- freestanding, undercounter, built-in, incorporated into the refrigerator With the proximity to Napa, Sonoma, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and Mendocino, it is no wonder that the people of the Bay Area love wine. We have some of the best wines in the world within driving distance. To bring the best of California’s wine home and enjoy it for years to come, it is essential to have a wine storage system. If you do not happen to have a natural cave handy, do not fret. There are many wine storage systems available for the smallest of homes, garages, or grand estates.
The wine storage system you choose depends on two factors:
How much space you have to devote to wine
How much wine you own or wish to own
It is really that simple.
Countertop Wine Units-
Storage capacity: 12-24
Space required:
Installation ease: Easy, plug it in
Cost: $100- $250
Undercounter Wine Units-
Storage capacity: 36-48
Space required: Typically 24 inches of undercounter space, like a dishwasher. Some smaller from 15 inches wide
Installation ease: Easy if the space is ready and electrical is in place
Cost: $380- $1,200
Freestanding: Storage capacity-
Storage capacity: 142-332
Space required: Varies widely depending on model
Installation ease: Easy
Cost: $1,200-$6,000
Built In Wine Fridges:
Storage capacity: Same as undercounter or freestanding depending on the model you choose
Space required: Same as undercounter or freestanding depending on the model you choose
Installation ease: Build-in wine fridges are custom designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding cabinetry, which require design work and expert installation
Cost: The cost of the chosen model of wine fridge plus fabrication and design and installation work
Custom Cellars:
Storage capacity: Unlimited
Space required: At owner’s discretion
Installation ease: Complicated, needs extensive cooling, monitoring, and HVAC
Cost: Very Expensive, $10,000+
If you love your wine, take the time to store it properly. There is nothing more disappointing then opening a long awaited bottle only to find that it has gone “off” because of poor storage conditions. From modest 18 bottle countertop wine fridges to grand cellars, there is a wine storage options for everyone.