What new and exciting feature are all the cool wine fridge manufacturers running with for 2025? We got a sneak peak this week while we pottered around the IFA trade fair in Berlin. The new concept for the next season is the handy, but not exactly space-saving, sommelier shelf.
What is a sommelier shelf?
A sommelier shelf (or sommelier set) is a space, usually a tray made of wood, reserved in a wine fridge to place items that are associated with wine service. For example, there will likely be a space for some glassware, a decanter and a cork screw on a sommelier shelf and perhaps even an upright holder for an open bottle of wine.
Sometimes the shelf provided is just a shelf and sometimes its a real set, the shelf will be included and so will some glasses, a corkscrew and decanter. However, if you're as nerdy about wine as us, it's likely you already have your favourite glassware, decanter and corkscrew and would rather place those in the wine fridge.
Why would you want a sommelier shelf?
It's very handy to have a place to store your favourite glassware, corkscrew and decanter close to where your wine fridge is located. It lessens the need to go looking for these items and it's particularly helpful if your fridge is not close to the kitchen, perhaps in an office, garage, restaurant, outbuilding or at the other side of the house. Sommelier shelves are functional and they do look fantastic.
However, the most obvious downside about placing a sommelier shelf in a wine fridge is that it's taking up space where bottles could go. The shelves can also be more expensive than regular shelving and, if the space in which they are situated is particularly tall, this unfilled space where wine would usually go will not help regulate the overall temperature of the fridge, causing the wine fridge to work harder and be less energy efficient.
A sommelier set inside a wine fridge can enhance the wine storage and serving experience, but it also comes with some limitations. Here's a breakdown of the Pros and Cons
Pros of a sommelier shelf
1. Convenience
A sommelier set integrated into the wine fridge makes it easier to have all wine tools (corkscrews, wine pourers, thermometers, and aerators) organised and readily available in one place. This eliminates the need to search for tools when opening or serving wine.
2. Optimised Wine Storage
Having tools like wine thermometers or temperature-sensitive devices helps monitor and maintain the optimal conditions for storing wine. Sommelier sets often include thermometers or humidity gauges, which complement the wine fridge’s function.
3. Enhanced Serving Experience
A sommelier set often includes professional tools that allow for a more refined presentation, including decanters, cork extractors, and aerators, which can improve the tasting experience and allow you to enjoy the wine at its best.
4. Aesthetic Appeal
The sleek design of a sommelier set alongside a modern wine fridge can create a sophisticated, luxurious feel in a kitchen or entertainment area.
5. Space-Saving
If the sommelier set is built into the wine fridge or cleverly integrated, it saves storage space elsewhere in the kitchen or bar area.
6. Wine Temperature Glassware
Another pro that really works for wine service is if you're glassware and decanter are already the same temperature as your wine there will be no interference with the service temperature.
Cons of a sommelier shelf
1. Reduced Storage Capacity
A sommelier set inside a wine fridge takes up space that could otherwise be used to store more wine bottles. Depending on the fridge's design, this could limit the fridge’s wine storage capacity.
2. Potential for Clutter & Contamination
If the sommelier set is not well-organised, it can clutter the fridge or lead to disorganisation, detracting from the fridge’s primary purpose, worse than this, if the glassware is not properly cleaned and has remnants of detergent, wine or food on the glassware this could cause bacteria to fester in the fridge producing off aromas.
3. Temperature Sensitivity
While wine should be stored at controlled temperatures, not all sommelier tools need to be refrigerated. Storing tools like corkscrews, aerators, and wine glasses at cooler temperatures may not be necessary and could be impractical in some cases.
4. Cost
Wine fridges that come with a built-in sommelier set or sommelier accessories can be more expensive. You may be paying extra for tools that you already own or might not use frequently.
5. Limited Utility
If you're a casual wine drinker, some items in a sommelier set, such as professional corkscrews, decanters, or thermometers, may go unused. This reduces the value of having them inside the fridge.
6. Customisation Limitations
A pre-set sommelier kit might not include the specific tools or brands you prefer, limiting personalisation.
Which brands offer a sommelier shelf?
Liebherr's newly released Vinidor range offer the ability to buy a sommelier shelf with the fridge or add one to it. Miele offer an attractive sommelier set in their built in and freestanding models and Haier's Wine Bank range also have a similar feature. EuroCave have long offered a sommelier shelf and Sub Zero too.
Currently La Sommeliere, Climadiff, Avintage, Swisscave or Dunavox don't offer sommelier shelves... but watch this space.
What are sommelier shelves made of?
Usually the sommelier shelves are made of the same material as the sliding shelves for your wine storage, this could be metal, beechwood, mahogany or plastic, depending on the brand.
In conclusion, a sommelier set is a great thing if i) you don't need that space already for wine storage and ii) your wine fridge isn't in your kitchen or living space that already houses glassware and corkscrews, it looks great too.