Chicago Wine Cellars – Achieve Ideal Wine Storage Conditions

Written by CustomWineCellarsChicago

Have you opened a wine bottle from your wine cellar and been disappointed when you tasted it? The wine that has not been stored properly usually has wine faults.

Wine lovers who plan to collect wines, have to make sure that they have enough knowledge about proper wine storage, the ideal wine storage solution for their needs, and the right budget for it.

There are several wine storage options that you can find on the market today. One of these is the wine cellar racks which are ideal for those who have a few wine bottles in their collection which are meant to be consumed early.

Wine Cellar Specialists Wine Rack Kits

Wine Cellar Specialists offer different wine rack kits and can also customize wine racks according to your personal preference. They also have refrigerated wine cabinets (also called wine cellar cabinets) which also function like a wine cellar. They are perfect for wine enthusiasts who don’t have the right budget and space for a wine cellar. They are available in different sizes and prices.

Why Invest in a Chicago Custom Wine Cellar?

In Chicago, many wine lovers have invested in residential wine cellars for many purposes. Custom wine cellars are designed mainly to provide a wine collector’s precious wines with optimal storage conditions. A wine cellar also enhances the beauty of the living space, provides a great place for wine-tasting parties with friends and colleagues, and allows the owner to buy wine in bulk.

Investing in a Chicago residential wine cellar requires time, money, and an expert wine cellar builder. It is necessary that you think about the design and type of wine cellar where you want to display your collection. Metal wine racks are used for constructing contemporary wine cellars, while wooden wine racks are for traditional wine cellars.

Since the wine cellar cooling system and door contributes a lot to achieving a climate-controlled environment in a wine cellar, it is essential that you choose the right one for your needs. The wrong door may cause the cooling system to work inefficiently and produce growth mold. Click here to learn about the types of custom wine cellar doors.

Contact Wine Cellar Specialists now at 877-497-7263 to start your own wine cellar project!

Wine Cellar Refrigeration System Needs Exhaust Room or Environment

Written by CustomWineCellarsChicago

Usually, when people discuss wine cellar refrigeration systems the focus of discussion is on the inside of the wine cellar room (like temperature, air circulation, the location of the custom wine cellar, etc.). Although these things are very important to storing wine, you need to remember that a wine cellar unit is basically an air exchanger, which means that while it is producing cool air into the wine storage room, it is also releasing hot air into the exhaust environment.

All Types of Wine Cellar Cooling Units Have an Exhaust Room/Environment

All wine cellar cooling units have an exhaust room or environment. In the case of a self-contained, through-the-wall wine cellar cooling unit, the exhaust environment is the adjacent room built to receive the exhausted hot air (unless the air is ducted elsewhere). In the case of ducted split type cellar refrigeration systems, the exhaust environment can be the garage or outside. These cooling units have their exhaust environment located away from the custom wine cellar.

Why A Wine Cellar Cooling Unit Exhaust Room is Important

There is a need to give importance to wine cellar cooling system exhaust rooms or environments because a cooling unit’s ability to cool a wine storage room is directly related to the temperature of the exhaust room. Since a wine cellar refrigeration unit is an air exchanger, cold air is basically produced inside the cellar and hot air is exhausted. This exchange creates a temperature difference between the two environments.

It is imperative that a refrigeration unit is able to maintain at least a 30-degree Fahrenheit temperature differential between the custom wine cellar and its exhaust room. The temperature differential is calculated by subtracting the cellar temperature from the exhaust room temperature. For example, if a custom wine cellar is set at a temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit, its exhaust room should not get higher than 85 degrees Fahrenheit in order to have a maximum of 30 degrees Fahrenheit temperature differential. If the exhaust room does get warmer, for example, 95 degrees Fahrenheit, then the cellar could get as cool as 65 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain a 30 degrees temperature differential.

This temperature differential needs to be maintained at the appropriate levels because it greatly affects the ability of a cooling unit to cool the inside of a custom wine cellar. If a wine cellar refrigeration unit fails to provide the ideal temperature levels, your wines will suffer and get damaged.

