Wine Fridges

Yes, absolutely. A dual-zone wine fridge is the best choice for storing both, as it allows you to set two different temperatures – a warmer zone for your reds and a cooler one for your whites and rosés.

Always buy a fridge with more capacity than you currently need. A good rule of thumb is to calculate your current bottle count and add at least 30% more space to allow your collection to expand without needing a new fridge too soon.

Look for a wine fridge with adjustable or removable shelves to accommodate the wider base of sparkling wine bottles. A model with a dual-zone temperature control is also ideal, as you can set one zone to the perfect serving temperature for champagne (around 5-8°C).

Yes, many wine fridges are designed with flexibility in mind for larger or uniquely shaped bottles like those for Pinot Noir or Champagne. Look for models with adjustable shelving, like those offered by Vintec and LeCavist, which allow you to reconfigure the space as needed.

Wooden shelves, particularly those made from beechwood, are the best choice. Wood is excellent at dampening vibrations from the compressor, which helps protect the wine as it ages. Metal shelves are durable but don't offer the same level of vibration protection.

To protect your wine, look for a fridge with a UV-protected, double or triple-glazed glass door. For vibration, choose a model with a low-vibration compressor system and sturdy wooden shelves, which are standard in high-quality brands like Liebherr and Vintec.

The required ventilation space depends on the model and installation type. Freestanding models typically require more clearance, often around 100mm on the sides and back, whereas built-in models like the Cantina 171 Bottle Cabinet are designed with front-facing vents and need only minimal clearance (around 5-10mm).

Yes, a glass door lets you display your collection beautifully. Just make sure it offers UV protection. Modern wine fridges use double or triple-glazed, often tinted or low-E coated glass to block nearly all harmful UV rays, keeping your wine safe while on show.

Yes, it's still worth it. A regular kitchen fridge is too cold and dry for wine, and room temperatures in Australia fluctuate too much. A small wine fridge, like a 30-bottle model from Hisense, provides the stable temperature and humidity needed to protect the flavour of your wine, ensuring even a few bottles are always at their best.