It seems only natural that National Drink Wine Day would fall shortly after Valentine’s Day — a day often known for sharing a bottle of red wine with your friends, lovers or yourself (we’re quarantining after all). We love a tasty glass of red as much as the next person and know that preserving those tannins takes dedication. From wine storage at home to how you can store wine in a storage unit, we’ve got you covered on National Drink Wine Day and every other day of the year.
Protecting Wine as It Ages
Wine storage needs to meet special requirements in order to protect the precious contents of each bottle. Many bottles of wine use cork to prevent the contents from leaking out and from air getting inside. Too much exposure to oxygen speeds the wine aging process and destroys it. That means with improper storage, the fancy bottle of Dom Perignon you’ve been saving for a special occasion could be ruined in an instant — or over the course of time before you get to savor it. Proper wine storage requires the proper humidity and temperature is key.
Factors that can be dangerous to your wine include:
- Direct light and vibrations
- Any changes in temperature
Many wine connoisseurs and collectors have invested substantially in certain bottles of wine, which makes finding the ideal wine storage paramount to maintaining the integrity of each bottle, allowing them to age properly.
Wine Storage Temperatures
Temperature plays a large role in preserving the integrity of your wine. Determining the right temperature allows them to age properly — for example, temperatures over 70 degrees Fahrenheit may cause your wines to be “cooked”, resulting in a flat aroma and flavors.
As wine drinkers, we know that red and white wines are traditionally served at different temperatures. It’s important to note that serving and storing temperatures are different. The ideal temperature for both red and white wine storage is 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Storing all of your wine at the same 55-degree temperature helps prevent premature aging, regardless of the eventual serving temperature.
Where and How to Store Wine
If you plan on storing wine at home, there are certain rooms and climates to avoid. The ideal place at home would be a cool, not-too-damp basement that can double as a wine cellar. While not all of us have the luxury of a wine cellar at home, it’s possible to improvise with racks in a safe place. You want to rule out places like the kitchen and the laundry room, as warmer temperatures in these rooms could negatively affect your wine. It’s also important to avoid areas with direct sunlight pouring in.
Many wine connoisseurs opt for a wine fridge to store a number of bottles at home. If storing your wine in one of these refrigerators, remember to keep it in a cool place, as this prevents the appliance from having to work so hard, helping keep your energy bill low. If you have a large collection, a standalone cooling unit specifically designed for wine that you can store in a cool, dark place may be an option.
When to Upgrade to a Wine Storage Unit
As a wine collector, you may be wondering when to upgrade your storage. Several factors go into your decision to move into a wine storage unit.
- Do you have space at home for your growing collection?
- How much is your annual wine-buying budget?
- Do you have the proper environmental conditions necessary at home?
Moving your wine collection to a storage unit may be necessary depending on the space you have at home and additional environmental factors. As a collector, it’s important to know the value of your collection and how much you typically spend annually. Depending on your costs, a storage unit may be a better option than adding a professional wine cooler to your home.
Using a storage unit to store your wine offers collectors many advantages. The ideal storage facility offers specific climate-controlled wine storage units like our location in Napa, California. Units with full temperature and humidity control make a big difference in storing your wine as it protects the integrity of the cork, which prevents exposure to oxygen. Choosing a climate-controlled storage unit helps ensure your wine stays at the optimal 55 degrees Fahrenheit temperature, creating the ideal environment for wines to age naturally.
At SPS Napa, we offer specific wine storage units for pallets and lockers that can accommodate from 12 up to 54 cases of wine. Our fully temperature- and humidity-controlled storage units work great for storing all of your favorite bottles and cases of wine. Security is our priority at SPS and all of our units include individual security alarms for your peace of mind.
Use Wine Storage for Optimal Flavor
For wine lovers, there’s nothing more disappointing than opening up a bottle you’ve cherished and saved only for it to be flat and flavorless. Take care of your investment with the proper wine storage conditions at home or in a climate-controlled storage unit. By storing your wine in the ideal environment, you can enjoy the rich flavors of your favorite fermented beverages for years to come.