If you answered yes to both questions, then you’re in luck! You can turn any unused space into a wine storage area with some simple tips and tricks. Whether you want to age your wines for years or just keep them in good condition, here are some key factors to consider when storing wines at home:
This is the most important factor for wine storage. You want to keep your wines at a cool and constant temperature, ideally between 10-15 degrees Celsius. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, as they can damage your wines. Don’t store your wines near heaters, cookers, or windows that get direct sunlight. Find a spot in your house that stays relatively stable throughout the year. A variation of around 5 degrees between seasons is acceptable, but anything more can affect the quality of your wines.
This is another factor that affects the corks of your wines. You want to keep the humidity level between 55-75%, which prevents the corks from drying out or getting moldy. Store your wines on their sides, especially if they have natural corks. This keeps the corks moist and prevents air from getting into the bottles. If you have screwcap wines, you can store them upright. To increase the humidity in your storage area, you can place a bowl of water or a humidifier nearby. To decrease the humidity, you can use a dehumidifier or a fan.
This is a factor that can disturb the aging process of your wines. You want to keep your wines as still as possible, and avoid any sources of vibration or movement. Don’t store your wines next to speakers, washing machines, or other appliances that make noise or shake. Choose a sturdy rack or shelf that can hold the weight of your bottles and keep them secure.
This is a factor that can affect the colour and flavour of your wines. You want to keep your wines away from strong light sources, especially sunlight or fluorescent lights. These can heat up your wines and cause oxidation, which makes them flat, musty, and brown. Store your wines in a dark place, or cover them with a cloth or a box.
This is the hardest factor for many wine lovers. You want to wait for the right time to open your wines and enjoy them at their peak. Not all wines benefit from aging, so make sure you check whether your wines are meant to be drunk young or old. You can use vintage charts and reviews from wine critics to help you decide when to drink your wines. Keep a record of what wines you have in your storage area and when you bought them. Try not to open them too soon or too late, as you might miss out on their best qualities.
If you follow these simple guidelines, you can turn any space into a wine cellar at home. You don’t need to spend a lot of money or time to create a suitable environment for your wines. All you need is some knowledge, some creativity, and some love for wine.