I have walked through the deep cellars in Bordeaux where monks made their wine and today they are still being used, and traveled to the Napa Valley, and Sonoma where wines are naturally stored in wine storage racks under ground in cool mountain cellars. I have also walked through thematically controlled dark rooms above ground in wineries in California and across Canada and they all have that same common denominator; temperature, humidity, light, vibration. We do not have all these facilities but we sure can come darn close!

A bit of organization is the key to a successful wine storage rack, wine cellar or wine cabinet. It matters little if you are a wine connoisseur or just dabbling with the idea of storing a few “good bottles”. It also matters little if you prefer red, white, sparkling or pink wines, the wine storage is critical.

It would be nice to have your wine storage rack out in view to impress the boss or your visitors or even use it as part of your color decor. But there are a few rules that should be adhered to for storing this nectar which you have diligently paid for and keeping for that special occasion. If your wine is not consumed right away, it should be stored properly according to its own ritual and benefit to you on a Wine Storage Rack. Some essential thoughts to keep in mind would be temperature, humidity, location and light.

Lets Get Started!

If you are lucky enough to have an area set aside which I will call your “wine cellar”, it should be of a size and design to hold all sizes of bottles you wish to store. Again, it should be kept in the coolest part of your home whether it is simple wooden or metal wine rack in the corner under the sink or closet or an elaborate ornate climate controlled cellar or cabinet for all to see.

Wine Storage Racks come in all price ranges, and are made from wood to metal and in every size and shape imaginable. Wine storage racks and cabinets can be purchased in almost any store or there are plans to build them yourself if your so inclined. There are companies that will design any manner of wine storage racks and cellars to suit your every need. If you are building a rather larger rack or cellar yourself you may want to consult one of these companies for tips on cooling and racking. It will be your investment that will be lying on the wine storage rack!

Temperature should be a constant if possible. Any fast change of temperature will harm the wine, aging it rapidly. So gradual changes of degrees between seasons is what you want. Ideally, try to have a constant temperature in a cool, dark place and slightly humid. Temperatures should range from 13 C – 15 C (55F – 58F) but 5C – 18C (40F – 68F) will work quite well as long as it is at a constant.

Humidity should be watched, you definitely don’t want the corks to dry out as the air will quickly get into the bottles and your wine will deteriorate quickly. Of course here is where some of the data differs. It is said that some oxygen is needed in such minute amounts and I mean minute amounts, to let the wine breath. Then there are the wines that are “corked” if you will, with metal caps. There lies the controversy. If your wine will be stored a very long time I would consult the winery.

Storing left over wine and Nitrogen Sealing. If you do happen to have left over wine and it is hard to understand why, some tips should be considered. Of course if you did have a large gathering and there are many bottles with wine left behind, try to find the correct cork and finish the wine in the next few days. There are also rubber stoppers available which serve as a cap in which air can be pumped out. This will give you a bit of time to finish the wine as well.

As oxygen will destroy your nectar of the gods, a nitrogen wine storage unit can be purchased. It consists of a cylinder of nitrogen attached to a hose which is fitted to the bottle of leftover wine pressurizing it with nitrogen gas. This protects the wine from oxygen in the air.

Of course, instead of storing the left over wine, you can always invite a few friends over the next day and start the party over again. Isn’t that the reason you bought it?

For great Wine Storage Racks. Click here.

Despite wines being a delicate product, properly caring for and storing your wine can essentially enhance its’ aroma, flavor, texture and complexity as it ages.

How Long can Wine be Stored?

The first choice to make is the length of time you want to store the wine. Normally short term storage means 3 to 6 months and should be your cheaper, less treasured wines, where as long term can mean decades and should be held in reserve for your quality, precious wines.

Correct Storage Conditions

Whether you are storing your wine for a short or long time the same rules apply. The first and the most critical thing is to lay the bottles on their side instead of upright, this will ensure that the cork remains moist and doesn’t dry out.

Where they are stored is also important. The wine needs to lay still and not move about, so it is important that the storage area be free from any external vibration forces.

Temperature can also have an effect of the wine that is being stored. Ideally the wine should be stored at a constant temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12°C). The bottles should be protected from sudden temperature changes and if it does change it should be gradual.

Light can also affect the wine negatively. This is precisely why the wine bottle is made of colored glass, any light such as direct sun light will react with the proteins in the wine forming a haze and bad aromas.

Additionally light can negatively impact on a wine, which is why some wine bottles are made of colored glass. Wine must be kept out of direct sun light, since too much light can react with proteins in wine, thereby forming a haze and bad aromas to spoil its’ flavor.

If the wine is to be stored for a long time then precaution has to be taken to ensure that the humidity is maintained at a high level (approximately 70% or more). This will help prevent the corks drying out which in turn reduce the chances of the wine evaporating. Also, care must be taken to ensure the storage area is for wine only. Aromas from other foods or liquids stored in the same area could be absorbed by the wine itself.

Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor!

When the time has come and it is time to open the bottle and enjoy your hard work. Remember you should drink responsibly but you should also finish the bottle of wine in a few days of opening as when the wine is exposed to the air it will mix with the oxygen causing oxidation and altering the essence of the wine.

For the serious wine lover, enthusiast, or hobbyist storing the wine correctly is of the utmost importance. The wine cellar is the ultimate place in which to store wine since it can hold numerous bottles and the temperature, light and humidity can be easily controlled.