Jul 10
17
Wine Cellar Basics And Conditions
Maybe you have quite a collection of wine and decide to build a wine cellar, or perhaps you moved into a home that has an old wine cellar and you want to begin using it. The idea of a wine cellar is not just a place to store your wine, but storing it so that it is in an ideal environment to age to its perfection.
If you are going to build the wine cellar, the first thing you need to do is decide how large it will be and where it will be located. The factor that will determine the size of the wine cellar is the amount of wine you have. If you already own several hundred bottles of wine, you’re going to need more space than if you’re collection has around 50 bottles.
There should be a humidity level of about 65% and a steady temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit to create the condition that’s necessary for your wine to reach perfection. These conditions are ideal for the long term storage of wine. This cooler temperature slows the aging process, which is what you want if you’re storing wine long term. The recommended humidity level will prevent moisture from getting into the bottles.
Northern areas of the country are ideal naturally for wine cellars because they tend to be cooler with the right amount of humidity. If you live in a dryer or warmer climate, you will have to add the conditioning to create the right wine-storing environment.
Fortunately, there are some excellent wine cooling systems that make it possible to create the perfect climate conditions in your wine cellar. You can have a successful wine cellar even if you live in a hot, dry part of the country.
If you are building your wine cellar, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, your wall framing should be 2″ x 6″ and the ceiling frame should be 2″ x 8″ with polyethylene vapor barrier added to the ceiling and walls. You can use drywall for the sheathing, but it needs to be moisture resistant. The flooring as well needs to be moisture resistant, so opt for stone or hardwoods.
Proper construction is critical when you’re building your own wine cellar. Otherwise, your wine may age too quickly or the room could have too much moisture.
If the house you live in already has a wine cellar in the basement, you are lucky indeed. You will want to purchase a wall thermometer that will check both the humidity and temperature. If the home has a very old wine cellar, you are in for a real treat. You will be able to add your wine, wondering how many other bottles of fine wine have graced those shelves through the years.
Finally, a wine cellar is a fun way to store your precious bottles of wine and allow them to age with perfection. It gives you room to store future bottles of wine and add to your collection through the years.
Written by Robin Saunders, an experienced writer that deals with different topics such as alcohol, breath alcohol, DUI etc. The author uses an alcohol tester himself, be safer and get yourself a tester.
Related Blogs
- Guide For Storing Of Sauvignon Blanc And Other Popular Wines | Wine Blog
- Vinotemp Dual Temperature Wine Cooler Review | Home & Garden
- haier hvt12abs 12-bottle-capacity table-top wine cellar, black with silver trim | Compact Refridgerators
- Tahitian Noni is potent even after long term storage » Ballroom Dancing Lessons
- Gas storage, how to avoid shortages! Peak oil, fuel, crisis
Related Reading:
1001 Wines You Must Taste Before You DieThis highly opinionated, addictively browsable compilation of 1,001 "must try" wines offers the most enjoyable drinking experience for novice and connoisseur alike. Included in the list are classics as well as groundbreaking new up-and-comers from all major regions of the world. Divided into four sections: red, white, sparkling, and fortified wines. The informed selections offer a complete history of the most famous vintages as well as introducing the daring new blends and varietals that are exciting the cognoscenti. Special attention is paid to the world’s classic wine regions like Napa, Chianti, Barolo, Bordeaux, and Burgundy, but the book also takes very seriously recently established areas like Rioja or Australia’s Barossa Valley. Also, the book examines emerging regions just finding their place on the oenological map, like Argentina’s Mendoza, which can provide enormous pleasure at a reasonable price. Each entry comes with an authoritative yet opinionated description of its origin, history, and character as well as anecdotes about the winemakers, the vineyard and the region. This book will immediately appeal to wine fans everywhere and will be a perfect gift item.
