Wine storage covers the furniture, fittings and containers used to keep wine in good condition and to have it readily available for serving. In antiques the term embraces cellar racks and bins, cellarettes, wine coolers, sideboard cellaret drawers, wine cabinets and associated items such as decanters, bottle carriers and wine labels.
In country houses, wine was laid down in brick-vaulted cellars with stone or slate bins and racks of iron or wood, and cellar books recorded what was stored. For serving, Georgian cabinetmakers produced handsome mahogany cellarettes, often octagonal or sarcophagus-shaped and lined with lead to hold ice or bottles, as well as wine coolers in silver, brass-bound mahogany and Sheffield plate. Butlers moved bottles in wicker or wooden carriers, and decanters stood in coasters on the table. Victorian and Edwardian houses added purpose-built wine cabinets and cocktail cabinets. Collectors look for original linings, fittings, locks and castors, and value good colour and patina. Antique wine storage pieces remain highly practical, and reclaimed cellar racks, wine bins and cellarettes are popular for kitchens, dining rooms and converted cellars.