3 Popular White Wines and Their Proper Wine Storage

Written by CustomWineCellarsChicago

White wines are wines derived from various grape varieties. They are usually made from the skin and/or juice of grapes; their color range from yellow-gold, yellow-green, to straw-yellow. White wines are typically paired with meals that are lighter and the ruling that “white wines are best with white meats” is still followed up today.

It is said that white wines have more cardiovascular benefits than red wines and also have antioxidants. There are a lot of varieties of white wines present in the market. Let us discuss the popular whites that are usually present in Chicago wine cellars and wine menus of restaurants.

Chardonnay
Let’s talk about Chardonnay, the “King” of white wine. Chardonnay originated in Bourgogne, France. It is the most popular white dating back to the 1980s. It is the most important ingredient in making sparkling wines- especially champagnes. Chardonnay is best paired with salmon, grilled chicken, shellfish, and pasta with white sauce. It is said to be well-balanced in terms of taste.

It can be a bit sweet or fruity and sometimes has a hint of pear or apple flavor. If it is fermented in new oak barrels, a hint of buttery taste can be imparted into it. The top countries that grow Chardonnay vines are the USA, France, Australia, and Italy.

Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is acidic and crisp and is the lightest of all the white wines. It comes from a green-skinned grape that is grown in the Bordeaux region where it is blended with Semillon which is another type of white wine.

The taste of this wine usually depends on the climate. Its taste can be a bit citrusy and grassy. This is good to match seafood dishes and white meat. It also goes well with Chevre cheese and sushi.

Riesling
The last of the most popular and major types of white wine is Riesling. Riesling comes from the Rhine region in Germany. This wine is seldom oaked. In 2004, it was said to be the world’s 20th most grown variety. The character and quality of this wine are greatly influenced by the place where it originated.

In 2006, it was the variety that was mostly grown in Germany accounting for 20.8% of the world’s supply. Riesling is commonly grown in cold locations and regions. Other countries that cultivate this variety are Canada, South Africa, China, Ukraine, and many others.

In terms of taste, Riesling has a lighter taste than Chardonnay. It has a fresh apple aroma. This is best paired with pork, fish, and chicken. Its crispiness is a good pair with tuna and salmon. It is also good with some Japanese dishes.

Proper Wine Storage for White Wines

White wines are best served at a temperature of 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If you plan on preserving them, make sure to maintain a temperature of 52 to 57 degrees Fahrenheit in your Chicago wine cellar or wine refrigerated cabinet.

If you are just planning to store it up until it is consumed, for example, the day before a party, make sure that you maintain a temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit in your wine refrigerator. Remove wine from the fridge to warm it up a bit before serving it to your guests. Remember not to place it at an excessively cold temperature because it might flatten the aroma and vibrant flavors of the wine.

In terms of aging, white wines are not advised to be aged for a very long period of time. They are at their best when consumed at least two to three years from the year they originated. However, some white wines like Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauternes of high quality are good when aged.

Chicago custom wine cellars are the best place to store your white wines because they are specially designed to maintain a constant temperature and humidity levels. When built well with the right wine cooling system and wine cellar door, your wine collection will be safe and protected in your wine cellar.

For people who do not have the space and budget for a custom wine cellar, a wine refrigerator or wine cabinet can be used instead. These wine storage solutions can also provide the right conditions needed for the graceful aging of your wines.

If you have a small wine collection and you don’t have the budget to invest in a wine cellar or wine cabinet, you may opt for a wine rack. Wine racks must be placed in a cool, dark area to preserve your wines’ desirable characteristics.

Chicago Wine Cellars – Guide to Hosting Wine Tasting Parties

Written by CustomWineCellarsChicago

Wine tasting parties are often engaged by enthusiasts and collectors to enhance and explore their experience and knowledge about wines and sometimes even to “show off” and display their collection in their wine cellars and wine storage cabinets.

