2009 - Wine Stores-
How to Choose a Wine Rack to Fit Your Style and Budget
Cultivating an appreciation of wine is a growing trend in the US. Shops
specializing in wine are appearing throughout the country, not just in the
traditional vineyard regions of California, Oregon, and Virginia. People
who may not have grown up around wine are now drawn not only to sampling but
also to collecting it. Tasting parties and special wine pairing events are
a common theme in restaurants and in the home. With this comes an increase
in interest in home storage. While proper storage can help wines become
even more exquisite, improper storage can lead to ruined wine.
A freestanding, temperature controlled wine rack is ideal, but much more
expensive than a simple wooden or metal wine rack. However, it is not
necessary to spend several thousand dollars to enjoy wine in your home. If
you can find a dark, cool, slightly humid location in your house, you will be
able to then select a simple rack that will keep your wine for years to
come. The ideal location will be 50-60 degrees, with constant 60-70
percent humidity.
Wine Rack Kits
One way to cut down on cost is to build your own wine rack. For
first-time enthusiasts, it is probably best to stick to a wine rack kit.
There are many considerations when designing a wine rack, and starting from a
kit will keep the wine in the rack where it should be - the last thing you want
is the whole thing to come crashing to the floor due to a miscalculation.
There are many commercially available wooden racks that offer snap-together
assembly, requiring nothing more than a hammer. These inexpensive kits are
usually made of redwood or pine, and can be bought for under $35.
The most important thing to keep in mind when building your own wine rack is
to consider the strength of the rack. A bottle of wine weighs
approximately 3 pounds, so the weight adds up quickly. Make sure not only
the rack but the floor itself can handle the weight, keeping in mind the weight
of the rack.
If the kit is wooden, make sure the wood has been dried properly (no more
than 14% moisture), and that the cross sections are no less than 3/8" (1/2" is
better).
Also, make sure the wine is stored horizontally so that the wine stays in
contact with the cork. A dry cork signifies that the wine has been
damaged.
Wine Rack Capacity
How much wine do you need?
While having 1500 bottles of wine on hand sounds exciting, most people have
neither the space nor the wallet to support such a venture. If you would
like to have something for everyday, a 15-30 capacity rack should meet your
needs. That way, you can have 2 bottles of sparkling wine, 3 bottles of
red (merlot or cabernet), 3 bottles of white (chardonnay, pinot grigio, or white
zinfandel), one bottle each of red and white cooking wine, and still have room
for a few special bottles that you plan to let age for years. Also keep a
nice red ready for company, and a reisling or shiraz for a spicy meal.
Have one bottle of white wine on hand in the refrigerator (it will only last in
there for a week), and you'll be ready for any gathering. A 30-bottle
capacity rack is enough for a wine-tasting, an extended gathering, or for
someone who likes to try a different wine every day.
Also, keep in mind that most wine rack manufacturers list the total bottle
capacity. This may be different from racked wine capacity, as total
capacity may have bottles stacked directly on top of each other. While
this will not damage the wine, it is not as aesthetically pleasing and may be
inconvenient when getting the wine out of the rack.
Styles of Wine Racks: Location is Key
Wine racks come in many styles. Racks can be freestanding cabinets,
counter top, or wall mounted.
When choosing a style, keep the following in mind:
<UL>
<LI>How much space do you actually have? </LI>
<LI>Do you want the wine rack to be visible, or would you rather have a large,
hidden wine rack that does not necessarily match your home's decor? </LI>
<LI>Where can you put the wine rack?</LI></UL>
The most important part of your choice is the location. If you choose a
rack that is not freestanding, make sure it is protected from vibrations.
It is not a good idea to put the wine rack next to the sink where the disposal
will rattle it. Never place the rack on the top of the refrigerator, as it
gets very warm. Also, keep the rack away from a window, as the temperature
may vary too much, and UV light will damage the wine.
If you can not find a wine rack to fit in that perfect location and you are
not confident of making your own, consider having a custom wine rack created
just for you. While this option is more expensive than an off-the-rack
version, it is still much less than the freestanding units, and can keep your
wine for years to come.
