Since wine perishes, and the way in which it’s stored impacts its flavor, proper storage is essential. In fact, storage and handling affect wine’s taste just as much as the way it’s made does. The trick is to maintain optimal temperature and humidity.
What Is Needed for a Wine Cellar?
Missing any of these elements jeopardizes the integrity of your wine.
Other Considerations:
Before picking up your hammer, assess the available space. Choose an area on an outside wall, preferably, free from air, light, and water leaks. The ceiling will need insulation and the floor, if concrete, will need to be sealed. Consider vibrations, too. Vibrations disturb the maturation process that wine goes through over time. A wooden floor with frequent traffic or the clothes dryer on the other side of the wall could, over time, spoil your collection.
Once you’ve found the space, let’s get working.
