Take Your Wine Cellar to the Next Level With These Three Tips
Napa Valley is the heart of American wine country. Home to over 400 wineries producing incredible vintages, it is a dream spot for any oenophile. But where to put those Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay bottles? The best place is in a wine cellar.
Wine cellars are designed to control the temperature that your bottles are exposed to, making sure that the wine doesn’t spoil before you get a chance to drink it. This is especially important with older vintages that have had more time to be exposed to the elements. To ensure that your wine cellar is at its best, here are three ways to elevate your wine cellar.
Get the Temperature Right
Temperature is one of the most important factors to consider when storing wine. The French were the first-known people to dig cellars specifically for this purpose, and the temperature they achieved (around 55 degrees Fahrenheit) is still widely recognized as the best. Modern technology makes it easy to achieve that temperature sweet spot without heading to Burgundy and digging a trench.
Unlike air conditioning, wine cooling units are specifically designed to create the right conditions for wine. Modern cooling units are split into three types: self-contained, through-the-wall, and split systems. These systems each have their advantages, so make sure to go with the kind that suits your situation best. Whether you have a wine cellar, room, or closet, getting the right temperature is key.
Control the Humidity
Much like temperature, the humidity of the microclimate where you store your wine can have a huge impact on how long it lasts. If the room is too humid, mold can form on the cork and lead to contamination; if it’s too dry, the cork could crack. The sweet spot for aging wine is 70 percent humidity. If you are storing your wine in a too-damp cellar, a dehumidifier is a good idea. If you have a cellar or room with a wine cooling system, you may want to consider a humidifier, as cooling systems can dry out the air.
Keep the Light Out
Exposure to too much ultraviolet radiation can break down the organic compounds in wine--compounds that add a great deal to the finished product. Too much light can cause a wine to end up tasteless. One of the best ways to avoid this is to invest in UV-resistant doors to your wine cellar or room. A little light is acceptable, but if you plan on investing time into aging your wine, a dark place with great doors is the way to go.
For more tips regarding wine cellar and home upgrades, visit my blog. If you are interested in visiting or moving to the Napa Valley, contact me today. It would be my pleasure to help you find a piece of Napa Valley real estate that’s right for you.
