Wine storage is not as simple as 1, 2, 3. Whether you are storing wine for a short time or collecting it for long-term aging, there are basic dos and don’ts that a wine collector has to consider.

Do’s in Wine Storage

Do determine your purpose of buying wine before deciding on what storage solution you will opt for. Are you going to consume it on the day of purchase or are you planning to store it for consumption in the future?

Collecting wine is very crucial since you have to provide the appropriate optimal storage conditions for it to age properly. Otherwise, it will get spoiled easily and might be undrinkable, resulting in wasted money.

Do invest in a quality wine cellar in San Francisco, CA to keep wine’s quality. Wine cellars are designed to maintain the ideal temperature, which is between 55˚F-65˚F, and humidity level of 50%-70%. A little change in the temperature is not critical to your wines, but drastic and constant fluctuation may lead to wine spoilage.

Do contact a trusted wine cellar professional. This will also ensure that the essential components of your wine room such as the wine racks, a wine cooling system, wine cellar door, and flooring are functional, efficient, and aesthetically appealing.

Wine Storage Don’ts

Don’t store your wines in a place that is too cool. Avoid keeping it in a freezer or in a storage that can cause the wines to freeze. This may push the cork up because as wine freezes, the cork has a tendency to expand.

Don’t let your wines get exposed to too much light or heat. This is because too much exposure to light may lead to premature aging. If you store your collection in wine racks, avoid placing them in areas with incandescent bulbs (fluorescent bulbs are recommended). You must also keep your wine racks away from appliances that can be a source of heat.

Don’t place your wine collection in an area where there is a lot of shaking and vibration. The reason for this is that frequent shaking experienced by wines can disturb the sediments in it, resulting in a gritty texture.

Don’t store wine near or in areas with strong odors because they can pass through the cork and affect your wine’s taste and aroma. Hence, placing your collection near chemicals like paint and easily-spoiled food is not a wise idea.

Remember that wines are delicate. They need great care and must be stored in ideal storage conditions, specifically in a custom wine room. For any wine cellar needs, contact Wine Cellars by Coastal, a California wine cellar builder that has been trusted by wine collectors for many years.