Wine Rack Material
Wine racks come in a variety of materials, from wood to metal to glass.
Whether you choose one made of mahogany or steel depends on a variety of
factors, include cost, weight, and appearance.
Wooden Wine Racks
The most common type of wine rack is the wooden wine rack. It is
generally easier to assemble and relatively light. Common woods are pine,
cedar, spruce, oak, and redwood. Another less common wood is
mahogany. Mahogany is a high quality wood and is used in both moderate and
expensive racks.
Metal Wine Racks
Metal wine racks are becoming increasingly popular, especially those made of
steel. They are very B and last longer than wooden racks with less
care. They can be painted to match any home. They can also be formed
into a wider variety of shapes while maintaining their strength.
Choosing a wine rack should be an enjoyable process. Consider it an
investment for all the wines you will try today as well as those you will keep
for a special occasion down the road.
About the Author
Jason Connors is a successful writer and wine connoisseur providing valuable tips and advice on wine cellar design, wine making, and wine basics. http://www.about-wine.net
Thoughts about Wine Stores
Tips On Choosing Your Next Bottle Of Wine
Tonight?s the night. You?ve got that special dinner party with friends and you want it to be perfect. You?ve got the menu completed but the question i...
Click Here to Read More About Wine ...
A Little Red Wine Could Take You A Long Way!
Longevity interests a lot of people who aren't ready to give up their lives, just yet, and who look to healthy alternatives to culturally defined eati...
Click Here to Read More About Wine ...
Wine Stores Items For Viewing
British Columbia Wine Trails
WINE TEARDROP STEM 6.5 OZ, CS 3/DZ, 08-0357 LIBBEY GLASS, INC. GLASSWARE
H6 3/8 T2 3/8 B2 5/8 - CS 3DZ
More product information
Top 100 Baby Purees: 100 Quick and Easy Meals for a Healthy and Happy Baby
Babies grow more rapidly in their first year than at any other time in their lives, so how you feed your newborn will be one of the most important decisions you make for your new baby.
Making your own baby food is not only more economical than buying commercial brands, it also assures that your child consumes only the freshest, top-quality ingredients. British television personality and children's nutrition expert Annabel Karmel's essential collection of best-ever purees grants new parents their wish: one hundred quick and easy recipes that will make for a healthy and happy baby. From first tastes and weaning, right through to meals for older babies, all the recipes are suitable for children aged six months and older. And with all these fruit and vegetable favorites, and innovative fish, meat, and chicken purees, the dishes are so tasty you will want to eat them yourself!
In addition to easy and delicious recipes, Top 100 Baby Purees also includes information on:
- Weaning your baby and transitioning to solid foods
- Food allergies
- Time-saving food preparation tips
- Freezing and reheating your homemade baby food
- Tricks on finding the hidden nutrition in everyday foods
Featuring a preface by Dr. Michel Cohen, New York pediatrician and author of The New Basics: A-to-Z Baby & Child Care for the Modern Parent
Customer Review: Great recipes, beautiful book
I love this book. The recipes are simple, delicious and age-appropriate. I've even served the leftovers to the adults in the family with just a little added salt. The layout and photos are beautiful and inspiring.
I also recommend the Williams-Sonoma baby cookbook, which answered some questions I had about why it's okay to cook with dairy for babies are too young to drink cow's milk (because you are only using a little bit and because milk is more indigestible than other forms of dairy, like yogurt or cheese).
Customer Review: Perfect Cookbook!!!!
This book is so wonderful! I have used it to make all of my baby's first purees! I wouldn't have known what to do without it, it has been a lifesaver! It is so easy to follow, anyone can do it! You won't be disappointed with this book!
More product information
Acetorium Barolo Wine Vinegar - 8.5oz. Bottle
Joseph carefully selects Barolo DOCG wine to make this elegant, nebbiolo-based vinegar a delight for game or meats, with cheeses, and for marinades. Acetorium vinegars are hand-crafted by esteemed winemaker Joseph Reiterer of Alto Adige and German master vinegar maker Robert Bauer. Instead of using flavor infusions they judiciously select the basic ingredients for each vinegar and then vinify them before beginning the vinegarization process. In other words, all Acetorium vinegars are made from fine wines. The vinegars are precision-aged in stainless steel tanks or wooden barrels.
