As with many commercial products, there are many different types of retail wine rack to choose from. As a new wine enthusiast, the selection can sometimes be overwhelming. When deciding which wine rack to purchase as you start your collection, consider these five tips to keep you from regretting your purchase decision.

Tip #1: Pick a wine rack that will fit in your home.
Often a new wine collector will purchase a fancy, designer wine rack only to bring it home and discover that it does not fit in their home. Before purchasing, decide where your wine rack will be located and take measurements. Use these measurements to determine if your desired wine rack will fit.

Tip #2: Purchase a wine rack that can grow with your collection.
You might only need to store five bottles of wine right now, but if your enthusiasm for wine grows (as it does in most people), you will need a wine rack that can expand with you. The two primary options to consider are bulk wine racks that will allow you to store multiple wine bottles in one location and modular wine racks that will allow you to add on to your wine rack with the same style addition at a later date.

Tip #3: Determine what style you prefer.
While the functionality might be the same, there are many style choices when it comes to wine racks. Think about the rest of your style and pick something to match. Wine racks often are made out of wood or metal and can be styled to match almost any décor.

Tip #4: Keep your wine’s quality in mind.
Choose a wine rack that will allow you to store your wine in the optimal storage conditions. Your wine should be in a cool, dark area and should be stored horizontally to keep the cork moist. Typical locations include closets, pantries, cellars, and basements. Avoid placing your wine rack in the kitchen as wines can pick up aromas from your cooking which can alter their flavor.

Tip #5: Stick with your budget.
While the price at retail for some wine racks are expensive, there are many great options to choose from in any price range. Figure out how much you can afford to spend on your wine rack and search for a wine rack that fits your budget. There is nothing worse than spending all of your money on the
wine rack and having nothing left to spend on the wine!