Wine storage. Who needs it and why? Well, anyone who has a bottle of wine sitting around for more than a day or two needs some form of wine storage, believe it or not. If you recently bought a couple bottles to have around the house for dinner or visitors, then you want it to be in the proper condition when that time comes right? The top of the refrigerator is not the right place for it, nor is the back of the cabinet. Here is an excellent information guide to what wine storage is all about, and how to achieve the right solution for your storage needs.

           First, why does wine need to be stored a certain way? Most of the world’s wine is made to be consumed immediately right? That is mostly correct, but there is still that 5% of the world’s wine production that needs to age before reaching its “peak”. The point in time where the wine is the best it will taste. Smooth, developed, and complex.

 

           The reason that wine of this caliber is stored for 5, 10, or even 20 years or more is the fact that wine is constantly evolving and changing. It is getting smoother and the tannins in the wine are transforming. (tannins are the bitter flavor particles in most red wine) When the wine reaches its peak, the wine will maintain that

status until it begins to slowly deteriorate and decline into vinegar. Wines cellared for such a long period of time are kept at a lower temperature to inhibit the aging process so that the proper complexities are reached in each bottle. How do we know which ones need it? The winemakers usually want people to enjoy the wine at its best quality. Therefore, they will inform 

The distributors and buyers of their vision and expectations of the wine. If you are unsure when buying, simply ask the clerk at the store what the cellaring needs of that bottle are.

 

           The proper cellaring temperature for wine is usually 55º F. It can be a few degrees higher depending on who you ask, but long term storage temperatures should be somewhere between 55º F and 60ºF for maximum potential. The temperature should also not fluctuate more than a couple of degrees on occasion.

 

           Humidity is also an important environment factor. Relative humidity should be in the area of at least 60%. The reason for this is so that the corks in the bottles do not dry out and begin to “breath”, in turn oxidizing and ruining the wine inside.

 

           The final 2 conditions in proper long-term storage are little or no light, and no vibration. This helps with the final clarity of the wine and keeps it from calmly aging.

 

           If you are beginning a wine collection that will include wines that need to be cellared for several years, you should look into the services of a professional wine storage service like: Winestock. Otherwise, read on for the different storage options available to you.

      Large underground cellar

      Another well-built long-term cellar

             Weekend sippers. These cabinets are great for small collections or pau-hana wine drinkers. They come in many configurations to store from 6-20 bottles at the right temperature, and can fit on your kitchen counter. Usually around $200-$300.

                 Serious wine connoisseurs  These storage units are great for those of you who enjoy a wider variety of wines or like to pair you wine and food more often. These units can be used for longer term storage as well as daily/weekly sippers.

 

          

           Units like the one to the left and below, have 2 temperature zones for reds and whites. While both can be stored at the same temp., reds need to be served at about 65ºF and whites at about 45ºF. This allows any style to be ready for drinking at any time.    

 

 

           Many wine coolers of this caliber are built well with vents on the front of the unit so it will operate much like a refrigerator. Keep in mind though, these units must run constantly like a refrigerator in order to maintain a proper environment for the wine. You will definitely notice an increase in your electric bill with one of these additions.

 

           Cost: $500-$2500

 

Large wine storage areas can be created in closets or empty rooms with the proper skill and equipment.

 Nice redwood shelving can top off your converted wine room.

           If you have crossed the threshold into the realm of “hardcore wine lover”, then this is what you will be interested in. You, being the hardcore person you are will probably have a good amount of wine that needs to lie down for a few years, as well as a collection of your favorites in every style and variety. To have a well-rounded collection, one must have Pinots and Chards, Rosés and Rieslings. Don’t ever get caught without a good bottle of bubbly around either.

 

           Many who begin this project realize what a monumental task it is after construction begins. Please trust me, this is something that is not easily done, especially in a closet. In order to convert a room into a wine storage area, there must be a moisture barrier in place, insulation of a very high rating, and a cooling unit for the room. In Hawaii, it is more difficult to keep a room cool than it is in many other parts of the country. Our humidity is a condition that will make your cooling unit constantly adjust, and increase your electric bill. What must also be considered in this situation is the fact that in order for your cooling unit to work properly, the ambient temperature of the room where the cellar is located must not be too high. Otherwise, your cooling unit will shut down. It is something that will make you turn in your tools once you have begun.

 

           For those of you out there who think you want one of these, please be careful if you do it on your own. There are not many people out there who have done this, and Winestock is one of the few who has actually put together one from scratch. If you are in need of a wine cellar, feel free to contact us.

 

           Cost for custom-made cellars: $3000-$25,000.00