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Part 4 of 6
Having sufficient storage space for your wine collection is important. Many collectors start purchasing wine long before they have a “proper” cellar—and an authentic wine cellar is a large undertaking that requires much planning and time. Logistically, keeping your wine in a cellar at home can provide easy access for deliveries and consumption, but there are drawbacks.
You have probably heard stories of people who drink from only a few choice boxes—typically recently delivered and stacked right behind the wine cellar door. Or stories of collectors who have so many stacked boxes in their wine cellars that it’s impossible to walk.
Think big or bigger, because the cost of building a slightly larger wine cellar is less costly and less aggravating than adding space in the future. While rack space is usually priced by the bottle, room preparation that includes proper insulation and cooling equipment becomes proportionately less expensive with increased size.
When planning a wine cellar, think ahead to your collecting habits. If you are interested in champagnes, large bottles and splits, you can run into trouble if you do not factor these types of bottles into your design. Flexible design, with bins and racks that can accommodate a range of bottle types and sizes, generally is best.
Table wine is stored horizontally so that the wine stays in contact with the cork. Fortified wines, other than port, are stored standing. If you store your bottles with the labels up, it will be easier to see the deposit of sediment on the opposite side of the bottle when it is time to open it.
Racks should be secured to the walls, especially in seismic areas, and angled upward to decrease the chance of bottles walking out of the bin.
Heavy full-case boxes should be stored at low levels to avoid breakage. If diamond-shaped bins are used, a maximum of 12 bottles should be stored per bin to avoid label damage, which decreases resale value.
Also, store sparkling wines on the lowest shelf, whites above the sparklings and reds above the whites. The overriding thought is hot air rises.
Next: The Mechanics of Creating Your Cellar: Back to Basics (part 5 of 6)
The opinions and positions expressed are the authors’ own and not those of Chubb. The information and/ or data provided herein is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Insurance coverage is subject to the language of the policies as issued.