1 minute read
JUST CHILLING
With warm summer evenings ahead Julia Steadman, Brandt Design Commercial Director, takes a look at the popularity that wine refrigeration is currently enjoying.
With the growth in home bars, we have certainly noted a rise in demand for wine storage as the hybrid kitchen living space demands the ultimate in practicality, luxury and efficiency when entertaining friends and family.
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Wine lovers are increasingly keen to combine wine storage with cooling appliances so that they can enjoy a chilled still or sparkling wine from their collection. As the global wine market presents a mixed picture for 2023, we anticipate that savvy consumers will be more inclined to bulk buy and focus on storage as they select their wines with greater care.
We are finding that some of our customers enjoy having the convenience of a dedicated cooling zone complete with a wine cabinet adjacent to the main side by side fridge freezer. If you’re a host that loves to entertain, then being able to see your fine wines and champagne at a glance when menu planning is a great advantage!
Others prefer to have a wine cooler situated in the entertaining zone so it’s easy to top up glasses without disturbing food prep. For example, having a dedicated bar area which is fully integrated into the kitchen with a wine cooler close by will free up space in the main refrigerator and ensure that it is separate from the cook zone. We find that having a bespoke unit will also make it easier to check on supplies and allow you to have ice making equipment or bar snacks on hand.
In my opinion, ergonomics should be at the heart of planning in wine storage in your forever kitchen. For example, a wine cooler can work seamlessly in an island unit, or a run of units, and is a great way to introduce this type of appliance into the working zone if you love to cook with wine or keen to explore food and wine pairings.
As a bespoke kitchen design studio, the majority of our residential kitchens and premium contract kitchens include wine coolers. So, if you’re considering integrating a wine cabinet in your home, make sure it’s in keeping with the architecture of your home and works hard to support and enhance your lifestyle.
