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Don’t Just Store Your Wine – Display It!

by Nicole Locicero

You recently returned from a wine tasting tour and brought back a few bottles to commemorate the trip. Don’t hide those treasures away in your refrigerator – display them where others can appreciate your wine savvy! How Cold Should I Keep My Wine?Contrary to what most people believe, wine does not have to be stored in a refrigerator. It can set out without damaging it. Most wine lovers know that the perfect temperature for aging is between 45-65 degrees. But that’s only if you want to age a beloved bottle. Room temperature works for nay bottle that you plan to open within a few months. The key to keeping wine from losing its flavor is to keep it from extreme temperature changes, sunlight, and windows! Can I Display My Wine Collection Out in the Open?Avid wine collectors tend to hide their treasured bottles away in tailor made wine cellars below ground where they can control the light, temperature, and humidity of the room. This may work for those rare finds that need to age in private. But, most wine lovers don’t expect to keep their bottles for years. They want to enjoy them now!If you are planning on popping the cork on that new find within a few moths, there is no need to hide it away. Feel free to display your wine where people can see it. Keeping the lights off in the room when no one is there should be good enough to keep the cork from drying out. Do I Have to Display My Wine Collection Horizontally?Wine collectors have traditionally stored wine bottle horizontally to keep the cork from drying out. Again, if you plan on opening the bottle within a year of purchase, you don’t have to worry about it. Likewise, if the bottle sports a screw cap, glass or plastic cork there is no need to store it on its side. One tip though: horizontal storage saves a lot of space. Why Types of Wine Storage Is Best to Display My Collection?Wine is all the rage these days, with even the most unsophisticated connoisseur learning how to distinguish between a gentle blush and a more robust blend. This newfound attention toward wine has left many people looking for ways to display their bottled gems in their home where they can be seen. The Wine RefrigeratorA wine refrigerator may be a good way to keep a few bottles at the ready, but for real display purposes, you may want to consider one of these attractive options: Wine RacksMade to fit any style décor or size room, wine racks some in all shapes and sizes. From a small metal rack that sits on a counter and holds 2-5 bottles, to a larger hand carved wooden rack or intricately engraved metal rack that holds dozens of bottles, wine racks can be used as a centerpiece of style in just about any room. Wine Cellar/CredenzaLooking for a more sophisticated way to display your wine collection? Consider an open wine cellar or credenza. This larger scale storage/display unit can be as simple or intricate as you like. Some simply contain several wine racks and storage areas to keep all of your wine accessories; while others feature a cooed refrigerator plus wine racks and glass holders, or even tasting area with stools. Wine JailsBigger than the average rack, wine jails are actually a self-contained storage rack with a door that allows you to showcase your collection, while giving you the opportunity to make a real show of choosing your next bottle. Creating a wine display that fits your room style doesn’t have to be difficult. Today’s storage units come in every style to allow every type of wine collector the chance enjoy the look of each bottle while they wait for their next tasting event or party.


About the Author

Nicole Locicero - Nicole is a oenophile, mother and business owner from Raleigh, NC. One of her favorite ways to unwind is by enjoying a fine glass of wine while watching the sunset from the beach. Pro-Tip: a salty ocean breeze goes great with a good cabernet.

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