During the month of November, we have teamed up with WineFridgesPlus.com to offer you a (literally) cool giveaway!
From now until December 1, 2010, you’ll get 10% off* any single-item built-in wine fridge purchase of $50 or more (*some new-fangled legalese restrictions apply, of course – we’re not that good – see details below) from WineFridgesPlus.com.
At the same time, you can also enter to win a VinoTemp single-bottle wine chiller at http://www.winefridgesplus.com/giveaways (the prize will be awarded after December 1st – check the link for full details)!
Depending on your wine storage needs, this could end up saving you up to $500 so it’s worth checking out.
My take on wine fridges is that you’re better off going high-end with a unit that controls both temperature (obviously the most important, especially for those of you without a cellar) and humidity
(fridge air tends to be dry, which can affect cork closures, though I never once had an issue with this with my relatively low-end wine fridge when I had it running for several years) – a quick look through the WFP offerings shows a few that have humidity reservoirs like this model.
All in all, I’d still opt for an underground cellar over any other wine storage system, but if you try that route in many parts of the U.S. or U.K. you will end up with a swimming pool underneath your house, so I understand the need for these things. Some of them also pack anywhere from 50 to 200 bottles in a relatively small amount of space, which is great if you are limited in available wall/shelf space.
Another thing to ask about is how the wine fridges regulate temperature – some winemakers with whom I’ve discussed this topic have argued that constant small temperature swings are almost as bad for wine storage as quick dips/spikes in temperature; ideally you’re looking for something that performs temperature stability in the gentlest ways possible.
The WFP item that filled me with the most G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrome, the name we in the music biz give to that feeling that compels you to keep buying gear/gadgets/instruments/what-have-you, despite the pleas to the contrary from your inner conscience and probably also from your significant other) was this wall-mounted thermoelectric wine cooler. That kind of thing just screams “wine badass” the same way that having a pool table screams “man cave.” No idea if it’s any good (or not), I just know that the pic makes me want it (sad, really, I know).
Anyway – full details on the discount available after the jump.
Would love YOUR thoughts on using wine fridges, and if you take advantage of the discount please check back in and let us know how it goes!
SAVE 10%* Off Any Purchase at Wine Fridges Plus – Up to $500 Discount
Wine Fridges Plus offers a premium selection of wine fridges for any home or business. For a limited time, WineFridgesPlus.com is offering 1 Wine Dude’s readers an exclusive 10% off* coupon code available for any purchase until 12/1/2010.
COUPON CODE: 1WINEDUDE
Promotion Rules and Fine Print
*10% off applies to single-item built-in wine fridge purchases of $50 or more. Maximum discount is $500. No cash value. Excludes clearance purchases and gift card purchases. The customer must be signed-in to their WineFridgesPlus.com account to redeem this coupon.Qualifying purchases must be made on WineFridgesPlus.com’s website. Limit ONE coupon redemption per product, customer, receipt, household, family or address. This offer is valid in the United States only. This offer may not be combined with any other promotional coupons, promotions or offers. Product prices are subject to change and all deals are subject to stock availability. Wine Fridges Plus is not responsible for printing, typographical or photographic representation errors. Offer valid 11/1/10 – 12/1/10.
Cheers!
(image: WineFridgesPlus.com)
I got a 21 bottle, two zone wine fridge recently for review purposes. Forget about long term storage or aging, these things are great for the "drink now" bottles that you have with dinner or when friends come over. It's handy for entertaining, and great for that constantly revolving stock of a few reds, a few whites, a rosé, a sparkler, etc. You've always got something at the right temperature that you can pull and serve.
I also keep my vermouths and a few other temperature-sensitive cocktail ingredients in mine.
http://wine-by-benito.blogspot.com/2010/09/wine-f…
Also, if you're a blogger that gets a lot of wine samples, a wine fridge saves you space in your main refrigerator. Ever hear "Why are there 8 bottles of wine crammed in front of the milk?" "Sorry, there's an online tasting tonight…"
Benito – OMG, that is GREAT idea (keeping wine out of the fridge door) and I am SO gonna be doing that after we clear out more room in the basement…!
I love the wall mount but wonder if it is too heavy.
Hmmm…. well, for sure 6 bottles aren't too light, so that baby would need to hand from some studs…
I do have a temp controlled storage cabinet (keeps things at cellar temp) but I don't know that I would call it a fridge. And given that 30-40 minutes in my freezer can chill a white just fine (be sure to set a timer!), I'm not sure about the utility of having an extra appliance just for wine chilling. I suppose if the unit looks cool (pun intended) on your wall, then OK…
Jefe – you couldn't resist… :)
I think the draw for the cabinet/fridge is really the storage factor. As for the chiller – I'm inclined to agree though if it works better/faster who am I to stand in the way of commerce and the steady march of versatile solutions for modern living?…
Wine coolers and refrigerators are great, not only from the functional perspective but the actual beauty brought about by the appearance too.