Wine Storage FAQ

Wine Storage FAQ

Wine Storage FAQ

Questions About Storing Wine

Can I store wine in a refrigerator?
Can I store wine in the cold cellar or basement?
What is a good temperature to store wine?
Why does wine need environmental storage?
Why do I need a cellar, I don't keep expensive or rare wines?
When do I need a cellar?
Where can I put a wine cellar?
Why are wine cellars so expensive?
What type of storage capacity will suit my needs?
Must white wine be stored a different temperature?
What is the best way to store wine bottles?
What if there is a power failure?

Can I store wine in a refrigerator?
Standard refrigeration is not appropriate for storing and aging wine. It is designed to remove heat and moisture, making it dry, thus causing the cork to shrink and the wine to oxidize. Using it to chill is fine, but not storage. They are also to cold. Vibration is also quite heavy, as manufactures of fridges do not dampen the effects of the compressor turning on and off.

Can I store wine in the cold cellar or basement?
If the temperature is below 65 degrees and above 50 degrees, fairly constant year round, and has little or no fluctuation, then you might have manageable conditions for storage. Insulating the room will also help. To keep a constant temperature it is wise to install a cooling unit. Any drastic changes in temperature can harm the wine. Keep the cellar well ventilated and do not store strong smelling items with the wine, as it may permeate the cork and affect the taste of the wine.

What is a good temperature to store wine?
The optimum cellar temperature of 12 C (55 F) with minimal fluctuation either way is ideal for both short-term storage and long-term aging of all types of wines. Try to keep the space dark, free from light sources, heat and vibrating machinery.

Why does wine need environmental storage?
Wine is a living organism that grows and matures and controlling the environment in which it is stored is very important. Keeping your wines free of light, heat, vibration, strong odors and fluctuations in temperature and humidity, will ensure that your wines will age gracefully. Not only will proper storage protect your investment, it is crucial in the development of certain aromas, flavors and characteristics of wines.

Why do I need a cellar, I don't keep expensive or rare wines?
All wines, no matter the cost or how rare, mature and develop in their bottles. The qualities in the wine need to be protected even if you plan to store them for a short time.

When do I need a cellar?
If your bottle collection is scattered throughout your house, kept on shelves in your kitchen where it can "bake" your wine, piled in cardboard cases in your basement, where the cardboard is drawing moisture, then some form of storage is required. This could be anything from racking to temperature controlled cabinets or walk-ins to cooling units.

Where can I put a wine cellar?
It depends on the space you have available and in some cases that it compliments the decor. Self contained temperature controlled cellars can easily incorporate into your surroundings and simply plug into a standard household outlet?

Why are wine cellars so expensive?
There are so many types of wine cellars, and some certainly more expensive than others. This depends on finishes decorative features and quality of craftsmanship. Take into account that a wine cellar is designed to protect your investment of your wine collection. The value of replacing your collection will out weigh the per bottle cost of a wine cellar.

What type of storage capacity will suit my needs?
If it took you 1 year to collect 50 bottles in two or three years you will have 100 or more. This may vary depending on the amount of wine you drink. A good rule of thumb is to figure how many bottles you will store, and then double or triple it.

Must white wine be stored a different temperature?
All wines can be stored at the same temperature. The white wine when served may need to be chilled down to a more favorable temperature. White wines can be susceptible to heat and sharp changes in temperature more so than red wine.

What is the best way to store wine bottles?
Store wine bottles on their side, laying down, will keep the corks moist and prevent them from shrinking and allowing air in, that in turn will oxidize the wine. There are different types of racking, wood and metal, that will accomplish this and also help you organize your bottles.

What if there is a power failure?
Not to worry, if the power is down for a day or two. The temperature inside the cellar, and the coolness of the bottles and the wine will sustain a reasonably safe temperature for a short period of time.