Ideas for Custom Wine Storage
If you are considering creating a custom wine storage area in your home, there are several factors to consider. Chief among them is the temperature at which you store your beloved collection, which can very well impact the lifespan of your wine. Of course, how serious of a wine collector you are and what kind of space you have to work with are very important considerations as well. More than anything, custom wine storage solutions should cater to how you want to enjoy your wine.
Temperature
Vernon Singleton, Professor of Enology (the study of wine) at UC Davis, advises that 55 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature for storing wine so that it ages at a rate that preserves the integrity and taste of the wine as long as possible. If you plan to invest in a custom wine storage solution, temperature control is very important; you’ll want to get the most out of your collection. Often the basement or cellar will be the best place in the home to store wines. If you are an apartment dweller or have limited space, a temperature controlled wine refrigerator may be your best option.
Your “Seriousness”
As you design your wine storage area, consider how you might grow it in the future. Will your collection expand significantly in the years to come? If so, think about how you could utilize the space both now and down the road. A small custom wine rack that houses only a limited number of wines may not be enough if your love of wine collecting grows over time. Perhaps wooden or wrought iron racks that you can build upon are a good way to go if you want to have the ability to grow your collection.
Enjoying the Space
For many wine collectors, how you enjoy your wines is part of why you became a collector in the first place. Constructing your wine storage system to include an area where you entertain and sample wines is a great way to incorporate function and fun. Perhaps your wine cellar can serve as a backdrop for entertaining complete with a dining area or custom tasting center. Reclaimed wine barrel flooring and doors are a unique and fun way to incorporate an authentic experience into your wine cellar; your guests are sure to love this touch!
