Handcrafted wine racks space-saving

Hanging, expandable and multilevel models are popular, each featuring native and traditional artistry completely achieved by hand.

The latest selection of wine racks from India maximizes space further with wall-mounted, foldable, expandable, hanging and multilevel structures that can display bottles and also store bar accessories. Multifunction models, including those that can be used as a dining table or a trolley cart, are popular.

Materials are chosen according to their durability and adaptability to a variety of handcrafting techniques and surface finishes. Metals, including wrought iron, stainless steel and aluminum, are common. Mango, sheesham, teak, acacia timber and MDF are preferred for wooden releases.

In terms of design, the latest wine racks display local and traditional craftsmanship, with most models styled wholly by hand. Releases have motifs that are carved, painted and embellished with metal.

Stainless steel models feature chrome, silver, satin and nickel finishes while wrought iron releases have aluminum and powder coatings. As regards wooden racks, most are polished with natural lacquer and added with beeswax for more shine. Teak, mahogany, honey and walnut color schemes are also applied for these versions.

Many releases also come in unconventional shapes such as butterfly, boat, flower, cactus and letters though regular figures, including rectangle, oval and square, are still common.

Models can usually hold two to 24 bottles but larger versions that accommodate 50 to 100 pieces are becoming in demand.

Wine racks from Chandra Shekhar Exports and Vinod Handicrafts are made of termite-, heat-, warp- and break-resistant sheesham and mango wood coated in natural lacquer. Honey, mahogany and teak color finishes are also used. Drawer, trolley cart and x-shaped structures are common.

Mahaveer Exports specializes in wine racks with large chest and cabinet structures. Pieces feature iron and brass work, mesh designs and wood carvings.

Models from Radiance Enterprises are distinct with its space-saving designs in flower, star and butterfly shapes. They are made up of connected cast aluminum rings with a shiny finish.

Factors affecting price are materials used, size, workmanship and quantity.

Low-end wine racks are wall-mounted or hung, and made of powder-coated wrought iron and metal wires or bars. Capacity is two to six bottles. Price is $10 to $18.

Midrange versions come as trolley carts, shelves or drawers featuring geometric shapes. Racks are made of MDF, cast aluminum, acacia and mango wood, and can hold six to 15bottles. These are offered at $18 to $50.

Teak, acacia, stainless steel, sheesham and mango wood are used for high-end models. Wine racks show carvings, mesh work, handpainting, and satin, nickel, antique and wood finishes. Releases are multifunctional and have a storage space for up to 30 bottles. These are priced at $50.10 to $200 and up.

From 500 India wine rack suppliers, 50 are large companies with a monthly output of 5,000 to 10,000 pieces. Midsize and small businesses have a capacity of 2,000 to 5,000 and 1,000 to 2,000 items.

The US, the UK, Western Europe and South Africa are key export markets while the Middle East, South Asia and Israel are developing destinations.