How to Buy Wooden Wine Racks

Oenophiles sometimes disagree on whether wood or metal makes the best material for wine storage racks, but they generally prefer wood. That’s because metal acts as a heat conductor and heat destroys wine. It’s important to remember that temperature, humidity, light, and vibration all contribute to your wine's longevity. The decision to buy wood or metal racks often depends on pricing, décor, and aesthetics. You should also decide how long you plan to store your wine, as that also may influence what kind of racks you purchase.

One great feature of wooden wine racks is that you can simply add more to expand most wine storage cabinets. If you start out with 6 bottles of wine and eventually decide to store 20, you’ll be able to add on to your storage cabinet by stacking the racks or adding side connections.

Wood Choices

Racks are available in a variety of woods, but many experts prefer redwood because it resists mildew and other problems caused by humid conditions. Some storage experts say that pine, spruce, fir, or cedar work just as well. The main thing to look for is that the wood is strong and completely dried out. You may prefer a type of wood that you can stain to match your existing furnishings.

Wooden wine racks make an affordable choice for even those on a tight budget. A racking system costs far less than many wine refrigerators. Whichever method you choose to store your wine, it’s generally agreed that bottles should always be stored on their sides if they aren’t to be consumed within a few days. This way the wine can breathe through the corks and you can remove a bottle without disturbing the rest of the collection.

Form and Function

Wooden wine racks also allow for a range of configurations, which helps you maximize your space. For example, if you live in a small apartment or condo, you could use a countertop or hanging model that won't take up much room. You can also choose from tall, narrow units or low and wide ones. Some wooden racks are cube-shaped, so that a few bottles rest on top of one another, making for an efficient use of space.