Wine Racks Blog

I admit it. For a long time, I thought decanting wine was something that only really fussy people did. For instance, I saw it done on Frasier - not always the best reference for real-world advice. But over time, I was lucky enough to experience decanted wine, and now I’m a convert.

The thing about decanting wine is that both old and young wines benefit from a period of decanting. Decanting gives young wines a chance to blend with oxygen - which helps release the fragrance and flavor of the wine. When you decant a young wine, feel free to “splash” it into your decanter - it helps the wine to breathe.

Older wines benefit from decanting because it allows sediment to settle to the bottom, leaving you with a clean glass of wine. Slowly pour old wine into a decanter - that allows the fine sediment to go straight down.

Plus - decanters are just plain pretty! I like the Orbital Decanter.This crystal decanter comes with a steel base. It also has a tight stopper. Using a decanter can make an ordinary bottle of wine taste a little more extraordinary.

So, give your wine rack a new friend and consider getting a decanter. You won’t regret it!

Remember how a few years ago, it seemed like Merlot was everywhere? And then Sideways came out, and Pinot Noir took the spotlight. Well, I have a recommendation for the next great red wine - the 2006 Imagery Grenache! Imagery Winery is a sister winery of Benziger. It’s almost like a boutique winery - they have the freedom to create wines with creative blends of varietals. If you get a chance to wine tasting in Sonoma County, you must stop by the winery! Not only is it a gorgeous place to walk around, the tasting staff are some of the nicest people you’ll meet.

The Grenache was one of those wines I tasted, and something clicked in my brain. How had I gone so long with never drinking this!?! It’s a medium bodied wine, with fruity cherry/berry notes. What’s really interesting about this wine is that it has a deep, almost smoky, finish. It pairs well with a lot of food, including chocolate cake (I attest to this from personal experience).

That fateful day at Imagery led to me buying 3 bottles of the Grenache. Three bottles - that can be a tricky amount for storage. But that’s why tabletop wine racks like the Axis Vertical Rack were invented! This attractive chrome rack is designed to hold a trio of bottles, and is perfect for a kitchen counter.  Sometimes you don’t need a big wine rack. Sometimes the best wine rack is small, stylish and even a bit of a conversation starter. Kind of like Imagery Winery, and their wines.

You guys, I have a confession to make. I have sort of a schizophrenic design aesthetic. My ideal house would be 40% Eames mid-century modern-chic, 50% of the Elephant Room where Nicole Kidman lived in Moulin Rouge, and 10% Hello Kitty. Balancing these styles - well, it is my burden. Yet, bravely, I persevere! And the good thing about having eclectic taste (yes, that’s what I’ve decided to call it) is that when I find something that speaks to one of my design personalities - it doesn’t speak with a whisper, it shouts! And man oh man, this Wine Knot is screaming my name. I love the smooth curves, and the two-tone bent plywood. It’s hard to find a wine rack that looks good both empty and full, but this one totally fits the bill.It holds six wine bottles, and it can hold a magnum of champers in the center. Obviously, it’s speaking to the mid-century modernist in me (although I could embellish it with a little glitter and gold paint, and really reach a happy medium). What’s the verdict? Do you love it, or really love it?