subject: Don't Hide Your Light Under A Bushel: Opt For Visible Wine Storage [print this page] Wall mounted wine racks, tabletop racks, cabinets and rolling wine trays all offer different advantages for storing and displaying your wine collection. What they all have in common is the ability to keep your collection visible to add to the ambiance of your room as well as make access convenient when you're ready for a relaxing glass of your favorite vintage.
Though serious wine storage for large collections generally involves tucking the bottles away in an enclosed and temperature controlled space, it is not always necessary to go to these lengths. This is particularly true if your collection is smaller and used more frequently. Why hide away your treasured possessions when you can use visible wine storage and get even more pleasure out of them?
The three basic elements crucial to wine storage are light, temperature and humidity. These three factors can adversely affect wine during the aging process so they are strictly maintained when it comes to long-term storage. Exposure to direct light and temperature extremes can cause disruptions in the oxidization process that can affect a wine's flavor. This is why most wine cellars are kept dark and cool.
Humidity can also be an issue. If the cork is allowed to get too dry, it can cause air to seep in and once again affect the flavor of the wine. Again, most wine cellars are kept at a regular humidity level to avoid this possibility. Does all this mean that visible wine storage is less than ideal? Far from it. It is possible to enjoy your wine without storing it out of sight.
In fact, many people prefer to keep their wine visible as both a way of showing off their collection and adding to the dcor of a room. There are many styles of wine storage available that can be incorporated into almost any design style to enhance the look of a room. Bottles of expensive wine and beautiful glasses can be an attractive addition and even a unique conversation piece.
Today's wine racks combine function and style to give wine connoisseurs the best of both worlds. Most racks are designed to store bottles sideways, as this allows the cork to remain in constant contact with the wine, thus ensuring that the seal of the bottle remains tight. Beyond that detail, the specifics of wine racks can vary widely.
Racks are available in a number of sizes and materials, from metal and wood to glass. You can buy racks that are suspending overhead or wall mounted wine racks. You may even opt for a rolling cart that combines functionality with convenience, so that you can easily move your collection from one room to another or even outdoors to your patio or deck.
There is no reason why you have to be stuck with one from of wine storage. As long as you bear the basics of proper storage in mind, the possibilities are limited only by your own imagination. So rather than hiding your light under a bushel, why not keep your collection visible so that you and your guests can enjoy its beauty as well as its exquisite taste?
