Step-by-Step Instructions to Build a Handmade Wine Caddy

This super cute, easy-to-make handmade wine caddy is the gift you’ve been looking for, and even better, you can DIY it. Never show up to another special occasion empty handed again! 

Take it to the next family BBQ, or gift it to your wine-loving bestie for her housewarming party.  

Better yet, have the best wedding gift at the reception (wine and glasses included, of course)!  

Not only is this DIY wine caddy a practical solution for transporting wine bottles, but it also doubles as a unique and thoughtful gift for any occasion. Imagine the joy on your loved ones’ faces when they receive a homemade gift that combines craftsmanship and the pleasure of enjoying their favorite wines. You’ll find it surprisingly easy to create your own personalized wine caddy with just a few basic tools.

In this blog post, I will guide you through the step-by-step process of constructing a beautiful wood wine caddy. We’ll cover everything from selecting the right materials and tools to planning the design and executing each construction step with precision. By the end, you’ll have a stunning wine caddy that will impress your friends and family.

So, grab your safety glasses, gloves, and woodworking tools, because it’s time to embark on this exciting woodworking adventure. Follow my detailed instructions, and in no time, you’ll have a fantastic handmade wine caddy that will be the envy of everyone.

Get ready to create a memorable gift and never stress about finding the perfect present again. Let’s dive into the world of woodworking and make a statement with your very own DIY wine caddy!

Searching for unique gifts for mom every Mother’s Day? What’s better than a homemade gift? Well, a homemade gift that involves wine, of course.

This simple DIY wine caddy would be the perfect gift for just about any occasion, and I’ve given you all of the instructions for making one below. 
Access the video tutorial here. 

Tools and Materials

Lumber:

• 1×4 pine board
• 1×2 pine board

Tools:

• Safety Glasses
• Gloves
• Straight Edge
• Tape Measure
• Miter Saw OR Band Saw
• Crown Stapler
• Drill
• Drill bit ⅜” and/or Spade bit ½”
• Sander

Materials:

• Sisal rope or twine
• 1 ¼” staples
• 1 ¼” trim head screws
• Minwax Golden Oak Stain

Wine Caddy Step by Step Instructions

Preparation

Cut your lumber as follows:

1×4 pine board:

2 @ 14” long

3 @ 3 1/4”  to make square (adjust if your board isn’t exactly 3 1/4” wide)

1×2 pine board:

4 @ 5” long

Taper the ends 

On one end of the 14” boards measure 1” in and 1” down at each corner. Connect the measurements with a straight edge, and cut using a band saw or miter saw at a 40 degree angle.

Holders for wine glass stem

Mark the center of (2) – 3 1/4” square pieces by measuring in and down 1 ¾.”

Lay them on a flat surface and start drilling the hole. Move to the edge of the table to finish drilling all the way through.

Use a straightedge to draw two lines from the edge of the hole to the edge of the board on only one half of the square (it should make a slit big enough for a wine glass stem). See photo below for reference.

While wearing your safety glasses and goggles, cut out the slit for your wine glass stems by cutting both lines from the edge of the square to the edge of the hole in the center. 

Cut holes for the handle

Choose which side will be the inside of your caddy and place that side down. The drill will sometimes splinter on the backside, so you want that to be the inside of your caddy.

Make a crosshair mark on each 14” board 1” down from the top and 1 ¾” in the middle.

Drill a hole where you have marked your boards using a ½” spade bit (depending on the width of your twine or rope). Remember to drill at the edge of the table to avoid drilling into your workbench/workspace. 

Sand each piece rounding out the edges if you would like.

Assembly

Wine glass holders

Lay the (2) 14” pieces face down and mark each edge 9” up from the bottom.

Start (4) 1 ¼” trim head screws about 1” in from the edges at the 9” mark. Make sure the screws are going in straight. Don’t go all the way through the board.

Now, place a 14” piece on its side and place a 3 1/2” square (with the slit facing out) against the outside of the 14” piece where the screws will hit the middle of the 3 1/2″ square.

Screw the pieces together using the trim head screw you started.

Repeat that process for the other side.

Frame of caddy 

Place the (2) 14” pieces about 4-5” apart (wine glass holders facing out).

Place 1 of the (4) 1x2x5 pieces horizontally across the bottom (square with the bottom and edges of the side boards.

Using 1 ¼” staples secure each end of the 1x2x5 with 2 staples each.

Repeat on the other side.

Place the 3rd 1x2x5 horizontally with the top edge being 5.5 to 6” from the bottom of the caddy.

Using 1 ¼” staples secure each end of the 1x2x5 with 2 staples each.

Repeat on the other side.

Bottom 

Start a 1 ¼” trim head screw in the middle of (1) 14” side about ⅜” up from the bottom.

Slide the remaining 3 1/2” block (that has not been drilled or cut) into the bottom of the frame.

Place a square against the bottom to keep the block and frame level.

Finish by screwing those pieces together with the trim head screw that you started.

Repeat on the other side.

Put a staple on each of the opposite sides to secure the bottom.

Handle 

Take the end of the twine and insert it so that you can secure it with a knot on the inside of the caddy.

Do an approximate measure of how long to make the handle, cut your twine, and repeat on the other side. 

Finish

Putty the holes, then sand and stain with Minwax ‘golden oak,’ or your favorite stain!

If you’re interested in more cute DIY projects like this, including blueprints, video tutorials, and step by step instructions, check out the Wood Craft Blueprints membership. Learn new skills and stop stressing about craft ideas.

FAQ for Easy Handmade Wine Caddy

What is a wine caddy, and why is it a great beginner woodworking project?

A wine caddy is a stylish and functional item used for carrying wine bottles. It is an excellent beginner woodworking project because it offers a simple design and requires minimal tools. It allows beginners to showcase their woodworking skills while creating a practical and personalized gift.

What materials and tools are needed to make a wine caddy?

Materials:

• 1×4 pine board
• 1×2 pine board
• Sisal rope or twine
• 1 ¼” staples
• 1 ¼” trim head screws
• Minwax Golden Oak Stain

Tools:

• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Straight edge
• Tape measure
• Miter saw or band saw
• Crown stapler
• Drill
• Drill bits (⅜” and/or spade bit ½”)
• Sander

Can I customize the wine caddy design?

Yes, you can customize the wine caddy design to suit your preferences. Consider the dimensions, shape, and number of wine bottles it will hold. You can also add personal touches like decorative carvings or engravings.

How do I create holders for wine glass stems?

Mark the center of two 3 ¼” square pieces by measuring 1 ¾” in and down. Drill a hole in the center and cut a slit big enough for a wine glass stem. Refer to the provided photo for reference.

How do I cut holes for the handle?

Choose the inside of your caddy and mark each 14″ board 1″ down from the top and 1 ¾” in the middle. Drill a hole using a ½” spade bit, considering the width of your twine or rope. Be cautious not to drill into your workbench or workspace.

How do I assemble the wine caddy?

Start by screwing the wine glass holders to the 14″ pieces. Then, place the 14″ pieces about 4-5″ apart and secure the 1x2x5 pieces horizontally to create the frame. Attach the bottom using trim head screws and staples. Finally, secure the handle with knots on the inside of the caddy.

How should I finish the wine caddy?

Fill the holes, sand the surfaces, and apply Minwax ‘Golden Oak’ stain or your preferred stain. This will enhance the appearance of the wood and protect it.

Remember, always prioritize safety by wearing appropriate protective gear and following best practices when working with tools and materials.