As U.S. Interest in Wine Matures, So Grows the Market For More StorageVintage Appeal

Continued from page 4

Smitten with the success of its popular Wine Reserve undercounter wine refrigeration modules, GE Monogram upped the ante for serious collectors with the Walk-In Wine Vault, an approximately 8-foot-by-8-foot-by-8-foot insulated stainless steel chamber that maintains close to 1,100 bottles of fine wine at a guaranteed cave-like humidity level and temperature of 55 degrees F, optimum for long-term storage.

The interior sports handsome redwood racks, crown molding, creamy white walls, and motion-detection halogen lighting. Additionally, the company borrowed from its own computerized product control to develop an innovative inventory management system.

"This isn't meant to be a replacement for the person who builds his own cellar," says Monogram general manager Nolan Pike. Although, he notes, it could be incorporated into one for prized acquisitions that require unfailing stability.

Similarly, Vinotemp offers a series of walk-ins in metal or wood (which lowers the price considerably) complete with racking, digital temperature and humidity systems, and options such as glass panels and inventory control. This, intimates Hynes, will save an uninitiated builder a lot of time and angst.

	Ariston. Designed for seamless integration, the 28.1-inch-high-by-21.3-inch-deep-by-23.1-inch-wide Cantina Vino has a cleverly placed vent behind its upper door and rests on a solid base to allow for a kick contiguous with the cabinetry. Said to provide a true flush-to-cabinet configuration, each unit can be installed under the counter, raised to an ergonomic eye level, or even stacked to double the capacity. 800-356-0766. www.aristonappliances.us.
Liebherr. Available in stainless steel or ready for custom panels, the SBS 245 48-inch Vinidor side-by-side refrigeration unit contains five climate zones, including a dual-temperature wine cabinet above a no-frost freezer, an 8.4-cubic-foot refrigerator, and a 3.5-cubic-foot BioFresh humidity-controlled area for meat and fresh produce. Actually two tall units, each can be installed separately or joined with a side-by-side kit. 866-543-2437. www.liebherr-appliances.com.
	Marvel. The Chateau collection includes 15-, 24-, and 30-inch undercounter wine cellars as well as full-sized units. All are equipped with digital temperature controls, vibration neutralization, and a Sentry System said to ensure consistent humidity and temperatures. The new 24-inch dual-zone wine cellar was designed for maturing and chilling. For additional storage, there is a coordinating beverage and wine refrigerator. 800-428-6644. www.marvelindustries.com.
Sub-Zero. Created to enhance the 24-inch model 424 wine storage undercounter unit, the UC-24B undercounter beverage center is ideal for storing white and sparkling wines at serving temperatures along with the likes of mineral water, beer, juice, and soft drinks. Available in stainless steel or with an overlay kit, this model boasts electronic controls visible through the double-pane full-view glass door and two roller-glide wine shelves edged in natural cherry. 800-532-7820. www.subzero.com.
	Bosch. Available in 18-inch 70-bottle and 24-inch 98-bottle versions, Integra dual-temperature wine columns coordinate with the company's like-named refrigeration series. Features include a unique hinge that opens out and away from adjacent cabinetry and jambs for a built-in installation, glass doors with stainless steel or custom panel options, electronic controls, and a combination halogen/LED lighting system. 800-921-9622. www.boschappliances.com.
Dacor. With a temperature range of 41 to 68 degrees F, the 24-inch dual-zone EpicureWineSteward maintains up to 44 bottles of white, red, and sparkling wine at long-term storage or serving temperatures in its two equal compartments. Engineered to minimize vibration, this model provides electronic touch controls and a UV-protected glass left- or right-opening door. 800-793-0093. www.dacor.com.
	Electrolux. Measuring 23 1/2 inches wide by 29 3/4 inches deep by 56 1/2 inches high, the 160-bottle Icon Absorption freestanding wine cellar has a cooling system that requires no compressor, which the firm says ensures silent, vibration-free operation. Features include air filtration, humidity control, and a pre-set temperature of 54 degrees F with an override ranging from 46 to 64 degrees. A trim kit is available for built-in installation. 877-435-3287. www.electroluxusa.com.
Siemens. Planned for 2008 availability, the 84-inch-high-by-24-inch-deep-by-18-inch-wide avantGarde Wine Tower stores as many as 70 bottles within its dual-climate cavity. Outfitted with a stainless steel-framed glass door or ready to accept a custom panel, this modular unit features halogen lighting and a special "accessHinge" that allows the reversible door to be opened wide and around adjacent walls and cabinetry. 800-474-3636. www.siemens-home.com.
	U-Line. Each compartment of the Wine Captain drawer is an independent, vibration-free refrigerated unit with its own digital control and display. Available with UV-resistant thermal tempered glass framed in stainless steel or with a custom overlay, this model accommodates up to 43 bottles in its elegant black interior. Plus, the maple trim of the wine racks can be stained to match existing cabinetry. 414-354-0300. www.u-line.com.
Miele. Part of the company's new integrated refrigeration lineup, the 84-inch-high-by-24-inch-wide MasterCool wine cooler boasts three independent cooling zones with a capacity of more than 100 bottles. Wine-smart features include tempered tinted glass doors, 14 low-vibration acacia fixed and extendable shelves, LED lighting, a proprietary remote wireless monitoring system, precise temperature and humidity control, and height-adjustable rear wheels for smooth installation. 800-843-7231. www.miele.com.