Wine Cellars, Racks, and Storage.

No wine cellar is alike. They can range in size, shape, and storage capacity but all wine cellars exist with the same goal in mind: to create and maintain the ideal conditions for wine storage. Problems that can occur from improper storage include:

• Premature aging
• Sediment imbalance
• Alcohol separation

In order to avoid these problems and maintain a proper environment for wine, several conditions must be met. Most importantly, wine should be kept in a cool environment. Higher temperatures as well as lower temperatures can result in comprised wine. The standard temperature for a wine cellar is around 55 degrees. However, temperatures can range depending on the type of wine (reds can be stored at 55-65 degrees, while whites can be kept at 45-60 degrees). Wine cellars are located usually in basements or garage areas, but can also be accommodated with cooling systems. Wine cabinets also come with temperature control in order to ensure wine storage quality.

Humidity also plays an important factor in wine storage. 70% humidity is acceptable for wine storing, but 55-60% is ideal. Wine should always be kept on its side in order to keep the cork wet. This helps maintain humidity by keeping oxygen from entering the bottle. Additionally, Wine should be stored free from vibrations, high traffic areas and should be disturbed as little as possible (this includes the removal and rolling of bottles to check labels). Finally, wine should be kept free of high light exposure, specifically fluorescent lighting.

When it comes to building a wine selection, remember that no collection is the same. Wine enthusiasts can adore and collect reds, whites or both. Wine cellars will also differ in styles. The more extravagant cellars may have identical wine rack systems and wine storage racks. Others may include decorate wine racks or metal wine racks. Tasting areas can also be added to wine cellars as well as wine décor and wine stemware racks and shelving.

Dining rooms, dens and kitchens can also be converted into wine tasting areas. Decorative wine racks are used on counters and at ground-level or can be attached to walls or ceiling overhangs, to provide a short-term wine storing area. Decorative racks also allow for more style than function. They can accent a room or provide a focal point.

Wine glasses are always important to the wine tasting process as they directly influence both the aroma of the wine and the area in which the wine hits the mouth or lips. Bordeaux and Burgundy glasses are traditionally used with red wines as the wider bowls allows for aroma to build. Narrow and tulip-shaped glasses are used for white wines in order to reduce air circulation. Using the stem of the wine glass will always keep wine from warming.

To maintain a proper wine storage or wine cellar, foresight is essential. Always build a storage area with future acquisitions in mind. Without enough storage area, some collectors begin adding wine to their short-term storing areas. These bottles can be compromised if kept in warmer, well lit or high traffic areas. Keeping an ongoing inventory is crucial to any wine enthusiast. By inventorying wine, it’s easier to avoid disturbing wine bottles and possible disruption of sediments. Labeling wine can be easy with wine tags or by labeling shelves. Keeping a database is an excellent way of both storing one’s wine and preparing for future wine acquisition.