Watch CBS News

Best Options For Organizing A Wine Collection In Los Angeles

Many Angelinos whine about a lack of space for their wine collections. Well, put a cork in it and start getting busy. Either build a place to nest your libations or find a way to stop those precious bottles from going bad. From swapping out a closet or some basement space for a proper cellar, to coming up with racks that do the job, following are some on-task ideas for storing your wines in your Southland home until you're ready to imbibe.

In the Cellar
When building a wine cellar, the location doesn't have to be in the basement, though that often helps because this area tends to be cooler than the rest of the house. However, whether you happen to have this space as an alternative or you find that a spare walk-in closet would be a better alternative to keeping your vino safe, sound and ready to drink when you're ready to imbibe, approach the transformation as if you were going to be building a giant refrigerator. Here's a how-to guide to doing the job right, all in the name of fine wine.

Racking It Up
The DIY options are endless for building a substantial wine rack unit to suit your home's specifications. However, if you don't have the right tools or the abundance of time it takes to start from square one, consider hiring a professional. The question with wine racks is often which wood works best while staying on a budget and still keeping the fruits of the grapes in the greatest shape? The answer is pine since this natural product is not only sturdy, but also durable. And pine is much cheaper to buy than hard woods like mahogany or redwood. Furthermore, pine is lighter to carry which is a nice trait when you want to build a portable unit that will be used to transport from one room to the other. This wood works well in its unfinished form (and smells nice too), but can also be stained to fit in with your current decor.

Wine Without Whine
Not all Angelenos have the time or the money to invest in the perfect wine unit. Meanwhile, some racks don't possess enough bottle storage to warrant the extravagance you desire. With that said, picking a small unit to put in your kitchen or elsewhere will ensure your wine will be ready for you when you are ready to drink the fruits of the grape. Store the excess bottles elsewhere until they are ready to be moved for prioritization. Finished wine racks come in a variety of styles and woods.

Keeping Cool
If storing wine to you means a day or two until you're ready to imbibe, invest in a small wine refrigerator to keep the bottles handy and at the right temperature until you pop the cork. These units are surprisingly inexpensive and can be found in department stores that carry typical refrigerators as well as in large electronics stores.

Below are some local businesses that may be able to help you get started.

Bradco Kitchens and Baths
6011 West Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(323) 936-3457
www.bradcokitchens.com

For not only the best wine refrigerators on the market, but also a staff who can advise you on which unit is best for your needs, visit Bradco. Staying green is one of the main objectives of this helpful purveyor, so don't worry about running afoul of your environmental obligations.

Breakform Design
109 Eucalyptus Drive
El Segunda, CA 90245
(310) 322-3700
www.breakformdesign.com

For a variation on a wine rack, or on a collection of wine racks, consider those found at Breakform design that are made of rebar. These industrial styles look great in modern homes. Beyond that, rebar is a material that won't break the bank.

Wally's Wine
2107 Westwood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 475-0606
www.wallywine.com

Wally's Wine carries a wide selection of wines that are perfect for any collection. Get tastes from around the world.

Related: A Guide to the Best Wine Stores in LA
Related: Go Green As You Spring Clean – 10 Steps To A Clean, Ecofriendly Home

For more great tricks, tips and advice about your home, visit CBSLosAngeles.com/YourHome.

Los Angeles freelance travel writer Jane Lasky, contributes to publications such as Travel + Leisure, Vogue and Esquire. Her weekly sojourning column ran in 40 newspapers for 20 years. Jane is anything but an accidental tourist. Check out her articles on Examiner.com.


View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.