Setting up and
stocking a place
for your wines
THE PROBLEM WITH being a wine lover is that sooner or later we all have
to face the same question: Where do I keep my wine? Fortunately, there are
many solutions available to suit a wide range of pocketbooks and floor plans,
from custom-built rooms to a cupboard under the stairs.
The word “cellar” sounds terribly grand, but should be interpreted loosely.
All you really need is somewhere cool, dark and free from vibration; that’s
why on top of the fridge usually isn’t a good idea. Ideal cellar temperature is
around 55˚ F, but it’s more important to find a place where the temperature
doesn’t fluctuate too much day to day or throughout the year. Better a constant 65 degrees than 45 one day and 75 the next.
If your cool, dark place is also relatively humid, so much the better, as this
will help prevent corks from drying out. A dry cork contracts, which allows in
air, spoiling the wine. A dry cork also lets wine leak out, which is why wines
are stored lying down, keeping the corks wet.
An option that is becoming increasingly popular is the temperature-con-trolled storage unit. These cellars, which can hold anywhere from a couple
dozen to several hundred bottles, are a great instant, all-in-one solution for
properly storing wine. The upper-end units are attractive enough to serve as
furniture pieces.
