Wine Storage For Every Home

If you're a wine drinker (like me), chances are you have several bottles of wine in your house at any given time.  Or maybe you only drink wine occasionally but enjoy entertaining or like the thrill of picking up many bottles of wine during huge sales at your local retailer (like me, again).  If you fall into any of these categories, or even if you just like to have a few bottles on hand at any given time, then it's nice to have some handy and stylish wine storage.  We thought we'd highlight some storage ideas for you, from the simple to the extravagant. 

But first, a word about wine storage.  There is a reason that wine has been stored in wine caves and underground cellars for hundreds of years - the ideal storage conditions can be consistently met: cool, dark, humid and still surroundings. While storing wine is not rocket science, there are a few key points to keep in mind that will help ensure your wine has the very best chance for long-term survival and optimal aging.

• Optimal wine storage is a consistent 55°F, excessive heat will wreak havoc on a bottle of wine (i.e., do not store under hot lights, or above the stove or refrigerator).
• Ideal humidity is between 65-75%.
• Keep it dark.  If a wine is in direct light consistently, it will affect the flavor of the wine significantly, a result of premature aging.
• Keep it sideways.  This will keep the cork moist, which should keep the cork from shrinking and allowing the enemy of wine, oxygen, to seep into the bottle.
• Keep it still.  Agitating wine can keep the sediments from settling red wine, which can wreck the flavor.  Be sure there is nothing vibrating near your storage area.

Simple Storage
While it's probably best not to keep a wine rack on your kitchen counter, there's no reason why you can't make a stylish little spot in a closet or your basement.  There are probably as many ways to store your wine as there are types of wine.  Find a style that suits you.

Refrigerated Storage
If you're looking to incorporate a wine refrigerator into your home, there are many to choose from.  Ranging in sizes and features, you can find them in most big box retail stores.  They can be kept on the counter top, as a stand-alone piece of furniture, or as a built-in feature in your home.

Closet Conversion
If you think you don't have room for bigger wine storage, think again.  Here are some pictures of closet conversions.

Wine Cellars
If wine is your passion, then going all out on a cellar makes sense.  Here are entire rooms devoted to storing and tasting wine, sometimes even sharing a meal (but that might be chilly - wear a sweater).  We can all dream, can't we?

Source:  About.com