Let’s look at each of the three kinds of wine lists:

Kind of Grape: The list is mainly organized by the variety of grapes used to make the wine, but if may also include location information. In the US it is common to list type of grape and origin, in Europe most wine lists focus on the type of grape.

By Origin: This kind of wine list is arranged by what country it came from and usually has more particular subcategories, like state and regions. So, if you really like French wine this kind of wine list makes it simple to use. You just flip over to the French section of the list and look for what wines are available. The kind of grape used to make the wine may be listed also. In the United States, the kind of grape is almost always listed but in European countries they just assume you understand which grapes are grown in different regions.

By Flavor: This kind of wine list is a pretty new one and it’s categorized by the body and flavor profile. A usual classification could be light-dry-bodied whites. The wines that are in that category could be ordered from fullest to mildest. This will allow you to see the kind of wine you like and then order wine in those same body and flavor category. Your favorite countries or grapes could be located in several different categories.

After you get used to looking at the wine list, they will be a lot of fun. A wine list does not require that you have a special kind of knowledge of grapes or locations, you just need to know what you like.

If you find yourself a bit overwhelmed by complex or unfamiliar wine list, ask the wine steward for help. A good sommelier will try to find just the right wine for the meal you are ordering.

Even if you already have a fantastic kitchen, or cannot quite stretch to a new installation, there are options available.

One thing you certainly can be sure of is a wide selection of units to choose from. From oak paneled, to the very height of modernity with aluminum designs, you will not be shortchanged. While fully enclosed styles are available, by far the best and most common option are those with glass doors.

Prices can be extremely reasonable too. Most people will find that the entry level versions, holding anything up to forty bottles are more than adequate and these average around 300 US dollars, though bargains can be found online of course.

The price of course rises depending on your requirements, and if you would like something to be fully integrated with your other appliances, costs can easily exceed more than double this figure.

Of course, if you are fortunate enough to not be constrained by finances; the world is your oyster, or perhaps that should be your 1787 Chateau Lafite, (still the world’s most expensive wine according to the latest edition of the Guinness book of World records). If this is the case, then all singing, all dancing versions for professional and properly chilled storage of both Reds and Whites can be yours.

Back to the real world however; where the majority of us may find a table-top wine fridge with a capacity for six bottles more in keeping with our lifestyle and pocket size. Excellent for kitchen diners, these are nice to have on stand-by for a barbecue or dinner party.

Whichever your choice, it is important to install your unit correctly. As with a regular fridge, ventilation is key. However, many designs take this into consideration and have front vents which make things much easier to plan when incorporating into existing kitchens.

A wine fridge is an excellent addition to any kitchen, and some can even be added to dens or lounges quite effectively. What is perhaps the most surprising element; is their ability to improve the taste and clarity of even budget end wines, where storage at room temperature or in the cooler can damage the balance of flavors.

If you are serious about wine, you should consider installing this modern version of the traditional wine cellar.

Shopping tip: Amazon has an excellent selection of wine fridges available and the user comments can give you an idea of how well they worked in real kitchens.

So, instead of wasting all that cash on getting new wine bottles, maybe consider getting the following things from a wine makers supply shop:

1. Bottle Washer (Brass)
2. Sulphatizer or what is known as a Vinator
3. Bottle Tree or what is known as a bottle drainer

Bottle Washer (Brass)

This bottle washer is threaded onto your water faucet and inside of it is a valve. The water pressure that is against this valve will shut the washer off. As you put the wine bottle over the end and push down, the valve will open allowing the water to go into the wine bottle at a very high pressure. This is going to help get rid of any residue that is stuck inside the wine bottle and clean it really good.

Sulphatizer

A vinator or sulphatizer is a cool device that is used as a sanitizer for wine bottles. It’s made of plastic and it holds a sulfite solution. The middle holds a spring loaded tube. When you turn the wine bottles upside down and push down so that you force the tube down then the sulfite solution will be sprayed into the wine bottle. About 3-4 squirts will ensure good coverage of the wine bottles surface.

Bottle Tree

This drainer comes in all different sizes and will usually hold about 90 wine bottles. They usually come so that a vinator could be attached at the top. There are holders that are pointed up which you slide the opening of the wine bottles over. This will allow the wine bottles to drain and dry. Also, with the bottles being upside down then the sulfite gas that is released with rise into the wine bottle making sure it’s fully sanitized.

With the right tools re-using wine bottles can be safe and cost efficient.

Now here is an awesome book that every single wine lover should have on their shelf. With over 2 million copies sold, this book has become the foundation of many wine libraries.

There are many areas where this book excels. First, the tone of this book is spot on. It’s never arrogant or condescending when it explains the wine concepts. But the writer never stoops to a kindergarten-level as so many others sometimes do. This is not easy to balance and Kevin Zraly makes it look effortless.

You can also really appreciate how well organized this book is. There are eight different sections (or classes) and they can be read in order or which ever one you want and it still gives you great meaningful information. Zraly starts off with Frances white wines then introduces information and basic concepts. He then will take you on a journey through California, New York, Oregon, Washington and Germany before going into red wine. The simple maps that are highlighted with trivia and wine labels make this a wonderful colorful adventure.

Throughout this entire book the author is never afraid to offer his opinion about wine trends, regions and grapes and also about the wineries themselves. He even mentions his most favorite California Cabs like Cakebread, Duckhorn and Pine Ridge.

There are so many personal touches that help separate the book from the competition. The strategies he offers about starting a wine cellar which gives great detail on actual wines are exceptionally helpful. In the “best of the best” section the author lists all his favorites on everything from the greatest wine event to the best writer of wine in the world.

So, whether you enjoy wine and you think you may be want to get into it for your first time or you are a very experienced connoisseur, Windows on the World Complete Wine Course: 2009 Edition is a must for your library!

In oder to be properly enjoyed, wine must be served at the correct temperature. Most red wines should be served at between sixty to sixty five degrees Fahrenheit, white wines should be colder. Anyone who drinks and enjoys wine regularly, should invest in a good wine chiller.

For use in the kitchen there are many brands of wine chillers available. Some allow red and white wines to be stored separately with different temperature settings so that the wine is always ready to be served. These chillers are electric and hold a number of bottles for storage. Features vary between brands so its a good idea to look at several before buying.

Of course if wine is being served with a meal, it is often left out and can begin to get warm. Ice buckets are messy and don’t control the temperature, they just keep the bottle cold. There are alternatives to the old ice bucket. Wine chillers that fit around a bottle make it easy to keep your wine perfectly chilled.

Some wine chillers are electric and even come with car chargers so that you can keep the wine cold when transporting it to a friends home or an al fresco meal. Others store in your freezer and slide around your wine keeping it cool for up to 3 hours. The electric chillers are more expensive, but many have temperature settings allowing the wine to be keep at the right serving temperature for either red or white.

Wine chillers enhance the wine drinking experience. Every glass is served at the optimum temperature for enjoyment. Serious wine drinkers should certainly invest in one or two of these handy portable chillers so they can share their passion with their friends and not lose any of the enjoyment of drinking a fine bottle of wine.

If you frequently entertain a lot of people, wine chillers can be a life saver. No more worrying about running out of chilled wine. The kitchen storage units will hold plenty of bottles for even a large party and individual bottle units will keep the wine that is out chilled to its ideal temperature.