However, Alexis Lichine says that low humidity can be a problem because it may cause organic corks to dry prematurely. In the Wine Spectator, writer Matt Kramer noted a French study which claimed that the relative humidity within a bottle is maintained 100% regardless of the closure used or the orientation of the bottle. Some wine experts debate the importance of humidity for proper wine storage. Passive cellars may be less predictable, but cost nothing to operate and are not affected by power outages. Passive wine cellars must be located in naturally cool and damp areas with minor seasonal and diurnal temperature variations, for example, a basement in a temperate climate. In a very dry climate, it may be necessary to actively humidify the air, but in most areas this is not necessary. They require specialized wine cellar conditioning and cooling systems to maintain the desired temperature and humidity. Active wine cellars are highly insulated and need to be properly constructed. Wine cellars can be either active or passively cooled. When the temperature swings are significant, 14 degrees or more, it will cause the wine to breathe through the cork which significantly speeds up the aging process. Note that wine generally matures differently and more slowly at a lower temperature than it does at a higher temperature. A temperature of 13 ☌ (55 ☏), much like that found in the caves used to store wine in France, is ideal for both short-term storage and long-term aging of wine. Wine can be stored satisfactorily between 7–18 ☌ (45–64 ☏) as long as any variations are gradual. When properly stored, wines not only maintain their quality but many actually improve in aroma, flavor, and complexity as they mature.ĭepending on their level of sugar and alcohol, wines are more or less sensitive to temperature variances wine with higher alcohol and/or sugar content will be less sensitive to temperature variance. Left exposed to heat, light, vibration or fluctuations in temperature and humidity, all types of wine can spoil. Wine is a natural, perishable food product issued from fermentation of fruit. Wine cellars protect alcoholic beverages from potentially harmful external influences, providing darkness, constant temperature, and constant humidity. Large wine cellars date back over 3,700 years. The household department responsible for the storage, care and service of wine in a great mediaeval house was termed the buttery. An aboveground wine cellar is often called a wine room, while a small wine cellar (fewer than 500 bottles) is sometimes termed a wine closet. In contrast, passive wine cellars are not climate-controlled, and are usually built underground to reduce temperature swings. In an active wine cellar, important factors such as temperature and humidity are maintained by a climate control system. We can assist you with the consultation and design of the wine cellar that is right for you and your home.A wine cellar is a storage room for wine in bottles or barrels, or more rarely in carboys, amphorae, or plastic containers. If you have dreamed of having your own wine cellar or have been considering your next steps, contact us to get started with a consultation. Frankly, some people still prefer the ambiance or romance of a cave or the old-world style and feel of a wine cellar. However, prominent wine collectors, or people wanting more extensive cellars, will often use the basement because the main floor of the home doesn’t provide a large enough space to hold the amount of wine they have. Get A Consultation to Design the Wine Cellar That’s Right For You We see newer homes automatically incorporate them as a showpiece or focal point in dining rooms, living rooms, game rooms, foyers, kitchens, and hallways. ![]() This growing trend has moved the cellar out of the basement and into the main living areas of the home. And since not everyone has a basement, and those that do are finishing them out for additional living space, it forces people to creatively look for other areas of their home where they can build one. Other Creative Spaces for Your Wine CellarĪs the popularity of wine and wineries has grown, so has the interest of people requesting wine cellars in their homes. But with newer homes, basements are being utilized as living and entertaining spaces, which are not ideal for these conditions. ![]() In older homes, basements tend to be dark, damp, and cool, making them perfect for aging wine. For many years custom wine cellars were more for an elite group of people and were located in the basement of their homes. This is one of the most common questions we are asked.
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