The best wine storage cabinets for optimal vino at all times

Best for: Serious oenophiles with large wine collections

With a generous 170-bottle capacity, this wine storage cabinet from Vintec is not here to play. Its multi-zone temperature control means you’ll have the option to cellar your wine or have it ready to drink when you are hosting a party (planned or otherwise). Its gorgeous black finish will also fit seamlessly in any contemporary or modern abodes.

This wine storage cabinet is perfect for the seasoned wine collector or the frequent entertainer. Or, if you have a big household and have space for it in your kitchen, opting for a large-scale wine cabinet like this one will never disappoint.

Key features:

• 170-bottle capacity
• Multi-zone temperature control
• Double-glazed anti-UV glass door
• Reversible door hinge to suit any kitchen layout
• External compressors to reduce vibration
• Winter heating system, double-glazed glass and thermal recycling pump to maintain optimum humidity levels

Available at:

• $3992, The Good Guys
• $4036, Appliances Online
• $4299, Bing Lee
• $4399 (usually $5499), David Jones

Best for: Budding connoisseurs with lower budgets

If you are loyal to only one wine variety, then this single-zone, 30-bottle wine cellar by Hisense is a great option. It features stylish wooden shelves, a glass door and interior LED lighting and comes in a sleek black design with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty.

With a wide temperature range (5-18°C), you can easily choose the perfect temperature for your favourite tipple. Never worry about harmful UV rays sabotaging your wines, as this model by Hisense features tempered anti-UV and Low E glass doors to ensure your vino is always in pristine condition. And if you’re notorious for always being on ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode, you can find a wine storage cabinet to match – this model features a low noise and low vibration cooling system, so you’ll barely know it’s on. Your wines (and you) will never be disturbed. Bliss.

Key features:

• 30-bottle capacity
• Single-zone temperature control
• Anti-UV and Low E tempered glass doors
• Reversible door hinges to suit your kitchen layout
• Wide temperature range (5-18°C)
• Low noise and vibration cooling system
• Stylish and functional wooden shelving system
• Electronic touch control for easy operation
• Soft LED lighting

Also available at:

• $396, The Good Guys
• $599, Appliances Online

Best for: Smaller spaces with varied wine collections with different storage needs

Small but mighty, this 38-bottle wine cabinet from Fisher & Paykel has dual-temperature functionality, meaning that maintaining the perfect environment for your red and white wines – at the same time – is easy. The control panel allows you to set each zone between 5°C and 20°C, so you can choose the optimal temperature for your collection. With its brushed stainless steel finish and glass-tempered door, this Fisher & Paykel wine cabinet is designed to easily match the brand’s family of products. Plus, the stainless steel finish will complement most kitchen designs, too. Each bottle is nestled on a sleek oak slide-out shelf and is illuminated with soft LED lighting for a touch of luxury.

Key features:

• 38-bottle capacity
• Dual temperature functionality
• Easy-to-use control panel to set temperature, adjust lights and fan
• Sleek oak slide-out shelves
• UV-tempered glass
• Vibration compressor
• Top-shelf tilts to showcase your premium wines easily

Also available at:

• $1841 (usually $3099), Appliances Online
• $2295, Bing Lee

Best for: Storing a range of bottle sizes in a stylish cabinet

This wine storage cabinet from Vintec can cellar your wines or keep your favourite reds and whites at optimal serving temperature for your next dinner party. Its borderless black glass finish offers a seamless look which is ideal for any modern or contemporary kitchen. Plus, with the ability to reposition shelves, you can arrange them to suit larger bottles or to maximise the use of space when needed.

Key features:

• 35-bottle capacity
• Single-zone temperature control
• Adjustable and repositionable shelves
• Triple-glazed anti-UV glass door
• LED digital display panel
• Humidity recycling system

Also available at:

• $668, The Good Guys
• $749, Bing Lee
• $791, Appliances Online

What is the difference between a wine cooler and a wine cabinet?

A wine cooler and a wine cabinet are both appliances that are made to store and preserve wines. However, there are some key differences to familiarise yourself with. 

A wine cooler is often a lot smaller and compact when compared to a wine storage cabinet. Moreover, it is primarily used for short-term wine storage. It chills wine quickly, allowing it to reach its perfect temperature for consumption in a short period of time. In other words, it’s great for storing wine at the start of the day in anticipation for a dinner party that you have planned later in the evening. 

A wine storage cabinet is for long-term wine ageing and storage. These are used to house your limited-edition wines that you’re saving to pop open on a special day. Wine storage cabinets also offer more precise control over temperature and humidity levels. So, if you have an extensive wine collection that you’re looking to sort out, a wine storage cabinet is more suited for you. 

What are the benefits of a wine storage cabinet?

The benefits of owning a wine storage cabinet include:

• Precise temperature control: Depending on the type of wine you’re storing, you can set a wine storage cabinet to an exact temperature that is optimal for the said variety. As a guide, you should be storing white wine at around 8–12°C, sparkling wine at 7–9°C, and red wine at 14–20°C.
• Humidity control: Generally, humidity levels should be around 70 per cent. This is to keep corks from drying out which may allow air to enter the bottles. Proper humidity levels will prevent oxidation and maintain the quality of your wines. 
• UV light protection: Having UV-protected glass doors is a bare minimum when it comes to proper wine storage options. UV rays are harmful and may lead to wine degradation and taint its flavour.
• Reduced vibration: It is vital that wine storage cabinets do not produce vibrations when being powered, as vibration can disturb wine sediments that affect the precious ageing process.
• Long-term ageing: As mentioned, wine storage cabinets are designed for long-term storage of your favourite vinos. They provide an environment that allows them to, well, age like fine wine. 
• Convenience: Having your wine collection consolidated into one cabinet offers convenience like no other. Not only does a wine storage cabinet keep your wine at its optimal condition, but it also is a great way to keep your collection organised and easy to navigate within. 

Precise temperature control, humidity control, protection from harmful UV rays, reduced vibrations, and long-term ageing – these are just some of the many pros of owning a wine storage cabinet.

So, if you’re looking to curate a wine collection to elevate your next dinner party (and to impress your guests), opting for a wine storage cabinet is a must.

How do I choose a wine cabinet?

When choosing a model that works for you, there are a few things to consider:

• The size of your wine collection: This will determine how big or small of a wine storage cabinet you need
• The size of your kitchen: Measure twice, cut once. Make sure you have space in your kitchen to accommodate a wine storage cabinet. If not, can you have your wine fridge in a different area of the home? Perhaps next to the buffet table?
• Wine storage cabinet features: The main specs to look out for is temperature control, humidity control, vibration reduction, and light protection

What is the best storage solution for ageing wine?

The best storage for ageing wine is a wine cellar or wine storage cabinet with cellaring abilities. Properly designed and maintained wine cellars provide the optimal conditions for ageing wine over an extended period, allowing it to develop complex flavours and aromas.