Refrigerated Wine Cabnets

It can be true, yes. The models vary a lot.

In general, the small, under-the-kitchen-counter models you commonly see at home remodeling stores don't manage humidity very well, so aren't intended for storing a wine for more than a year.

The much nicer, tall, wooden cabinets -- which also come with a substantially higher pricetag -- are designed to keep the humidity in balance.

If you simply want to keep a few cases' worth chilled, then the smaller model should work just fine.

On the other hand, if you're serious about collecting and storing wines, you should consider investing in the latter, as not only do they store many (hundreds of) bottles, they are very stylish, make an excellent display in just about any room of your house -- except the bathroom :) -- and the investment will pay off with the wine that's been preserved.

Here's a third option. If you have an extra room in the house, you can easily convert it to a cellar by caulking the cracks, sealing up the vents, and installing a Koolspace dehumidifier to keep the room at a constant temp/humidity.

David

N> I have recently heard that Refrigerated Wine Cabnets are not good for

Yes, it's true. The issues with humidity are; if too low, corks can dry out. You can mitigate this, for some time, by keeping bottles on their side. Most of the wine refrigerators kep their bottles so. If humidity is too high, you can - over time - get mildew on the labels.

For long term storage (more than two years?) - build a cellar. But for keeping wines that are 'ready to drink', refrigerator cabinets are fine.

If you are going to build a cellar (remodel a closet or room, or build a new structure) be sure to insulate it well. R19 at the least. As much below ground thermal mass as well (if you have a basement - look there to build yor cellar). And install a temp / humidty device. Not cheap, but neither is great wine! Cheers

That is true mostly.

I use two Eurocave units for my wine that hold about 280 bottles each. Used only for reds and really good champagne.

The daily whites and whites I plan to drink within the year are in a refer in the garage.

That said I like the idea of a block and bucket with towel.

I was looking at Vintage Keeper cabinets. Has anyone had experience with these?

I looked into these and the Eurocaves a few years ago. After a lengthy discussion here and via private email, I bought a Eurocave. They seemed to be preferred above all others by far. Watch the "outlet" section of Wine Enthusiast and you should be able to get one at a nice discount.

-- Ken