Hosting a wine-tasting party need not be a chore or a burden. It could be (or should be) a fun and exciting activity. A wine-tasting party is similar to a book club where participants discuss the merits of a book and express their thoughts about what they read while also being open to other participants’ views and opinions. Below are some tips to guide you in hosting wine-tasting parties in your Chicago home wine cellar.

Wine tasting is best done with people who are not necessarily your good friends, but with people you are comfortable with and who share the same interest and appreciation of wines. When done at home, it is a good opportunity to display one’s collection in his or her Chicago custom wine cellar to fellow enthusiasts and share information.

Wine Tasting Parties in Chicago Home Wine Cellars – Tips to Follow

It is important for the host to determine what kind of wine tasting party he or she wants to give. Is it formal with rating and scorecards? Or is it informal where tasters can express their opinions and views freely?

Scorecards should indicate what tasters are focusing on, otherwise, guests can be given blank index cards to encourage them to take notes and thoughts to be shared with the group.

Is it a round table kind of wine tasting where guests are seated while discussing the merits of the wine? Or is it a free-flowing party where participants freely roam around and assess the wines and at the same time discuss the paintings on the walls and the wines in the host’s Chicago home wine cellar?

For the number of participants, 8-12 is a good number since the size is neither too small nor too big that one hesitates to share his views. It is also important to determine the number of wines to be tasted and whether it is a blind tasting or not.

Usually, 6 kinds of wine are used in wine tasting. Each person is served approximately 2 ounces of wine. Blind tasting occurs when the host decides to cover the label of the wine bottle with a brown bag and discuss its characteristics and merits.

It is not necessary for the host to prepare a full course meal to cap off the wine tasting. Finger foods can be served and shared after the wine tasting so as prolong the enjoyment of the party with fellow enthusiasts. During the tasting itself, bland or neutral tasting biscuits or bread can be served to cleanse the palette in between wines. Servings of light cheese will also do the trick.

The host must also prepare enough wine glasses for the guests. Each wine can be poured into one glass to be discarded right after, or a bucket with water for rinsing can be prepared for cleansing in between wines to avoid contamination of flavors. Guests are advised not to wear too much perfume which could distract wine tasters from smelling the real aroma of the liquid.

No matter how the host wants to stage his wine tasting party, what’s important is the sharing of ideas and thoughts with people with which one shares an interest and appreciation. Wine tasting parties are different and unique activities meant to be learned from, enjoyed, and enhance one’s experience.

Wine Cabinets & Wine Racks – Excellent Alternative Wine Storage Solutions

Written by CustomWineCellarsChicago

There are a few different ways of storing wines. They can be kept in a wine cellar, in custom wine racks perched on a kitchen countertop, placed in a corner of a room, or stacked carefully in a wine cabinet. Of all the aforementioned wine storage solutions, wine cellars are deemed the best place to store and age wines because they are designed in a climate-controlled environment.

Wine Cabinets by Wine Cellar SPecialists

Wine Cabinets Chicago by Wine Cellar SPecialists

Since not all wine collectors have access to a private wine cellar, wine cabinets Chicago can serve as efficient and affordable wine storage solutions. A wine cabinet functions like a mini wine cellar because it can provide the best possible wine storage environment on a smaller scale. Hence, they can be used for either short-term or long-term storage.

There are two types of wine cabinets: passive and active or refrigerated. Passive wine cabinets are not affixed with temperature and humidity controls. Most of these cabinets are constructed from wood and have various total bottle capacities. These storage cabinets are ideal for holding consumable wines.

Climadiff Wine Cabinets Chicago

Like active wine cellars, refrigerated wine cabinets are equipped with cooling systems that help maintain the temperature between 50 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit, and regulate humidity levels within 60% to 75%. Fluctuating temperatures can cause premature aging in wines, while constant humidity changes can dry out the corks and cause molds to grow.

Some wine cabinets have dual zone features that provide independent temperature controls. This setup allows for two separate storage compartments for different types of wines. These wine storage solutions are also known for their vibration-free and whisper-quiet operation.

