Vinotemp

Overview

Vinotemp International manufactures and distributes wine storage products including cabinets, racking, cooling systems, and cellars for residential and commercial use. The company focuses on wine refrigeration solutions, custom wood cabinets, and accessories like racks and dispensers. It owns brands such as Wine-Mate, Epicureanist, Element, Cellartec, Apex, and Sonoma Wine Hardware, serving wine enthusiasts and businesses.

History

Vinotemp was founded in 1985 in Los Angeles, California, by Francis Ravel, who initially produced wine before shifting to wine cabinets. In 1993, Ravel developed a self-contained wine cooling unit, a key product; in 2005, India Ravel-Hynes became CEO and secured patents for wine storage designs. The company opened an Irvine office in 2011, moved headquarters to Henderson, Nevada in 2019, and was acquired by The Legacy Companies in 2021.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Wood cabinets are manufactured in the U.S. Metal coolers are produced in Europe and China. Prior to the 2021 acquisition, operations were based in Henderson, Nevada.

Notable Products

• Self-Contained Wine Cooling Unit - Introduced in 1993, a compact refrigeration system for wine storage.
• Wine-Mate Cooling Systems - Refrigeration and humidity control units for wine cellars.
• Custom Wood Wine Cabinets - Tailored racking and cabinetry for wine collections.
• Epicureanist Wine Coolers - Branded refrigerators for wine and beverages.
• Apex Wine Racks - Modular high-end racking systems acquired in 2010.

Reputation

Vinotemp is recognized among wine enthusiasts for its custom storage solutions and long-standing presence in wine cooling since 1985. Professionals note strengths in product variety and owned brands like Wine-Mate. The brand faced criticism in 2013 for a Terms of Service clause penalizing negative reviews, removed after 2016 legislation.