Storing Wine: 6 Things You Need to Know

You have a lot of time and money invested in your wine collection. Don’t throw caution to the wind and turn a winning wine into vile vinegar. Investing in efficient wine cellar cooling units installed by air conditioning contractors will ensure optimum flavor and quality with proper wine storage so wine will taste delicious, no matter how long you keep it, with these wine storage essentials…

1. Temperature is crucial.
   The ideal temperature for wine storage is 50-55°F. What happens beyond this range?
   • Lower temperatures
     Lower temperatures may cause wine to go dormant. Fridge storage, which is near freezing, may result in flat flavors. Actually freezing the wine (for instance, storing wine outside in the garage), could result in expansion that expels the cork.
   • Higher temperatures
     Above 75°F and wine will slowly cook, developing off, stewed or raisin-like flavors.
2. Consistency is key. 
   Temperature fluctuations must be kept to a minimum to prevent air from drawing in through the cork, resulting in oxidation or seepage from the expulsion of the cork. Don’t make yourself crazy, however, wine commonly survives temperature fluctuations in transit from the winery to the store – and your home.
3. Humidity can take its toll.
   Ideal humidity levels for wine storage are around 60-70 percent. Too damp and mold may form on the exterior of the bottle. Too dry and the cork could dry out, causing moisture inside the bottle to evaporate through the cork. A hygrometer can help you monitor these levels, and storing wine bottles on their sides can help keep the cork moist, protecting the seal.
4. Sunlight is the great saboteur of long-term storage.
   Wine is extremely light-sensitive. UV light can degrade and prematurely age wine – a major reason it is typically stored in tinted bottles. Protect precious wines by keeping them under cover in a dark location until it’s time to pop the cork.
5. There are no “good vibrations.”
   Vibrations can speed up chemical reactions in wine, or if significant, result in an unpleasantly gritty consistency in older wines whose sediment is disturbed. To ensure a pleasant sipping experience, keep wine away from motors and heaters, and choose an alternate storage location if your home is located near the metro or train tracks. Also, organize your wines to minimize movement, placing plastic name tabs around the neck of each bottle so for easy identification of wine without the need to pull bottles off the rack.
6. Control equals quality.
   Adding a cooling system and a humidifier offers total control over your storage environment. Avoid uncorking surprises with proper wine storage techniques.

Looking for the ultimate in control and storage capabilities? H&H Heating and Air Conditioning offers more than HVAC repair services, with the widest range of wine cellar temperature control systems in Delaware County and years of experience working with area wine connoisseurs. Ensure the protection of your prized wine collection with one of our custom wine cellar cooling units. Contact us today.