with less room in their home. Compared to wooden racks, metal racks are usually easier to build – which can make moving furniture about the house quicker and easier. As well as this, metal wine racks are commonly used for their aesthetic features and fit in well with more contemporary styled rooms.

Plastic

A modern addition to your kitchen, living room or restaurant, plastic wine racks offer functionality and elegance. Plastic is a safer and cheaper substitute for purchasing glass, as well as being lighter to move and reposition. If you’re an avid wine drinker, a plastic wine rack is a great way to store your wine and show off your collection when your friends come over for those popular parties you are famous for hosting. Or you may even just want to display the latest promotional offers and deals on wines of the week in your corner shop – the design of plastic wine racks makes it super easy to change up displays without any hassle. Plastic wine racks come in a selection of sizes and shapes, storing up to six bottles of wine comfortably.

Despite being lightweight, plastic wine racks are incredibly durable and can withstand impact and weight easily without risking damage to the rack itself or the bottles. What’s more, plastic is easy to clean with just a wipe of a damp cloth, so any spillages can be removed efficiently without the need for chemical cleaners.

Posted in Wine Storage

How to Organise your Wine Collection

For those passionate about wine, finding a dedicated space for their collection by investing in high-quality wine racks, or better yet, entire wine cellars is essential. However, there is no point forking out on gorgeous wine storage without first deciding upon the best way to organise the bottles themselves.

How you choose to do so is entirely up to you and will certainly depend upon your collection size; but organising by type, grape variety, region and age are generally the most common ways to categorise.

Type

Organising wines by type is great for people with smaller collections and those who are not too picky regarding grape variety or pairings. Amateur collectors can’t go wrong when organising straightforwardly by reds, whites, roses, sparkling and dessert wines.

Grape Variety

The next step up is to arrange by grape variety, allowing collectors to organise more precisely. This ensures your Rieslings are not mixed in with your chardonnays, or your Shiraz bottles with your Sauvignons. Moreover, organising by variety makes food pairings easier and will ensure maximum efficiency when it comes to selecting your perfect bottle for any occasion.

Region

For many wine collectors, there is a tendency to sway towards certain preferred wine regions. If this is you, it might make more sense to organise your collection by grape location, allowing you to group together your favourite bottles based on the country or particular region of origin.

Age

For anyone serious about wine collecting, the age of your wines is a very important factor, particularly since many are supposed to be stored for years in order to reach their peak.

As such, you can also organise large collections based on ideal drinking dates, by keeping ready-to-drink bottles closer to the top, and the ones you do not wish to touch for quite some time at the bottom of the wine rack, or the harder-to-reach areas of the cellar.

This will ensure you are serving wine at their perfect peaks, preventing any undesirable premature openings!

Price

It is more than likely that you will have at least a couple of very expensive bottles within your collection, which you might be saving for a special occasion. We recommend storing your priciest bottles or most superior vintages at the bottom levels of your wine racks or cellar so that you do not find yourself drinking them on an impulse.

Nobody wants to spend a significant amount of time searching for the perfect bottle, particularly when you have guests to host, which is why organising your wine collection is vital for both efficiency and decorative purposes.

At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong way to categorise your bottles – it is simply about finding what works for you.

Posted in Wine Storage