Prepare Your Cellar
Before you even begin to think about the racking for your cellar, you need to prepare your room to maintain the ideal environmental conditions for your precious investment. Achieving and maintaining those conditions will allow for proper development of your favorite wines and champagnes. By paying attention to details now, the enjoyment of your wine will be maximized and your investment will be protected far into the future.
Ideal Wine Cellar Conditions
Most experts recommend an average temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit for all wine storage. Cooler temperatures won't damage your wine but will slow its development. A temperature of 65 degrees or more will have a negative effect on wine the longer it's stored. The ideal humidity in your wine cellar should be 60-70% but anything over 50% is acceptable. High humidity, 80% or more, may cause mold to form on corks and bottles. In addition, ideal long term wine storage should avoid heat, direct light and vibration.
Choosing a Wine Cellar Location
The best location for a wine cellar is below ground level in a basement. The reason for that is, the temperature is generally cooler and more humid conditions already exist. A corner of a basement, with two exterior walls and free of windows, is ideal. Wine cellars built above grade, where basements do not exist, simply require special attention and materials to properly insulate and seal the room thoroughly. One of the most important factors in choosing a wine cellar location is deciding on the type and location of a cooling system. Most cooling units are installed through a wall and exhaust into an adjacent interior room that is at least equal in size to the wine cellar. The ambient temperature of the intended venting area should not be higher than 85 degrees F in order or proper operation of the cooling unit. Other cooling unit options such as split systems and special units are available and may require installation by certified HVAC Contractors. Please feel free to contact WineRacks.com to discuss your environmental control options prior to building out your room.