Wine With - Wine Cellar

Wine Cellar

The term wine cellar congers up images of large, dark stone rooms in far away castles. Prior to air-conditioning and mechanical humidity controls this was the only area that provided the needed environment to age wine.

Today, more and more individuals are coming to appreciate a fine bottle of wine and so they are seeking ways to incorporate a custom wine cellar into their home. Today's warm and cozy, climate controlled home is not optimum for wine storage. Worse yet are kitchen based wine racks that expose wine to light, heat and vibration.

Wine, like any perishable food, must be stored correctly in order to preserve it.

Factors to control

A wine cellar, whether large or small is designed to maintain a constant temperature between 53 to 59 F (12 to 15 Celsius). The temperature of your wine cellar is important but keeping the temperature constant is essential. There should never be more than a 2 to 3 degree fluctuation throughout the year.

Darkness is an important aspect primarily because light brings heat and undesirable temperature fluctuations. Individuals often paint their custom wine cellars a dark color for this reason.

Humidity is the second consideration. A humidity level of over 50 percent is required. This prevents the corks from drying out while inhibiting the growth of mould which would ruin the wine or labels.

Vibrations are also to be eliminated. Wine must be stored in a still environment. Avoid areas that are affected by the washer, railroad tracks or other vibration-inducing device.

This is the reason cellar owners use wine tags. They are able to identify wines with out having to touch or move the bottles.

Wine cellar equipment that controls the temperature as well as proper wine cellar insulation and door all add the overall quality and functionality.

Custom wine cellars

Custom wine cellars vary greatly. Some custom wine cellars are considered furniture grade. These truly are works of art. They are beautifully crafted rooms designed to enhance the experience of fine wine all the while protecting the investment.

Simpler examples are built in closets or in any available nook of a house. These are designed to be functional and provide the appropriate temperature and humidity. The specific wine cellar equipment is the same in either case. As long as you maintain the correct temperature, humidity and stability your wine will be properly 'cellared'.

Whether you are looking to store a hundred or a few thousand bottles, wine cellar designs are created based on your need, space and personal taste.

Wine lives. It breathes, it ages, and it matures. When you make the effort to store it in the optimum environment you will be rewarded.

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