You can achieve a standout wine collection by following a few simple guidelines.
Wine
Control Group
Accounting for variables when building a cellar is down to a science.
BY
Emily Harrington of Rimann Liquors
PHOTOGRAPHY
iStockphoto/Karina Tischlinger

Every wine lover and enthusiast eventually runs into the conundrum of too many bottles, too little space. Wine is very much a living thing, something that is sensitive to its environs and the outside forces that act upon it. Because of this, it is important to create the right environment for storing your growing wine collection.

Variables such as heat, humidity, temperature variation, light exposure and subtle vibrations can drastically affect the quality of a wine and the rate at which it ages. Accordingly, a wine collection, which is a great investment in personal and financial resources, is definitely deserving of proper care and attention. A cellar is a very personal addition to your home as well, and individual needs will vary depending on the size of your collection, the nature of the collection (i.e. do you have several cases of the same wine, or do you pick up special bottles here and there for an eclectic mix?), and whether you will be entertaining guests in the space. With a few key guidelines to keep in mind, building a cellar and storing your wine collection can be a very rewarding experience. 

Temperature
The chemical changes that occur in wine as it ages are greatly affected by the ambient temperature. According to researchers at the University of California at Davis, the rate of chemical reactions in wine can double with every 18°F increase in temperature. While this may seem advantageous, wines that are aged too quickly develop an awkward and clumsy character and begin to deteriorate much more quickly than wines aged slowly and patiently. It is widely accepted that the best temperature at which to store wine for the long term is 55°F. For short-term storage and wines that will be quickly consumed, any temperature under 70°F will suffice. 

Temperature Fluctuation
Wide variations in temperature are detrimental to wine, accelerating the rate of chemical reactions and affecting the pressure within the bottle itself, which can alter the cork and lead to oxidation. Cellars with external walls will be exposed to the temperature fluctuations outside as opposed to a cellar whose walls are in the interior of a building. For this reason, many cellars and wine storage facilities are located entirely or partially below ground, where temperatures are cooler and daily and seasonal variation is less apparent. 

Humidity
The advent of cork-sealed bottles in the 18th century is what has allowed us to even consider aging wines. Cork, which is wine’s only real barrier against the detriments of oxygen, must be kept in an environment that will prevent it from shrinking or shifting, which will allow air to enter the bottle. To prevent this, we store bottles on their sides, which keeps the cork moist enough to properly fit the neck of the bottle. Humidity that is too high, however, can lead to mold forming on the labels or the cork. It also can damage and warp any wooden racks or bins that the bottles are sitting in, as well as any door leading to the cellar.

Light
Exposure to ultraviolet light affects chemical reactions and promotes the growth of free radicals in the wine, which can lead to off-odors and flavors, and can speed up the rate of oxidation. Direct lighting also can cause temperature fluctuation and prematurely yellow the labels on wine bottles.

Storage
Most designers prefer single-bottle racks because they are easier to organize and can be custom-built to accommodate magnums, larger-format and half-bottles. Larger square- and diamond-shaped bins are another option, particularly if you have multiples of a particular wine or are looking for do-it-yourself shelving. Stand-up shelving also may be relevant for sparkling wines, screw-cap bottles, bottles of beer suitable for aging, or display bottles and memorabilia. Also allow room for your collection to grow, and if you want, save room for a small table for yourself or guests.