Summer Wine Mistakes to Avoid: How to Store and Serve Wine Like a Pro

As more of us entertain outdoors and embrace the laid-back charm of alfresco dining, pairing English wines with BBQ favourites is a growing trend. Additionally, with searches for ‘storing wine at home’ up by +450%¹, it’s clear many are seeking smart ways to store and serve wine, just in time for BBQ season.

Kitchen expert at Wren Kitchens Darren Watts has partnered with Ruth Simpson, co-founder of Simpsons’ Wine Estate², to bring together two essential ingredients for a memorable summer: eat wine and great kitchen design.

How to protect your wine bottles in the heat

As temperatures rise, proper wine storage becomes crucial for preserving flavour, structure, and aroma. Wine quality can easily suffer if stored incorrectly in summer.

For those on a budget or without room for a full wine cooler, there are still stylish and practical options. “Slimline wine racks can be installed under kitchen counters, inside cooks’ pantries, or even mounted vertically to make use of unused wall space. These small changes help maintain a consistent environment for wine, away from light and fluctuating heat,” Darren says.

Why a wine cooler can elevate your kitchen

For wine enthusiasts wanting a more premium solution, a wine cooler is a valuable investment, not just a luxury.

“A well-designed wine cooler does more than just chill your wine,” Darren explains. “It offers controlled temperature zones and sometimes includes UV-resistant glass to shield bottles from light exposure. Dual-zone models are ideal for those who enjoy both reds and whites, allowing each to be stored at its perfect temperature.”

He adds that modern wine coolers come in a range of finishes and sizes, making them easy to integrate into existing kitchen layouts, from freestanding models to seamless under-counter designs. Slim line models can also fit in snug spaces, making them the perfect choice if space is limited.

Creative storage solutions for compact kitchens

Even in compact kitchens, storing wine elegantly and safely is possible with the right design choices. Darren recommends planning around unused or awkward spaces.

“Corner units, or even the side of an island can become discreet wine storage areas,” he says. “Built-in vertical wine racks and open shelving offer both functionality and a design feature, ideal for homeowners looking to make wine part of their kitchen’s character.”

Perfect BBQ pairings with English wines

Pairing wine with BBQ can bring out incredible new dimensions in flavour and English wines are more versatile than many realise. Ruth offers her expert recommendations to help match classic BBQ dishes with standout English bottles.

“When it comes to barbecued meats, the classic recommendation is a bold, tannic red. Rabbit Hole Pinot Noir, a softer, fruit-driven red, pairs beautifully with barbecued ribs,” says Ruth. “Grilled chicken is another BBQ favourite, and Roman Road Chardonnay, which is barrel-aged and fuller-bodied, is an ideal companion. And if you’re feeling flush, a Magnum of Q Class Pinot Noir delivers added body and intensity, making it a brilliant choice alongside a perfectly grilled steak.”

Vegetarian and plant-based pairings

Vegetarian BBQ lovers aren’t left out of the wine pairing conversation. Whether it’s grilled halloumi, charred veggies or plant-based burgers, there are English wines that complement those dishes just as beautifully.

“For plant-based or veggie options, we recommend ‘Vinous Unicorn’ Derringstone, a still white Pinot Meunier,” Ruth explains. “It’s bone dry, with a distinctive sweet-savoury profile that’s incredibly food-friendly and a great match for grilled vegetables and cheese.”

To see how you can perfectly incorporate a wine rack into your wall units or kitchen island, book an appointment to visit your nearest Wren showroom, try our online kitchen planner or visit https://www.wrenkitchens.com/kitchen-design/storage-ideas/4-genius-wine-storage-solutions-for-your-kitchen.