Buying guide – Wine cabinets
Overview The 5 Pillars Types of wine cabinets Location considerations Sizes Features

This buying guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the factors to consider when purchasing a wine cabinet.

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Storage & Preservation

How to appropriately care for and look after the wines in your collection, cellaring or serving according to Vintec’s 5 Pillars of Wine storage.
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Size of Collection

How many bottles of wine do you need climate control for? Determine the best model and capacity to suit your collection.
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Space & Positioning

Do you have the floorspace to accommodate in your home, and what appropriate locations are there to position a wine cabinet?
what is a wine cabinet

What is a wine cabinet?

A wine cabinet is a specialised storage unit designed to provide optimal conditions for storing and ageing wine bottles. It offers temperature control, humidity management, and protection from light and vibration, ensuring that wines are preserved in the best possible environment.
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Why Vintec?

Vintec's wine cabinets go beyond the functionality of a standard wine fridge. While wine fridges primarily focus on cooling, Vintec's wine cabinets provide a comprehensive storage solution. They offer precise temperature control, humidity management, UV protection, and features to minimise vibrations, creating an ideal environment for wines to mature and develop their flavours.
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What is the difference from standard fridges?

Standard fridges are not designed specifically for wine storage. They typically lack the necessary features and conditions required for wine ageing. Wine cabinets, on the other hand, are purpose-built to create an optimal environment for wine storage. They offer temperature control within the ideal range for wine, maintain proper humidity levels, and provide protection against light and vibrations, all of which are crucial for the preservation and ageing of wine.
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Why do you need a wine cabinet?

Most wines benefit from being stored at a specific temperature, typically between 12°C to 14°C. Wine cabinets are purpose built to create an optimal environment for wine storage and serving, and ensure you follow the 5 pillars of wine storage to get the most out of your wine collection.

The 5 Pillars of wine storage

Stable Temperature

Pillar 1: Stable Temperature

Vintec Wine Cabinets are specially designed to maintain a constant temperature to preserve your wines, keeping them at their best and allowing them to mature steadily.

  1. Adaptive Variable Speed Compressor (VSC)*
  2. Insulated side panels
  3. Double / Triple-glazed doors
  4. Dedicated CE Cellaring mode at 12 degrees Celsius*

*Premium Range

Humidity above 50%

Pillar 2: Humidity above 50%

Vintec Wine Cabinets are specially designed with a self-regulating humidity feature and specially regulated air circulation to maintain high hygrometry levels (above 50%) to preserve corks and prevent your wine from oxidizing while cellaring.

UV-Proof Dark Storage Area

Pillar 3: UV-Proof Dark Storage Area

Vintec Wine Cabinets are specially designed to prevent UV light from affecting your wine. 

  1. UV-resistant tinted and insulated glass doors
  2. Dark interiors
  3. Double / Triple-glazed doors
  4. UV-free LED lighting
Vibration-Proof Environment

Pillar 4: Vibration-Proof Environment

Vintec Wine Cabinets are specially designed to keep all moving parts in suspension, absorbing and reducing to a minimum any vibrations, so that your wines are stored in a protected environment where they can mature steadily.

  1. Low-vibration Variable Speed Compressor*
  2. Vibration-absorbing sliding shelf rails
  3. Vibration-absorbing oak wooden shelves

*Premium Range

Vibration-Proof Environment

Pillar 5: Quality Airflow

Vintec Wine Cabinets are equipped with an efficient air circulation system to ensure a constant, slow flow of filtered air throughout the cabinet to limit any odours from penetrating your wine and mold from growing and damaging labels and corks.

Types of wine storage and wine cellars

There are several types of wine cabinets available on the market. Each type offers its own set of features and benefits, so consider your storage needs, available space, and aesthetic preferences when choosing the right wine cabinet for you.

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Freestanding Wine Cabinets
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Undercounter Wine Cabinets
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Large Wine Cabinets
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Multi-Zone Wine Cabinets
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Built-in Wine Cabinets
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Wine Wall Units
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Wine Coolers
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Freestanding Wine Cabinets
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Freestanding Wine Cabinets
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Undercounter Wine Cabinets
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Large Wine Cabinets
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Multi-Zone Wine Cabinets
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Built-in Wine Cabinets
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Wine Wall Units
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Wine Coolers

Freestanding Wine Cabinets

  • These wine cabinets are standalone units that can be placed anywhere in your home. They come in various sizes and designs, offering flexibility in terms of placement.

  • Wine cabinets are ideal if you have space available and want the freedom to move or relocate the cabinet as needed.

See Freestanding wine cabinets
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Undercounter Wine Cabinets

  • These wine cabinets are standalone units that can be placed anywhere in your home. They come in various sizes and designs, offering flexibility in terms of placement.