More product information
Godiva Chocolate Tower
Rich Godiva chocolate fills these sparkling boxes. Dark chocolate hazelnut almond biscotti, milk chocolate covered raisins and almonds, sweet and savory dark chocolate cashews, milk chocolate macadamia nut biscotti and dark chocolate pretzels fill three boxes. If that doesn't satisfy their chocolate craving, the fourth box is reserved for two different hot cocoa mixes: Godiva's luxuriously rich dark and milk chocolate hot cocoa mixes. Gift Size: 5" x 4" x 10" - Item 562
Customer Review: Great gift
I got this as a gift and I have to say its very nice, if you read the dimentions when I stand all of the boxes up together as in the picture its 11" high, the largest box is on the bottom and its 3 1/2" high and 5" wide. Its cute and it makes for a great med priced gift. The chocolate is dark chocolate and they are in plastic bags in each box. Its fun to open and fun to recieve. I definately recommend.
More product information
News about Wine Stores
Giant wine bottle hanging on a wall
Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:43:38 -0700
On a frosty December morning in Denver, Argonaut Wine & Liquor re-opened in grandiose fashion. An iconic sign for an equally iconic liquor store came to life. A project two years in the making was electrified before an enthusiastic crowd of loyal customers and community leaders that included John Hickenlooper, Denver’s mayor.
State Smiling Lessons
Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:54:40 -0700
Most retail outfits catch on to the “be courteous to your customers” thing pretty early on. But most retail outlets don’t have a government-enforced monopoly on what they sell. So in Pennsylvania, where all liquor and wine must be sold in state-run stores… The state’s Liquor Control Board is spending more than $173,000 to try to make workers friendlier and more well-mannered at the nearly 650 stores it operates. The board says it wants to make sure clerks are saying “hello,” “thank you” and
Recession Busting - Food, Drinks, Haircuts, in San Francisco
Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:39:24 -0700
My week started with Googling "Recession Buster Coupon San Francisco", and ended with some of the best food, wine, parties, clubs, and even a great haircut. It's not just Google, check Google Maps, and check store front windows. It's a small thing, but it seems to be picking up business (at least downtown and in the Marina). Support locals!
Overpaid PA State Liquor Store Employees Need Training On Courtesy
Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:35:01 -0700
OK, riddle me this, Pennsylvanians: Your state runs the liquor stores in a monopoly and offers generous pay, pension, and benefits to the store clerks (link). What benefit does the taxpayer derive from this when these well-paid clerks need training (and from my experience, it IS needed) on courtesy to customers? (link)Next time you get a “Hello,” “Thank you” or “Come again” at your neighborhood wine store, just remember: you paid for it!Not just the wine (or spirits) but the etiquette.Liquor-st
Iron in a Vegan Diet
Mon, 09 Mar 2009 07:39:00 -0700
Many ask if I am anaemic as I do not eat red meat....I am not! You do not have to eat red meat , or any animal product for that matter, to get your daily iron requirement. There are many vegetable sources, for instance dark green leafy vegetables and dried beans contain more iron per calorie/kilojoule than meat. Iron is required in the formation of red blood cells. Lack of iron leads to anaemia which even in a mild form can cause headaches, fatigue, dizzy spells and brittle nails. If not treate
2007 Burgundy: Tasting the Frederick Wildman and Sons Portfolio
Sun, 08 Mar 2009 22:43:53 -0700
The average wine drinker doesn't think much about distributors and importers. And why should she? There's not much need to interact with the folks behind the scenes who are responsible for getting wine into stores and restaurants where the public gets a chance to try them. Despite a general lack of familiarity with this whole tier of the wine industry, it should come as no surprise to most wine drinkers that there are a lot of different kinds of wine distribution companies. Just as there a
Rose Wine
Tags: Wine Charm | Wine Chateau
Labels: Wine Chillers, Wine Class
