When shopping for a new wine refrigerator, Vinotemp, Sub-Zero, KitchenAid, and Viking stand out for their sleek design and reliable technology. Today we are exploring how each brand compares based on their 46-bottle 24-inch wine cooler. 46-bottle wine fridges is a popular size as it can easily be installed under a kitchen counter.

A wine refrigerator should accomplish the basics; temperature and humidity control, protection from harmful UV rays, and minimal vibration. Let’s begin by reviewing the basic features that each of these models has in common.:

• Fits undercounter (front exhaust)
• Compressor cooling system
• Sturdy wire racking with a lip to prevent bottles from falling off the rack and also providing an additional shield against UV rays
• Stores around 46 standard bottles of wine
• Digital temperature control
• 2 independent temperature zones
• Interior lighting
• Glass door
• Sabbath/vacation mode
• Reversible door hinge or available in right or left hinge for side-by-side installation

Now that we have discussed the commonalities, let’s talk about what makes each unit unique and whether or not there is an advantage to each. Please note that we are quoting prices as of 2019. Prices are subject to change.

Vinotemp launched its Designer Series with the intention of bringing customers an award-winning luxury wine cellar. The standout features of this unit include:

Are you searching for the perfect wine to pair with your favorite pizza, barbecue, or chocolate cake? Selecting the right wine may seem like an intimidating task, especially when trying to impress guests. The good news is that choosing the right pairing can be fun.

The secret to finding the right wine is to try to create balance. What this means is, you want to pick a wine that does not overwhelm the dish in richness or weight. For example, you probably would not pair a light white wine with a dark chocolate cake. A better pairing would be a sweet red that feels as indulgent as the cake you are eating.

Check out our pairing suggestions below. These are just some general suggestions. Part of the fun of wine pairing, especially with comfort food, is the opportunity to taste and experiment to find the best combinations.

If the pizza is topped with a lot of meat, try a Zinfandel, Merlot, or Shiraz. If the pizza is mostly veggies, pair it with a Sauvignon Blanc.

According to Wikipedia, in May of 1917, a woman named Mrs. Julius S. Walsh Jr. invented the first cocktail hour when she invited 50 guests to her home in St. Louis, MO for a one-hour celebration. The party was so popular that it was written about in the St. Paul Pioneer Press and eventually became a trend, and then a staple. Since then, the cocktail hour has extended beyond people’s homes into hotels, bars, and eateries as a way to invite customers to enjoy specials within a certain timeframe. A common prelude to wedding receptions, cocktail hours are used to occupy and entertain guests as they wait for the happy couple to make their grand entrance. Today we are talking about everything you need to know to host your own cocktail hour. From drinks to etiquette, we have you covered.

Anyone who loves wine knows that the occasional stain is inevitable. Once you and your guests are a few glasses in, someone may spill a few drops or a whole glass on your nice carpet, couch, tablecloth, or shirt. When this happens, there is no need to panic. Today we are rounding up our favorite fixes for those pesky wine stains.

Part of the pleasure of traveling is tasting the local wine and maybe even bringing some wine home with you. Here are some gift suggestions that any wine lover will put to good use while they are away on their next vacation.

Whether gathering snacks for your next Netflix binge, super bowl viewing, or tasting party, today we are rounding up our favorite finger foods to serve guests. We are dividing each menu by drink of choice so you can have delicious treats on hand that will have everyone salivating.

Even the most knowledgeable sommeliers had to start somewhere on their wine journey. While breaking into the wine scene may feel intimidating, it does not have to be. Below we discuss how to become well versed in all things wine, all while enjoying yourself.

Your desire to learn more about wine is as limitless as your imagination. There are many books on the topic as well as apps you can download to your smart phone. Before uncorking a bottle, try using an app to scan its barcode and learn more about its origin. Visit your local library (or your favorite search engine) and start reading about the different wine regions around the world. Look up the history of wine and explore how it was stored and shared over hundreds of years. You have the potential to become your friends’ and family’s own local wine expert.

Solomon, Nebuchadnezzar, Jeroboam, Magnum, Imperial --- large format wine bottles have intimidating names to match their size. Large format bottles have become increasingly popular over the years for a number of reasons. The bottles are made from a thicker glass, protecting its contents from light, temperature fluctuations, and vibrations. The more wine housed in a bottle, the smaller the surface area to the cork. This means wine will age more slowly and gracefully. Large format bottles are also a smart investment as large bottles are produced in smaller amounts and at a higher price point. Their rarity means their value will appreciate.

Nearly all wines will taste better if effort is made to serve them properly. Whether you are uncorking a bottle of red or white wine, there are a few tricks to keep in mind to ensure you are bringing out each wine’s full potential. Follow these simple hacks and impress your guests.

Temperature Matters

Prep for a party by ensuring your wine is brought to the proper serving temperature. If you do not own a wine cellar or wine refrigerator, this may require placing your wine inside the fridge for about an hour to allow the wine to cool. If you are bringing your wine to a party, you can keep it cool during travel by using a bottle chilling wrap. You will also want to have a thermometer on hand to check the temperature of the bottle.

If you are not planning a wedding, you may be prepping for your own special occasion, like a graduation party or charity event. While it is easy to estimate how much food each guest will consume, it’s trickier trying to plan how much wine. Additionally, if your event is being catered by the venue or an outside party, their wine selection may not meet your taste and you may be thinking of bringing in your own drinks. We will explore how much wine to buy for larger celebrations, ideas for serving, and the glasses.