  • Wine cabinets are ideal if you have space available and want the freedom to move or relocate the cabinet as needed.

See Undercounter wine cabinets
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Large Wine Cabinets

  • These wine cabinets are typically larger units that offer a significant storage capacity. They can accommodate a large number of bottles and may have additional features such as multiple temperature zones or multi-zone cooling.

  • Tall wine cabinets are suitable for serious wine collectors or those with extensive wine collections.

See Large wine cabinets
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Multi-Zone Wine Cabinets

  • These wine cabinets have separate temperature zones within a single unit. This allows you to store your wine at the optimal temperature, whilst also having access to the right serving temperatures based on the wine type.

  • Multi-zone wine cabinets are ideal if you have a diverse wine collection and want to ensure each type is stored under the appropriate conditions.

See Multi-zone wine cabinets
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Built-in Wine Cabinets

  • These wine cabinets are designed to be integrated into your kitchen or custom cabinetry. They offer a seamless and integrated look, blending with the surrounding decor.

  • Built-in wine cabinets are a great option if you prefer a streamlined and cohesive aesthetic or have limited floor space.

BI wine cabinets

Wine Wall Units

  • These wine cabinets are modular wine storage systems that can be customised and expanded according to your needs. They typically consist of individual wine racks or modules that can be arranged in various configurations.

  • Wine wall units offer flexibility and scalability, allowing you to create a personalized wine storage solution.

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Wine Coolers

  • While not technically wine cabinets, wine coolers are compact fridges designed specifically for short-term wine storage and cooling. They are suitable for keeping wine at serving temperatures rather than long-term ageing.

  • Wine coolers are a more affordable option for casual wine enthusiasts or those with limited space.

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What to consider for location of your wine cabinet?

1. Space and Lifestyle:

Assess the available space in your home and consider how much room you can allocate for a wine cabinet. If you have limited space, an undercounter or built-in wine cabinet may be more suitable. Freestanding or large wine cabinets are ideal if you have ample floor space. Additionally, consider your lifestyle and the size of your wine collection. If you're a casual wine enthusiast with a small collection, a compact wine cabinet may be sufficient. Serious collectors or those with a growing collection might require a larger cabinet with a higher bottle capacity.

Space and lifestyle
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2. Hinge Direction:

When selecting a wine cabinet, consider the hinge direction of the door. This is important to ensure easy access and convenient placement of the cabinet in your space. Determine if you need a left-hinged or right-hinged door based on the available space and the cabinet's proximity to other objects or walls. Vintec offers cabinets that are both left or right hand opening for your convenience.

3. Sun, Temperature, and Light:

Examine the location where you plan to place the wine cabinet and consider the environmental conditions. Avoid placing the cabinet in direct sunlight or near heat sources as they can affect the temperature stability and potentially damage the wine. Choose a location with a consistent and moderate temperature range. Additionally, ensure the wine cabinet has UV-resistant glass or solid doors to protect your wine from harmful light.

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synergy with AEG

4. Synergy with AEG Products:

If you already have other AEG appliances in your kitchen or home, you may consider selecting a wine cabinet that complements the design and functions of these products. AEG offers a range of kitchen appliances, and choosing a wine cabinet that aligns with their aesthetics and features can create a cohesive and integrated look in your space.

By considering your space, lifestyle, hinge direction, environmental conditions, and potential synergy with AEG products, you can make an informed decision when selecting the type and size of a wine cabinet that best suits your needs and enhances your wine storage experience.

Wine cabinet size

There are various options available to you based on your wine collection. See the below table for our recommendations based on the size and what you want to do with your wine.

Wine collection size Cellaring or serving or both? Recommended product
<50 bottles * / Underbench or free standing model
>100 bottles* / Large free standing or built in model
/ Cellaring Single temperature zone model
/ Serving Single temperature zone model or wine cooler
/ Cellaring & serving Multi temperature zone model

*Based on 750mL Bordeaux shaped bottles

Vintec wine cabinet features

1. Temperature Control:

Vintec wine cabinets offer precise temperature control, allowing you to set and maintain the ideal storage temperature for your wine. Fluctuations in temperature can negatively impact the ageing process and the overall quality of the wine. So consistent temperature control is crucial for wine ageing, as it helps the wine develop complex flavours and aromas over time.

Temperature Control

2. Humidity Management:

Vintec wine cabinets have humidity management features to ensure the proper moisture levels within the cabinet. Maintaining the right humidity level, typically between 50-70%, prevents the corks from drying out. This eliminates the risk of air entering the bottles, which could lead to wine oxidation and spoilage.

