Vintage Cellars Kessick Wine Cellar Preparation - Manual

319 Garlington Road, C-2, Greenville, SC 29615
864-297-1911 Office, 864-297-1944 Fax
[email protected], www.kessick.com
Wine Cellar Preparation Guide
Consult your local building codes for more information.
Maintaining the ideals environmental conditions for a wine cellar requires attention to
detail in preparing the wine cellar space. Achieving and maintaining those conditions
will allow for proper development of your favorite wines and champagnes. By paying
attention to details now, the enjoyment of your wine will be maximized and your
investment will be protected far into the future. The purpose of this Wine Cellar
Preparation Guide is to outline the proper wine storage conditions and provide you
with the information necessary to create and maintain those conditions in a wine
cellar.
What are ideal wine cellar conditions?
Most experts recommend an average temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit for all
wine storage and proper wine aging. Cooler temperatures won't damage your wine
but will slow its development. Temperatures above 70 degrees will have a negative
effect on wine the longer it's stored. The storage temperatures should not be confused
with the serving temperatures of wine, which are 10 degrees cooler than storage for
whites and 10 degrees warmer than storage for reds. Although 55 degrees is the
optimal temperature for storing wine, keeping a constant temperature is just as
important as this ideal temperature. Constant temperature fluctuations are what
damage wine and accelerate its aging process the most.
The ideal humidity in your wine cellar should be 60­70% but anything over 50% is
acceptable. High humidity, 80% or more, may cause mold to form on corks and
bottles. In addition, ideal long term wine storage should avoid heat, direct light and
vibration.
What’s the best location for a wine cellar?
The best location for a wine cellar is below ground level in a basement. The reason
for this is that the temperature is generally cooler and more humid conditions already
exist. A corner of a basement, with two exterior walls and free of windows, is ideal.
Wine cellars built above grade, where basements do not exist, simply require special
attention and materials to properly insulate and seal the room thoroughly. One of the
most important factors in choosing a wine cellar location is deciding on the type and
location of a cooling system. Most cooling units are installed through a wall and