Wine Rack Dimensions for the Right Height (with Photos)

Whether you’re a sommelier or just like to relax with an occasional glass of wine, you likely have wine storage. Of course, how you store your wine can vary based on a few things, but it probably includes a wine rack.

Wine racks should measure 14.5” or more, and the openings should measure at 3.5”. Wine rack holes should measure no less than 3.2” to hold a standard wine bottle. Lattice wine racks vary in depth, and their holes often measure 4” from frame to frame.

Once you have these basic measurements in place, the remaining dimensions depend mostly on the number of bottles. The construction and materials of the wine rack also play a part in the overall size.

This measurement includes the wine rack’s actual structure, whether it’s wood, metal, or another material. The height and width of the rack can vary widely based on how many bottles the rack holds.

Obviously, a wine rack for four bottles will be significantly smaller than one that holds 12 or 18. Also, some wine racks hold more bottles horizontally than vertically, and vice versa, which also affects the overall dimensions.

It also depends on how the rack is constructed. A wine rack made of wood, with a traditional feel, will likely be larger than a more contemporary, metal style.

Plus, a wine rack can be shallower than 14.5 inches. Depending on how much of the bottle you want to be exposed to, the depth can be significantly less. For example, racks with open fronts and backs might only be 7 inches deep.

In open racks this size, the bottle is simply positioned differently. The bottle’s base pokes out the back, and the shoulder of the bottle rests on the front opening.

However, several types of wine come in bottles with a larger diameter. Some Chardonnays and Shiraz come in 3.5-inch diameter bottles. Also, Pinot Noir comes in wider bottles, measuring roughly 3.5 inches.

These slightly larger bottles often don’t fit in a typical wine rack space. The opening must be somewhat larger than the bottle’s diameter for the bottle to fit in the space smoothly. Therefore, to hold these larger bottles, a wine rack with 4-inch openings works best.

How you store your wine is critical to maintaining its integrity. Some of the main factors influencing your wine’s quality are humidity, temperature, and light.

Ideally, you should store wine in a cool, temperature-controlled environment with little exposure to natural light or harsh lighting. These conditions are why cellars are the go-to place for the best wine storage. However, not everyone has a cellar.

You can either build a temperature-controlled wine room or, for a more accessible option, get a wine fridge. Wine fridges help you create the ideal conditions for storing your wine. You might opt for one large cooler or two smaller. For example, you might keep your reds in one wine fridge and whites in another.

Keep in mind, just because it’s a chiller doesn’t mean you’re trying to make your wine cold. It’s about keeping your wine at the correct constant temperature so that you would set the chiller accordingly. Many wine fridges feature shelves that make them more versatile for storing different sized bottles.

If you plan to install a chiller under your counter, there are a few extra dimensions to consider. Basically, you need to account for adequate space around the unit to allow for proper airflow.

Ideally, leave roughly one inch of space on each side, two inches in the back, and four inches on top. Always measure carefully before purchasing your wine fridge or wine racks.

If you’re concerned that you don’t have the proper space, you might need to rethink your plan. You can either opt for a smaller unit, create a bigger opening, or get a stand-alone chiller.

Related Questions

Do you have to store wine on a wine rack? 

Wine is typically stored horizontally on a wine rack to preserve the taste and quality. However, the main reason for this is to keep the cork moist, so air doesn’t enter the bottle.Therefore, bottles with screw tops or plastic tops might be fine if stored upright. In fact, screw-tops are becoming more and more prevalent due to their lower cost. But, there’s no reason to store these bottles upright, and placing them on their sides won’t ruin the wine. Plus, keeping wine on a wine rack makes a real aesthetic statement.

How many wine bottles can you safely stack on top of each other?

Many large diamond racks hold stacked bottles of wine. (This is when you lay one bottle in between the groove of the two bottles below).While you might think stacking a bunch of glass bottles on top of each other is bad news, it’s not. People with very large quantities of wine often store their bottles like this, especially in large wine rooms or cellars. Many restaurants also showcase their wines this way.Still, to play it safe, keep your stacks around 35 to 40 bottles max. If your rack’s design is meant for a lesser amount, ensure you don’t exceed the minimum. When it comes to storing your wine, dimensions are just a part of the puzzle. Consider your wines and available space carefully so you can find the wine rack that best suits your needs.