Cellaring Tips

19 Jul Cellaring Tips

Even if you are a wine aficionado, your home might not be structurally able to accommodate an underground wine cellar. You might not even have an extra room that can be used solely for wine display and storage. So what option does a wine lover have when it comes to storing their precious wines?

Well we at Signature Cellars are never restricted by hurdles such as these and can provide creative wine storage options to our clients. We understand that not every property would be able to accommodate a full-scale excavation for an underground wine cellar construction.

Opt For a Custom Designed Wine Room

Even if you can’t dedicate an entire room for your wine collection, we can provide design and build solutions that convert part of an existing room into a wine room or cellar. Not only does this allow you to make optimum use of the available space, but is also a cost-saving option.

However, it is important to understand that a custom-designed wine cellar will not come cheap. This is because aside from the aesthetics, we also need to ensure that the space has the appropriate insulation. Besides, temperature control and humidity control systems would need to be added to the space to ensure your wines have the perfect environment to age in. Even ready to drink wines need to be stored at the right temperature and in a vibration-free environment.

Important Aspects Of Cellaring Wine

Several aspects need to be kept in view while designing and installing a wine cellar such as:

• Allocating proper spaces for all the services that are required for a wine cellar including electrical, ducting, piping, climate-control systems that require access to an external wall, drainage, and more.
• We also take into account the types of wines that will be stored in that space. This is important because there are wine bottles of different sizes and shapes ranging from half bottles to significantly bigger magnums. Many serious wine collectors prefer to keep wines in wooden boxes, and it’s essential to keep these requirements in view as well.
• When we are designing a wine cellar, the focus is always on ensuring that the space is used optimally and that the installations are practical and aesthetically appealing.

It’s best to hire custom wine cellar experts for this job and plan everything perfectly from the outset. There are times when homeowners get their builders to fit out their cellar with proper insulation. But they fail to make provisions for electrics and humidity and temperature control systems. These omissions will mean the entire space would have to be ripped out and replaced with the right services.

Sometimes, clients order racking systems from overseas online websites only to find that that they just don’t fit in once the insulation is in place. The best way to avoid problems like these is to work with custom wine cellar experts like us at Signature Cellars. We will make sure that every feature is designed to fit into and complement the available space.

Cellaring Tips To Follow

If you are considering getting a wine cellar installed, there are certain cellaring tips to follow which will help maintain the condition of your wines:

• Consistent Temperature – The ideal wine storage temperature is between 12 and 16 degrees. However, minimising climatic fluctuations is far more important than the actual temperature. Even if you store wines in a slightly warmer environment but maintain a consistent temperature, it can help ensure they stay in peak condition.
• Light Is A Killer – It’s crucial that you protect your wine from light; Fluorescent light and the UV rays of the sun can do irrevocable damage to your wines. Light triggers a chemical reaction which impacts the wine’s flavours. Make sure you keep your collection in a darker place, and you will get the best from your wines.
• Don’t Disturb Your Wine- While it is necessary to check cork-sealed wine bottles for damage, it’s never a good idea to move your bottles for anything else. Avoid storing wine near areas with vibrations or near vibrating appliances like fridges etc.
• Store Them Right – Wines with screwcaps can be placed in any position. But if the bottle has a cork, the wine needs to be in contact with it and should ideally be placed on its side. This will help ensure that the cork doesn’t dry out and result in issues like oxidation.
• Buy Multiple Bottles – While it may not always be feasible to stock up on dozens of wines, it’s a good idea to buy multiples when possible. That will also give you a chance to understand how the wine develops at different points.
• Focus On Diversity – When it comes to wine cellaring, it’s best to buy diversely. Even if you have a liking for specific wine styles and grape varieties, it’s a good idea to source wines from overseas and different regions within Australia as well. You can also get some expert advice from your favourite sommelier or even a wine retailer about which wines have similar profiles.

When you cellar a large number of wines, it’s essential to set up a system. That will help you know what exactly you have in your collection. Create a detailed list of all the wines you have, their vintage, price, and the region. Make a note of the bottles that you have already enjoyed, the dates you opened them on and some details about the wine itself.

To find out about how Signature Cellars can help you design and build a wine storage solution that can help protect your investment and add value to your home, call us on 1300 570 636 or email info@signaturecellars.com.au.

Thanks for reading,
Neil Smallman
Signature Cellars
1300 570 636