"Give me books, fruit, French wine and fine weather and a little music out of doors played by somebody I do not know." John Keats (1795-1821) For the poet, who concerned himself with the intensely joyful experiences of life, wine tasting rated high up thereon the list. More than ever today homeowners are agreeing with Keats. Attend a dinner party, and the chances are your host will offer his guests a delightful sip from his own private wine collection. This may consist of only a few choice bottles, or it may be a serious collection of thousands.
Obviously, those who have made an investment of any kind in wine will want to provide proper storage. You will need to determine how valuable your collection is and how long you intend on keeping your wine, before you can decide which kind of storage is right for you. The most important factors are:
Temperature: An ideal temperature is between 52-55 degrees Fahrenheit, without much fluctuation. Never place wine near sources of heat, such as a water heater or a furnace.
Light: Keep your wine in complete darkness or in a low light area.
Movement: Avoid placing wine in locations where there are frequent vibrations, such as next to the washer or dryer.
Position: Wine should always be kept on its side so that the cork remains moist.
Humidity: The humidity level should be between 50 and 80 percent.
Odors: Wines pick up odors despite corks and capsules. Be careful of what you place near your wine.
Another issue to consider is the size of your wine storage area. The most common mistake people make is to undersize. A good rule of thumb is to think of the number of bottles you would like to keep, and then plan for double that number, or even triple. Allow for flexibility in your racking. You will want a mix of single bottle racks as well as magnums, Champagne or half bottle racks. Include racks also for those wines stored in their original cases. Now you should investigate the options of purchasing a self-contained refrigerated storage cabinet, or having a wine cellar or wine room constructed in your home.
Buying a wine cooler or cabinet is an easy way to add wine storage where there is minimum space, or as a secondary storage unit in another part of your home, or where major construction is not feasible. These cabinets have many great features, but wine capacity is limited. If you choose to build a wine room, carefully consider the location. The advantage of building one below ground is the natural insulation the surrounding earth provides.
Many homeowners, however, prefer the convenience of having their wine collection stored adjacent to the dining room or kitchen. These above ground rooms should be well insulated, and fitted with a dedicated cooling unit.
Above all, don’t forget that your wine collection is very personal. Through thoughtful planning and creative design, your wine storage area can also incorporate your personal preferences and style. A comfortable place to share with friends.
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