
Buying Guide for Wine Racks

Why buy a wine rack?
Most people don’t have a wine cellar in their home or basement space to dedicate just to wine. You don’t want to leave your wine bottles sitting on the floor or your countertops, and full-sized wine bottles can take up a lot of space in the refrigerator. Wine racks offer a handy, space-efficient, and stylish alternative to both of these problems.
What should you consider in a wine rack?
- Size: The amount of wine bottles you own is going to be the most important factor in picking a home wine rack. There are many options in terms of size, ranging from racks that hold half a dozen wine bottles to models that can support 100 or more at once. Also consider where you plan to keep your wine rack and the amount of space available. Wine racks can be small and compact enough to sit on countertops or as large as bookcases or dressers. Even if you opt for a space-saving wall-mounted option, make sure you have enough room on your walls to fit your new wine rack.
- Type: There are quite a few different types of wine racks available on the market, each available in a range of sizes and styles. Freestanding, tabletop, wall-mounted, and cabinet wine racks are all common options. Freestanding models are common, sturdy, and easy to move around if you ever redecorate, and many hold a large number of bottles. They can come in the form of shelves, carts, cabinets, stands, frames, or racks. Tabletop wine racks will hold fewer bottles, but they’re extremely convenient, compact, easy to place, and great for display purposes. Wall-mounted options save you floor and counter space, come in a wide range of different styles and are also great for displaying your collection. Some models, regardless of type, are stackable or modular so that you can add to, adjust, or expand your wine rack as your wine collection grows or changes.
- Material: Since wine bottles can be heavy when full and you’ll have more than one on your rack at a time, sturdiness and strength are key components in your wine rack’s material. Woods and metals are most common as they’re durable, stable, and offer a range of design options. Wood is particularly workable into various shapes, carvings, and patterns, while metals may present a more modern, flowing look. If you opt for wood, look for solid hardwoods like oak, fir, pine, cherry, and mahogany. Bamboo is also a good option. If you decide to go for the extra strength of metal, try to find one that is both strong and anti-rust and anti-corrosion, like stainless steel or wrought iron.
What are some other tips for storing wine?
Wine racks that hold the bottles sideways will keep corked wine fresher for longer. You’ll also want to keep your wine rack out of direct sunlight and away from appliances that can produce heat and vibration that can make the wine spoil. Alternatively, you could invest in a wine fridge that will control the temperature of your wine more reliably.
Our Picks for the Best Wine Racks
Trivetrunner-Anna Stay Wall-Mounted Wine Rack
A wall-mounted wine rack that makes good use of space and adds a nice touch to a home.
Pros: The Trivetrunner-Anna Stay Wall-Mounted Wine Rack is a great way to utilize your wall space for storage. This model comes with bonus wine glass storage and wine charms for entertaining. You can even store your wine corks in the base tray if you collect them. The rack allows you to line up a maximum of five standard-sized bottles of wine and has four slots to store wine glasses upside down underneath the cork tray. The heavy-duty metal frame is sturdy and has a black finish for a sleeker look. You also receive six wine charms that attach to the stem, each with a different word inscribed upon it so that your guests won’t get their wine glasses mixed up during parties.
Cons: It doesn’t store the bottles sideways, so it’s not the best for long-term storage. It also only holds up to five bottles at a time.
Bottom Line: This wall-mounted wine rack is a compact yet classy option that will look great in a kitchen, dining room, or living room.
Sorbus Wall Mount Wine Rack
A wine rack that keeps nine bottles of wine fresh in taste and appearance.
Pros: The Sorbus Wall Mount Wine Rack gives you space for nine regular wine bottles or champagne bottles. There’s even the option to add multiple racks on top or below. Plus, there are individual spots for every bottle on this wine rack. As a bonus, this wine rack stores the bottles horizontally to keep the corks moist.
Cons: The screws that come with this wine rack are a bit short! It can make it a little difficult to install properly on the wall.
Bottom Line: This wine rack is a fabulous way to make your wine collection a focal point. Its minimalist and modern appearance will let your wine bottles shine.
Mango Steam 32 Bottle Wine Rack with Glass Table Top
A freestanding wine rack with 32 spots for your full collection.
Pros: The Mango Steam Wine Rack offers plenty of storage for your wine collection. With space for 32 bottles, you can stack your favorite bottles up high for easy accessibility and keep the ones for special occasions toward the bottom. This rack is easy to assemble; all it takes is four steps. Plus, this wine rack is made to fit under cabinets so that it won’t take up too much space.
Cons: Some people don’t like that the wine bottles tip downwards slightly when they sit in this rack.
Bottom Line: This wine rack is super accommodating and sturdy for larger wine collections. It’ll last you for years or wine enjoyment.
ALLCENER Tabletop Wood Wine Holder
A space-saving wine rack that holds both bottles and glasses.
Pros: The ALLCENER Tabletop Wine Holder is a functional option for holding your wine bottles as well as your wine glasses. Plus, with its wooden base and scrolly metal holders, it looks good sitting on your table or counter. It’s nice and compact, and it’s easy to assemble to boot.
Cons: While people love the design, some were a little nervous about how securely the wine glasses sit on top of the rack. You may need to be a little cautious if your glasses are heavy or large.
Bottom Line: This is a unique option made to look great and hold your favorite bottles. It helps you save space and looks nice on a countertop.
Sorbus Wine Rack Stand Bordeaux Chateau Style with Glass Tabletop
This wine rack with 18 spots for your favorite bottles doubles as a side table.
Pros: The Sorbus Wine Rack Stand is a good choice whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a new appreciator of the beverage. It’s designed to fit in tighter spaces without being hard to access, and it fits 18 bottles. This wine rack also comes with a tabletop, so you can put things like wine glasses, a decanter, or other forms of alcohol on top.
Cons: The only real complaint about this wine rack is that the glass top doesn’t sit super snugly on top. You may need to play around with it to get it to fit perfectly.
Bottom Line: With space for 18 bottles, this wine rack lets you conveniently store your favorite bottles and then some. It saves you a ton of space while offering easy access to your bottles and a functional tabletop.
Final Thoughts
Wine racks are an affordable and effective way to keep your collection in order. The right one will look great in your home and will save you plenty of space. Each of our top picks could help you keep your wine secure and looking nice.