Wine Cellar

Tips on Buying a Wine Cellar

1. Your first consideration is size – how many bottles do you plan to store at any given time. The number of bottles to be stored will tell you how big a wine cellar you need to have. Modern wine cellars are available in almost any size that you may require.
2. Decide where you want to locate the cellar beforehand. Remember that wine requires a number of conditions to be met for ideal aging and the proposed location of the cellar will help you to select features that will work for you. For instance, if placing the wine cellar in the kitchen area, choose one that offers odor-control features so that the wine is protected from the cooking smells and other odors.
3. Try and select a quiet, relatively undisturbed area for the cellar location. Wine ages best when left undisturbed and the sedimentation will happen well. Constant shifting and movement disturbs the natural settling process in the wine. Wine cellars should ideally be located far from appliances like washing machines, mixer-grinders and refrigerators.
4. Make sure that the wine is protected from excess light and direct sunlight. Sunlight will affect the wine adversely and also increase its ambient temperature leading to faster aging.
5. You also need to ensure that your wine storage has inbuilt humidity controls. Humidity can create havoc with a maturing wine, make the cork dry and allow oxygen to seep into the wine and affect its taste. See that there is adequate air circulation in the cellar area, though you must guard against a constant draft.
6. Ensure that the cellar has a good temperature control mechanism that is adjustable to different settings. Most modern wine cellars also offer the convenience of two to three different temperature zones that will allow you to store different types of wine at correct storage temperatures.
7. The cellar should ideally have well separated racks for storage. Wine bottles should be stored on their side to allow for sedimentation as well as keep the cork moist since the wine will always be in contact with the cork. Racks should have separators that prevent the bottles from moving around. Always store wines with their labels up so that you can see what is inside the bottle without having to disturb it while it ages.
8. Keep a constant check on the wines in your cellar and monitor their aging by regular tasting. This will give you good control over the wines aging and you will not be embarrassed at a formal situation before your friends and family!

Remember that the main points in good wine storage incolude: Climate control, limited vibration and the absence of natural light.

Where to buy wine cellars

Wine cellars are available in a wide range and at different budgets. Try these links for some good offers from leading wine accessory suppliers.

BacchusCellars has a good range of quality countertops and cabinet style wine refrigerators.

Visit Air and Wine for a wide range of budget wine cellars.

International Wine Accessories has a very wide range of wine storage accessories.