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For those of us without a small castle in the South of France complete with its own wine cellar, there is an affordable yet high-caliber alternative for our own abodes, no matter how humble or huge.

By Amy Akillian
Five Star Reviews

July 19 , 2005

For years, Vigilant, Inc. has created both custom wine racking and kit racks for people across the country to stylishly and safely store their wine. Both types of racking are available in quantities expansive enough to convert entire rooms into wine cellars or petite enough for the tightest city apartment. Vigilant also creates a beautiful array of electronic cigar humidors and display cabinets, wine cellar doors, and fine sporting equipment cabinets, placing them in the exclusive category of ’lifestyle furnishers’. They have been featured in everything from Playboy to the Big Smoke, a massive Las Vegas industry conference, and have partnered with such well-known companies as Zino Platinum, a fine cigar manufacturer.

To visit the Vigilant showroom is to step into a world of limitless design possibilities. Each wall is filled corner to corner with different variations on their beautiful, handcrafted, mahogany racking; from curved cornered molding, to the cascade slope that I immediately fell in love with, the options are limitless and completely customizable. Once a customer measures his/her space at home, they may either contact a design specialist by phone, or visit Vigilant’s user-friendly website to use a design-your-ownracking program that even the least computer-literate user will enjoy. There also exists a section on the site dedicated to educating customers, not only about Vigilant’s products, but also about the proper care and storage of wine. They address the four most damaging enemies of wine – vibration, light, humidity and extreme temperatures – and also how to safeguard your collection from all of them.

The custom ordering process is simple from a customer’s standpoint, but thorough and detailed on Vigilant’s end. A sales representative will ask a potential customer multiple questions, such as the capacity desired, the square footage of the space to be racked, the climate conditions available, and whether or not there are any architectural obstructions the designers need to consider, (it pays to do a little homework before calling). All of the answers to these questions are then presented to the in-house design group, who will make the first of several attempts to create a design the consumer is thrilled with. From there, the pieces for the selected design are cut to order and shipped to the customer. The process for custom-quality kit racking is even simpler, and allows for a shorter delivery time. The only aspect a customer need deal with is finding the right contractor or incredibly ambitious friend able to install the racking – I’m told it’s not as difficult as it looks, especially when simple racks or kits are ordered. I have to say, I would be on the horn to a contractor immediately, but it is completely optional.

For those of us who enjoy a great cigar now and then, or even more frequently, Vigilant’s humidors and display cabinets come in a myriad of different shapes, sizes and price ranges. Owner Charlie Griffith has been creating the end table version, the Reliance, for over ten years, and the company is celebrating its decade anniversary with a commemorative Anniversary LE humidor, signed and numbered by the craftsman, and complete with 50 Zino Platinum Cigars. Only 150 of these limited edition humidors will be made, so cigar enthusiasts should get their orders in early to ensure availability.

Vigilant’s products combine form and function, quality craftsmanship and durability, and bring high end home accessories into every customers’ home. They offer options for every lifestyle, and the best in customer service. I highly recommend visiting their site to learn more about the possibilities that await you in your own home.