Whether you are a weekend wine taster or a serious collector, there is a wine cabinet for you. From the countertop wine rack to an elaborate wine cellar, the proper storing of a good wine can add to its character. An everyday beverage in many parts of the world, the benefits of regular wine consumption are slowly reaching America.

Wine cabinets can be thought of as hi tech wine cellars. The old dusty, sometimes musty basement has been replaced by clean lines and modern temperature controls. Exterior cabinet designs are available that will blend in to almost any decorating scheme.

The consumption of wine, vine tending and winemaking dates back over eight thousand years. The history of wine is steeped in lore and tradition. Wine has been part of celebrations, religious ceremonies, great feasts, and even medicine. Wine was often a drink that knew few socioeconomic boundaries. Enjoyed by commoners and the wealthy alike, wine remains a staple on many tables the world over.

It is only in the last decade that Americans have embraced the health benefits of moderate wine consumption. During the early part of the twentieth century, Americans were embroiled in a social and moral debate over the use of alcoholic beverages. The move to curtail or ban the use of alcohol had its roots among various certain religious sects and social conservatives. Dating back the mid eighteen hundreds, hard liquor was the primary target of prohibition. From nineteen twenty until nineteen thirty three, the sale, transportation and production of alcoholic beverages was literally banned.

The ban against alcohol was strange given the recent influx of European immigrants. For many immigrants, the inclusion of wine at everyday meals was commonplace. It could be that the move towards prohibition was motivated in part by fear of immigrants. Wine has religious significance especially in the Catholic Church. There was a growing resentment against Irish Catholics, who were entering the country in record numbers.

In the post prohibition period, the California wine industry was surging, as more acres where devoted to cultivating grape vines. The northern part of the state provided an excellent growing environment for wine grapes. The growth of the California wine industry paralleled a growing acceptance of wine consumption among folks of modest means.

Today, the American wine industry is booming. According to industry figures, there has been a seventy percent increase in the number of domestic wineries since two thousand and two. The American wine industry posted sales of well over eleven billion dollars in two thousand and seven. In short, Americans have taken a liking to wine as alternative to hard liquor and beer. The growth of the domestic wine industry has spawned demand for wine related products. Americans have become more educated about wine. We have broken down the stereotypical image of the effete wine snob and embraced many of the benefits associated with moderate wine consumption.

With all of the wine being purchased, properly storing all those bottles has given a boost to makers of wine cabinets and coolers. Once again, what was once thought of as a hobby of the rich and famous, has become commonplace in many American homes. Wine cabinets are available in many sizes, with a variety of features and options.

The environment found in a premium wine cellar has been recreated in the wine cabinet. Small countertop wine cabinets are perfect for those of us who desire to store a small number of bottles. For those wine aficionados for whom wine collecting is more than a hobby, there are home wine cabinets that can hold several hundred bottles.

A feature of many wine cabinets is a multi zone design. A multi zone feature allows you to store different wines at different temperatures. For example, most white wines should be stored at a lower temperature than red wines. A good white wine, chilled to proper temperature will yield the flavors and qualities intended by the vintner. The same can be said for red wines. Red wines are not normally chilled, but rather are best held at just below room temperature.

For many wine connoisseurs, the humble rose wine was not considered anything other than a pop wine. In spite of this bit of wine snobbery, rose varieties have gained a great deal of respectability over the last few years. Considered by many to be light and flavorful, roses have broken down many of the so called rules regarding wine drinking.

There has been a debate raging over what wine goes with what food. The traditional interpretation has been that red wines are served with red meats and game fowl. The white wines were reserved for lighter dishes containing fish or chicken. Today the rules are being rewritten, with wine drinkers opting for a wine which tastes good with whatever food they happen to be eating.

For many homeowners, the home bar has made a comeback. Home entertainment centers have replaced the family room as a spot to gather and socialize. Small home bars often incorporate features such as refrigeration, sound systems and, of course, wine cabinets. Under the counter wine cabinets take up little space and can be used for beverages other than wine. For those folks concerned about the kids raiding the wine cabinet, many feature lock and keys designs, keeping your wine collection safe and secure.

So whether you prefer nice, woody Chablis, chilled to perfection, or a crisp, dry red wine held at just the right temperature, there is a wine cabinet for you.