Are wine cellars cold?

Are wine cellars cold?

Yes, wine cellars are cold, but not freezing. The ideal temperature range is between 50- and 60-degrees Fahrenheit, with 55◦F largely regarded as the perfect temperature for a wide variety of wines.

Outside of this temperature range, wine will age rapidly or too slowly. A warm wine cellar, in particular, is highly undesirable. In a warm setting, wine will quickly become stewed and turn a shade of brown. The consistency of the temperature is also important as regular temperature swings will affect the way the wine ages.

 

all acrylic wine cellar
Vinotemp Custom Acrylic Wine Cellar Cabinets

 

If it is within your budget, using a wine cellar, wine fridge, or wine cabinet will help to keep your wine at the proper temperature. A wine cellar uses a combination of proper insulation, a wine cellar cooling unit, and racking to create the perfect environment for wine. A wine fridge seeks to replicate a wine cellar in a more compact form. This modern appliance is designed with a powerful cooling system that maintains temperature. Wine cabinets are similar to both the wine cellar and wine fridge. A furniture-style appliance, a cellar cooling unit is installed inside an insulated cabinet.

Aside from the cold, there are a few other factors to consider when cellaring wine:

  • The ideal humidity range for a wine cellar is 50-70%. This will ensure the corks stay moist without causing mold inside the cellar. Use a hygrometer inside your cellar to ensure you are within the proper range.
  • Bottles need to be stored horizontally so that the wine is always touching the cork. If the cork should become too dry and porous, you run the risk of seepage and the cork crumbling.
  • Wine does not age well when exposed to UV rays. Keep your wine in the dark.
  • Lighting inside your cellar, wine cooler, or wine cabinet should be bright enough for you to view your bottles, but gentle enough to prevent damage. LED, red colored bulbs, or cellophane covered lighting are good options for a cellar.
  • Odors can easily seep into a wine cellar, so try to use only natural cleaners inside your cellar and avoid storing harmful chemicals anywhere near your wine.
  • You will need sturdy racking and possibly bulk storage space.
  • Have a security system in place. This may be a lock on the door or a home security system that is monitored by a third party. Keep careful inventory of your wine so you will know what is missing if a bottle should go missing.
  • You may also find you prefer more than one storage option. For example, you may find you need a wine cellar to store the bulk of your collection plus a wine refrigerator to store your favorites at serving temperature.

 

When walking into a wine cellar, you will notice that the temperature inside is cool. There are other storage basics to keep in mind when storing wine long term. If you need assistance selecting the best storage for you or have additional questions about wine cellar temperature, feel free to contact Vinotemp by using our <a href="https://vinotemp.thelegacycompanies.com/support/tickets/new" title="Contact form link" target="_blank"><strong>Contact Form</strong></a>.