To protect wine bottles from incandescent light, wine cabinets are outfitted with LED-based lighting. LED bulbs generate less heat and don’t give off ultraviolet rays. Some of these cabinets have adjustable light features that can help minimize the exposure of wine bottles to light.

Le Cache Wine Cabinets Chicago

A wine cabinet comes with custom wine racks that allow for horizontal storage. Laying wine bottles on their side allows the cork to continuously come in contact with the wine. Keeping the cork moist is essential to preserving the taste and flavor of wines. A dried-out cork can promote oxidation that could potentially ruin the quality of wines.

Wine cabinets are built with proper ventilation to facilitate better air circulation. This will prevent unwanted smells and odors from penetrating the cork and spoiling the wine. Good ventilation will also restrict possible mold infestation.

They are also multifunctional because some of them are designed with stemware racks that allow wine glasses to be hung right in the cabinet. They may also come with drawers that can provide storage space for various wine accessories such as corkscrews, stoppers, decanters, and other wine-related items.

Vinotheque Wine Cabinets Chicago

A wine cabinet is available in different storage capacities. They can accommodate regular-sized bottles to magnums. They have sufficient space to store a few bottles to over a hundred wines. In terms of aesthetics, their sleek and stylish designs can match and complement any home décor.

Wine cabinets are convenient and economical wine storage options for wine enthusiasts who can’t afford their own wine cellars. They provide a climate-controlled environment wherein wines can mature nicely. These cabinets also protect wines from breakage by providing secured storage spaces.

Click on these links to learn more about wine storage:
http://www.winecellarspec.com/choose-wine-cabinets-for-cost-efficient-wine-storage-solutions/
http://www.winecellarspec.com/wine-cellar-specialists-dallas-is-awarded-best-of-houzz-2013/
http://www.winecellarspec.com/what-type-of-wine-rack-is-best-for-your-wine-collection/

Wood – Widely Used by Chicago Wine Cellar Rack Manufacturers

Written by CustomWineCellarsChicago

With several wine rack designs, styles and sizes, it is best to assess your wine storage needs, location, and budget when choosing the right wine cellar rack for your collection. The material from which the wine rack is constructed contributes a lot to having a safe and beautiful resting place for your wines.

Why Wood is a Top Pick for Chicago Wine Rack Construction

Wine racks can be built out of a number of different materials, but the most common are made out of wood. The reason why wood is the top choice for constructing wine racks is because of its stability and beauty. Wooden wine racks can complement any existing décor and can create a distinctive look in a Chicago custom wine cellar.

The two most popular wood species that you can choose for your custom-made wine racks are mahogany and redwood. Most wine enthusiasts prefer mahogany wine racks because of their sturdiness, longevity, and high resistance to rot and warping. These wine cellar racks can blend easily into any existing interior.

If you choose mahogany as your wine rack material, your wines will be safe since it is resistant to moisture and stains. The quality of mahogany is exceptional which makes it expensive. You can easily find it in the marketplace, and it is also stylish and can bring out the elegance of your wine storage place.

Another reason why most Chicago wine cellar and wine rack manufacturers prefer mahogany is that it is easy to work with, not difficult to polish, and can last for years if cared for.

Another popular choice of wood of many wine cellar manufacturers is redwood. Chicago custom wine cellars constructed from redwood are beautiful and beneficial to your wines because redwood has a non-aromatic quality and is high resistance to warping, rot, and mildew.

The 2 types of redwood are all-heart and premium redwood which are both known for their aesthetic appeal and durability. The good thing about these types of redwood is their ability to stand out even when left unfinished.

Wood may not come in various shapes like metals, but its uniqueness and durability surpass it all. It gives you several options when it comes to design, style, and stain.
Are you in need of wine cellar racks? Feel free to contact Wine Cellar Specialists at 866-646-7089 or get a FREE 3D wine cellar design package at http://www.winecellarspec.com/free-3d-drawing/. Click here to view their wine cellar gallery.