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What Is the Purpose of a Wine Credenza?

What Is the Purpose of a Wine Credenza?

Wine storage is one of the primary issues that serious wine collectors face. Wine credenzas are becoming one of the most popular wine storage solutions, especially for those with limited space. They come in all shapes, sizes, finishes, and configurations, but what exactly is their purpose?

What Is the Purpose of a Wine Credenza?

Keeps Wine Easily Accessible

Maybe one of the best features of a credenza is that it keeps wine easily accessible and ready to drink. They come with or without refrigerators, so they can be used to keep a range of different wines at the perfect drinking temperature and others in an ideal aging environment. They offer an attractive storage solution, and many come with built-in storage for stemware and bar accessories.

They make the ideal companion for tasting parties, keeping everything to hand in one beautiful cabinet, either in your larger storage area or in any living space. Party snacks and decor items can be placed on their surface, all the while proudly showcasing your wine collection.

Keeps the Temperature Controlled

Credenzas come with or without built-in refrigerators. Both options are suitable for long term storage. If choosing a unit without a refrigerator, the wood will help insulate the storage area but ensure your credenza is placed in a stable environment and not subject to temperature fluctuations. Wine refrigerators are temperature controlled, which can be adjusted to suit your needs, providing a constant temperature and steady humidity levels, which are vital for long-term storage.

If you have another form of long term storage then a credenza can be placed anywhere that is convenient and easily accessible in the home. Its built-in fridge can keep wines at optimal serving temperatures so that your wine is always at hand and ready for consumption without having to break the conversation.

Keeps Wine in the Correct Position

Credenzas provide shelves, drawers, or built-in racks that allow bottles to be stored in the optimum position; horizontally.  With cork wine, this position keeps the cork in contact with the wine, keeping it wet. If a cork dries, it may allow air into the bottle, ultimately spoiling it.  

Storing horizontally with the label up allows for easy visibility with no need for disturbance when choosing what to drink. The sediment will settle on the opposing side of the label, so you can see how heavy it is when it comes to opening it. Plus, the label is less likely to be damaged.

Keeps Wine Protected From Sunlight

Often made from wood, credenzas offer a cool and dark environment for your wine collection. Exposure to the sun's UV light can affect the color of wine, with long term exposure turning a red wine to a dark brown color. It can also have a negative effect on both the smell and taste of wine, as it can speed up the natural aging reactions as well as raising the temperature.

Keeps Vibration From Harming the Wine

For long term wine storage, it is essential that vibration is kept to an absolute minimum. Properly stored wine should be kept untouched and unmoved until it is ready to drink, as vibrations can disrupt the aging process. High levels of vibration can breakdown the sediment in aged wines, which can prove difficult to filter when ready to drink. It can have subtle effects on flavor, and it can also affect the wine's cork, subjecting it to oxidation.

A quality beverage credenza built from solid wood can help absorb any environmental vibrations and provides a space reserved solely for wine storage. Because it is dedicated to storing wine, it is not in constant use, like a kitchen fridge or countertop, and therefore, vibrations are kept to a minimum.

Keeps the Humidity Constant

Humidity levels do not directly affect the taste or smell of wine, but they can affect the condition of the cork and label. A storage area that is too dry can dry out the cork. This allows oxygen into the wine, causing oxidization, resulting in the wine being spoilt. When humidity levels are too high, it can cause mold to form on the labels. Whilst damaged labels have no effect on the wine itself, they can reduce the value of a bottle if planning to resell.

A good quality refrigerated credenza will ensure humidity levels are regulated and kept at constant recommended levels of between 55-85 percent.

Keeps Your Best Wine Safe and Secure

Many credenzas are equipped or can be configured with locks. This ensures that your wine is kept safe from prying hands, such as children or guests, who may not understand the value or importance of certain wines in your collection. Cabinet and refrigerator doors can also help to protect against environmental odors. Strong odors can permeate the corks, which can taint both the flavor and aroma of the wine.

Keeps Your Aesthetics On-Point

Because a credenza is designed to be a piece of furniture, it is the perfect addition to any living space. Available in beautiful designs, they are an ideal focal point and a conversational piece for any room. Refrigerators that are built into the credenza are often very discreet and will not look out of place next to rustic or antique furniture. There is often designated space for glasses and bar accessories so that everything can be kept neatly and stylishly in one place.

Keeps Your Wine Even With Limited Space

Unfortunately, not every wine enthusiast has space for a dedicated wine cellar or storage room. This is when credenzas offer the perfect long term storage solution. Because of everything already mentioned and the fact that they can blend perfectly with any interior design, they make it possible for absolutely anyone to have a dedicated, long term wine storage option.

A good quality credenza has many purposes, the most simple being safe and simple storage. Visit Wine Cellar HQ to check out our range of products and learn more about credenzas and other wine storage solutions. Our expert customer service representatives are available via email or telephone and are happy to help with any of your wine storage queries or concerns.

Randy Green

Randy is a true wine storage aficionado and expert in wine cellar design. He gained construction experience as a partner in a general contracting business before niching into and passionately focusing on creating wine storage solutions for clients in 2016. He takes great pride in bringing these designs to life, and is dedicated to ensuring that every wine cellar he creates is not only functional but also a beautiful addition to any home or business. The Wine Cellar HQ team also includes refrigeration sizing experts and licensed HVAC technicians to ensure optimal climate control for your wine cellar, so that your wines can age to perfection.
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