Ask The Experts

A: When deciding between a laminate or wood, first consider the application for the product. Is this new construction or the renovation of an existing space? Will it be in a setting that will have a cellar-like environment? Will the space see high traffic? All of these questions must be answered before making any decision. Laminates are a good choice for areas of high traffic, dry environments and for frequent product exchange or rearrangement. Wood is great for higher-end and lower traffic areas. Dry or moist environments and for more permanent settings. For more information view the Materials And Finishes guide.

A: Vigilant's new commercial wine rack kits are specifically designed to allow for storage of oddly shaped and larger bottles without giving up capacity or facings. You will find that the different inserts for the cabinets; the diamond divider or half diamonds make it easier to store large format bottles, where the cubbies allow for easier storage of oddly shaped bottles such as Burgundys and the new Turley bottles.

A: The best types of wine displays allow you to maximize storage and pack-out a case to a case and a half while still providing the proper number of facings and accessibility. Make sure you find a wine display that allows you to display and store in close proximity. It seems obvious, but nothing is more frustrating than to see a beautiful display of wine and then have to hunt around the store to find the rest of the stock.

A: In small areas or where more storage is required, but you don't need the facings, traditional wine racks are a good option. If you have a large area or an area that has a lot of traffic you will find that the commercial wine rack kits are best. The commercial wine racking also allows for easier pack-out or changing of the display.

A: The Vigilant commercial wine racks allow you to swap out inserts quickly and easily when changing out your inventory or packing out extra stock. The design of these kits has been carefully thought out to make your presentation better and to increase the potential for easier sales.

A: Vigilant offers two products to help you display pricing for your wines. Our ticket molding with adhesive backing is cut to fit perfectly onto the shelves and cabinets of the commercial wine rack kits. Vigilant's sign message boards attach to the tabletop displays and allow for the display of larger signs.

Description tags or "shelf talkers" are your best bet toward attracting customers to your wine display and wine racks. Short descriptions of the wine work best, usually no more than a dozen or so words and the best part is that most of the time, you can find the shelf talkers free for printing from the vineyard or winery's website.

A: You should look for a finish that works well with your overall decorating scheme. The finish and style of your displays will depend largely on the size and style of your room. If you have a high traffic area you may find that a laminate finish works best from a durability standpoint, because it is less likely to get scratched and leave obvious marks. If you are looking for a more elegant look you may want to go with the wooden displays, stained and satin finishes to match your decor.

A: The best all-purpose non-abrasive cleaners will work fine for your commercial wine rack kits when built in laminates. A furniture polish can be used on either racking type, but make sure it is applied and removed with a soft cloth. Our traditional wine racks only need to be dusted with a feather duster or dry cloth from time to time.

A: Lightly scratched areas, which have not worn down to the raw wood, can sometimes be buffed. This will shine up the area and make the damage less obvious. A deep scratch or gouge can not be repaired as easily. Usually the only solution is to putty the mark. Repairs often show more because the newly repaired wood does not match the existing color. Consult a professional when the damage exposes the bare wood. In extreme cases, and when using our commercial wine rack kits, Vigilant can replace a damaged panel independently. Contact our customer service department for more information.

A: We recommend that you serve red wines at temperatures ranging from 60-70F. If the wine is too cold (i.e., at cellar temperature), you may not be capturing its full essence. White wines, Rosé’s and Sparkling Wines or Champagne are generally better when chilled in the refrigerator (35-40F) before serving. Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Fume Blanc, Chablis and Ice Wines are best served between 41-46F. Chardonnays and Port are best served at (55-60F). These are important factors to remember when choosing how you store your wine in any restaurant or when you offer tastings in your retail store.

A: Federal law requires that anyone wishing to conduct wine operations (other than as a home winemaker) must first establish premises, obtain a bond and receive permission from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). In addition, law requires that anyone wishing to produce or blend wine in the United States must first obtain a Federal Basic Permit from TTB.

The Federal Application Process for the Wine Industry: Bonded Wine Premises, Alternating Proprietor Wine Premises, and Custom Crush Operations.