Humidity above 50%

3. UV Protection:

Vintec wine cabinets feature UV-resistant glass doors or solid doors that provide protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV exposure can degrade wine and result in premature ageing and flavour deterioration. The UV protection helps to preserve the quality and integrity of the wine.

UV-Proof Dark Storage Area

4. Shelving

Vintec wine cabinets offer different shelving options to accommodate various bottle sizes and provide ease of access. Some common shelving options include fixed shelves and telescopic shelves. Fixed shelves are sturdy and provide stability for your wine bottles. Telescopic shelves can slide out for convenient access, making it easier to organize and view your collection. Vintec’s premium range offers the Perfect Cradle™ shelving system with fully extendable, wide slat premium white oak shelving. Unlike most cabinets, the Perfect Cradle™ is designed with ideal spacing between shelves to accommodate all 750mL bottle types, even your favourite Champagnes without scratching the labels.

Vibration-Proof Environment

5. Anti-Vibration Feature:

Vibration can disturb the sediment in wine bottles and disrupt the ageing process. Vintec wine cabinets incorporate anti-vibration technology, which minimises vibrations and ensures a stable environment for the wine. This feature helps prevent premature ageing and maintains the wine's desired flavour profile.

Vibration-Proof Environment

Accessories

There is a wide range of accessories available to enhance your wine experience.

FAQs

  • What is the right temperature to store white wine?

    https://www.vintec.com/en-au/expert-advice/serving-wine/wine-serving-temperature-guide/

  • What is the difference between a wine fridge and a wine cabinet?

    Fridges are not designed specifically for wine storage. They typically lack the necessary features and conditions required for wine ageing. Wine cabinets, on the other hand, are purpose-built to create an optimal environment for wine storage. They offer temperature control within the ideal range for wine, maintain proper humidity levels, and provide protection against light and vibrations, all of which are crucial for the preservation and ageing of wine.

    Where to put a wine cabinet?

  • Can you use a wine cabinet to store food?

    Wine cabinets are specifically designed for storing wine and may not be suitable for storing food. While some wine cabinets may have adjustable temperature settings that could potentially accommodate certain food items, however there are several reasons why using a wine cabinet for food storage is not recommended.

    1. Temperature Range: Wine cabinets are designed to maintain specific temperature ranges ideal for wine storage, typically between 7-18°C. These temperatures may not be suitable for storing perishable food items, which generally require lower temperatures for freshness and safety.

    2. Humidity Levels: Wine cabinets are designed to maintain humidity levels between 50-70% to keep the corks moist and prevent oxidation. This level of humidity may not be appropriate for storing food, as it can lead to excess moisture, potentially causing food spoilage or mould growth.

    3. Odour Transfer: Wine cabinets are designed to minimise odour transfer between bottles of wine. However, certain food items may have strong odours that could impact the flavours and aromas of the wine stored in the cabinet.

    4. Hygiene Considerations: Wine cabinets are not typically designed with food safety standards in mind. They may lack features such as easy-to-clean surfaces or compartments suitable for storing perishable food items.

  • Do wine cabinets control humidity?

    Yes, wine cabinets are designed to control humidity levels. Proper humidity management is crucial for wine storage as it helps preserve the quality and condition of the wine bottles. Wine cabinets typically maintain humidity levels between 50% and 70%, which is considered ideal for wine storage.

    Maintaining the appropriate humidity range helps prevent the corks from drying out, which could lead to air entering the bottle and wine oxidation. By controlling the humidity, wine cabinets ensure that the corks remain moist and create a tight seal, preserving the integrity of the wine.

    Some wine cabinets offer humidity control features, such as built-in humidifiers or moisture retention systems, to help regulate and maintain the desired humidity levels. These features help create an optimal environment for long-term wine storage and ageing.

    It's important to note that while wine cabinets can control humidity to a certain extent, they may not be suitable for extremely high or low humidity conditions. If you live in an area with extreme humidity levels, additional measures, such as using a separate humidifier or dehumidifier, may be necessary to maintain the desired humidity range within the wine cabinet.

  • Can you put beer and spirits in a wine cabinet?

    While wine cabinets are primarily designed for storing and ageing wine, it is possible to store certain types of beer and spirits in them as well. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind, such as temperature. Most wine cabinets have a range from 7-18 degrees Celsius, which may not be cool enough to enjoy a cold beer.

    For long-term or extensive storage of beers and spirits, it's generally recommended to invest in a dedicated beer fridge or a spirits cabinet that offers temperature control and storage features tailored specifically to these beverages. See our beverage centres for more information.

    https://www.vintec.com/en-au/beverage-centre/

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