Wine storage is a crucial aspect of wine collection and investment. Proper wine storage under optimal temperature and humidity conditions can help preserve the quality of wine and aid its ageing process. In fact, the provenance and valuation of fine wine will often depend on how carefully it has been stored over the years.
Temperature-controlled storage is the most effective way of storing wine. The ideal wine storage temperature is between 12°C and 15°C and 55-75% humidity. Storing wine at temperatures above 21°C can cause the wine to age prematurely and develop off-flavours. On the other hand, storing wine at temperatures below 5°C can cause the wine to become dormant and slow down the ageing process.
There are various types of wine storage, and choosing the right one can have a significant impact on the wine’s quality and longevity. Temperature-controlled storage can be achieved through a wine cellar, wine refrigerator, or a professional storage facility, but there are also other inexpensive ways of storing wine at home.
Wine Cellars: Custom-designed dedicated rooms or spaces with organised shelving for storing wine, typically built underground or in a basement to provide a stable and cool environment. Wine cellars should be insulated to prevent temperature fluctuations and maintain a constant temperature. They should also have a humidity level between 50-70% to prevent the corks from drying out. Even though wine cellars can be expensive (depending on their design, size, materials, cooling and other factors) and require some technical know-how, these are a great option for serious wine collectors who want to store their wine long-term.
Wine Refrigerators: These are smaller, more affordable versions of wine cellars. They are designed to fit in a kitchen or a pantry and can hold a few dozen bottles of wine. Wine refrigerators are ideal for those who want to store their wine at home but don’t have the space or budget for a wine cellar.
Wine coolers are even smaller storage units with limited capacity. These can maintain temperatures between 10°C and 15°C but lack humidity control settings. There are three main types of wine coolers: integrated, built-in, and freestanding.
Professional Storage Facilities: A great option for those who want to store their wine in a secure and climate-controlled environment. These off-site facilities are safe and spacious and equipped with temperature-controlled rooms, backup generators, and security systems to protect the wine from theft and damage. Professional storage facilities are ideal for serious investors and collectors who don’t have a suitable space for wine storage at home. You pay fixed charges to cover the utilities and maintenance and you can avail of added services like having your bottles delivered to you whenever you like.
Wine Cabinets: A sophisticated option for those who want to store their wine at home but don’t have the space for a wine cellar or refrigerator. Wine cabinets are typically made of wood or metal and are designed to look like modern furniture. They have fully temperature and humidity-controlled compartments and can hold several dozen bottles of wine. The largest cabinets can store as many as 200 bottles of wine. The cooling unit of a wine cabinet can be upgraded every few years, which makes this an attractive long-term option for fine wine connoisseurs. With all these features, wine cabinets are a great option for those who want to store their wine in a classy and convenient way at home.
Wine Racks: This is the simplest way to store wine at home. Wine racks have simple designs and are essentially a décor element that can be placed on a tabletop or countertop. It is a convenient and relatively affordable type of storage for smaller collections. However, the obvious disadvantage is they do not have a cooling unit, no temperature or humidity control, and cannot be used for long-term wine storage.
In addition to choosing the right type of storage, there are a few other things to keep in mind when storing fine wine:
- Keep the wine away from natural and artificial light. UV rays can especially damage the wine and cause it to age prematurely. Store the wine in a dark place or in a UV-resistant container.
- Store the wine horizontally to keep the cork moist and prevent air from entering the bottle. Horizontal shelving tends to be more space-efficient as well.
- Keep the wine in a vibration-free environment: Vibrations can disturb the sediment in the wine and cause it to spoil as well as impact the ageing process. Wrapping the bottles in Styrofoam or bubble wrap can help shield against vibrations.
- Irrespective of the type of wine storage you use, barring off-site facilities, you should monitor the temperature and humidity regularly to ensure they are within the ideal range. Tip: Humidity can be controlled by sprinkling water or using dehumidifiers.
Choosing the right type of wine storage is essential for maintaining the quality and value of wine. Temperature-controlled storage is the most effective way of storing wine, and there are several options available depending on your needs and budget. Whether you choose a wine cellar, wine refrigerator, professional storage facility, or wine cabinet, remember to keep the wine away from sunlight, store it horizontally, keep it in a vibration-free environment, and monitor the temperature and humidity levels.
