Wine Racks and Bar Cabinets

How many bottles, and where will they lie?

Racks are defined by how many bottles they hold and how they are supported. Tabletop racks and stackable wooden units hold a few bottles and can be added to later, while floor racks and wine consoles take a collection. Wall-mounted or floating holders need fixings that suit your wall, because a full 750 ml bottle weighs roughly 1.3 kg. Keep wine lying on its side so the cork stays moist, out of direct sun and away from the oven. A rack does not control temperature.

Cart, cabinet or console for the rest of the bar

A bar cart rolls to the party and offers open shelves, so look for locking casters and rails that stop bottles sliding. A bar cabinet hides bottles behind doors, and some listings are marked as including a wine rack, so check inner shelf height for tall bottles and decanters. Coffee-bar cabinets suit machines and mugs, so check the depth against your appliance. Design style (Retro, Modern or Country) is mostly cosmetic, whereas the finish matters: stainless steel and sealed wood wipe clean, bare wood marks with spills.

Questions about Wine Racks and Bar Cabinets

Should wine bottles lie on their side?

For natural corks, yes. Lying the bottle on its side keeps the cork in contact with the wine so it does not dry out and let air in. Screw-cap bottles can stand upright. Either way, keep bottles still, cool and out of direct sunlight.

Will a wine rack keep wine at the right temperature?

No. A rack only holds bottles. Temperature control comes from a wine cooler or a naturally cool, stable room. Place the rack away from ovens, radiators and sunny windows, since heat and big swings in temperature spoil wine faster than any rack angle.

Do all bottles fit the same rack slots?

Not always. Standard still-wine bottles fit most slots, but sparkling, magnum and wide-base bottles are fatter. Check the opening diameter, shelf height and depth so a long bottle is supported at both neck and base.