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Protecting Your Wine from Freezing Temperatures

5/14/2019 12:14 PM

Having the correct balance of temperature and humidity is vital in the proper storage and aging of wine.

This means that, during the winter months, wine should be protected from sub-freezing temperatures. Due to its alcohol content, wine has a lower freezing temperature than most other fluids, but it can still happen in extreme conditions. Have you ever placed a bottle of wine in the freezer only to forget that it was in there? You may have returned to find that your beautiful bottle of chardonnay had transformed into a bit of a “Winecicle”. The same thing can happen when the ambient temperature of a cellar drops too low.

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Comments | Posted By Desiree David

Maximize Your Space with Stylish and Functional Wine Cellar Racking

5/14/2019 10:43 AM

Make the most out of your wine cellar and create your wine racking system for maximum storage, functionality, and visual appeal.

Whether you have a large basement cellar or a small space within your home transformed for your wine collection, no cellar is complete or functional without wine racks. From all-wood wine racking built for bulk storage to wall-mounted racks that display your finest labels, the right racking design can help you maximize your storage space and cellar functionality while adding to the ambiance and visual appeal of your space.

Custom Cable Wine Racking by Vinotemp

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Comments | Posted By Desiree David

The Five Biggest Cellar Mistakes

5/14/2019 10:02 AM

If you’ve made the leap into becoming a wine cellar owner, then you know that it is a long-term commitment that, when executed properly, is worthy of your time.

We’ve compiled a list of 5 mistakes made when cellaring (and their solutions) so that you can maximize your investment and experience the joy of tasting a well-aged wine.

1. The Wrong Location

Some cellar owners make the mistake of locating their cellar in the wrong place where their collection is susceptible to movement from a neighboring railroad track, in a room with windows, or right next to a kitchen. To ensure your collection has the proper location, here are some factors to consider:

Dangerous Movement. Vibration can disturb a wine’s sediment. It may agitate it and accelerate the aging process. Make sure your bottles are in a safe place with very little movement.

Lights Out! In addition to vibration, bright light should be avoided at all costs, particularly harmful UV rays or fluorescent lights. Wine packaged in clear or blue bottles is especially susceptible to light damage. Even wine housed in darker bottles is vulnerable.

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Comments | Posted By Desiree David

Is Drinking Wine Healthy?

5/8/2019 9:43 AM

Wine consumption has a long and rich history that precedes the time of the Greeks.

Wine consumption has a long and rich history that precedes the time of the Greeks. The wine consumed during ancient times would hardly be considered palatable by today’s standards. Transported in earthen or wood vessels, it was known to have a vinegar-like quality. Wine was consumed not out of pleasure, but necessity as water and milk were often filled with disease. People believed the alcohol in wine was a natural antiseptic. During the 18th century wine experienced a revolution as it was produced in a more sophisticated manner. The supply of water also became safer to drink, so wine evolved into a drink for occasions, rather than something that was consumed daily.

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Comments | Posted By Desiree David

Stocking Your Wine Cellar

5/8/2019 9:07 AM

The final paperwork has been signed, the construction crew has left and you finally have the wine cellar that you have always dreamed of having.

Now what? How do you go about filling all of those brand new wine racks? Here are some helpful tips for stocking your wine cellar with wine that you can enjoy for years to come.

Residential Wine Room by Vinotemp

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Comments | Posted By Desiree David

Wood Wine Cabinet Placement

5/7/2019 12:43 PM

Wood wine cabinets are beautiful custom creations and it is important to install your new cellar in the proper location to ensure it continues to deliver excellent service to you and your collection.

Wood wine cabinets are beautiful custom creations and it is important to install your new cellar in the proper location to ensure it continues to deliver excellent service to you and your collection. There are several considerations which need to be made in order to receive the best performance results from your unit; weight factor, ambient temperature, humidity control, proper ventilation, noise factor, and electrical requirements.

Custom Vinotemp Wine Cabinets at The Hilton in Tucson, Arizona

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Comments | Posted By Desiree David

Illuminate Your Wine Cellar and Create a Stunning Display with Light

5/7/2019 10:12 AM

Wine cellar lighting is an important feature of the cellar as a whole, and it can often be one of the trickiest aspects to incorporate.

Wine cellar lighting is an important feature of the cellar as a whole, and it can often be one of the trickiest aspects to incorporate. Too much light in a cellar can spoil your collection by creating heat and exposing your wine to damaging UV light. Too little light, while better for your wine, can make your cellar feel drab, gloomy and impractical. The right wine cellar lighting system will provide ample light for functionality, determine the ambiance of the cellar and protect your collection from excessive heat and damaging light sources.

Custom Wine Cellar by Vinotemp in the St. Regis Hotel in Dana Point, CA

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Comments | Posted By Desiree David

Choosing a Cellar Cooling System

5/7/2019 9:12 AM

A healthy wine cellar mimics the legendary wine caves of France; a sturdy base provided by strong wine racks and an ideal balance of temperature and humidity within a controlled environment.

The temperature within these caves is 55 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of 60%; perfect for the aging of wine. If you are not lucky enough to own an underground cave in France (most of us are not), then the alternative solution is to add a cooling system to your cellar.

Some cellar owners may be tempted to purchase a standard air conditioner to cool their cellar, but this is strongly discouraged. In general, an air conditioner does not maintain humidity; creating a dry environment that can dry out corks, allowing air to leak into the bottles.

Wine cellar cooling systems are like special air conditioners for cellars. They have the basic parts; an evaporator coil to cool the air and condense as well as a condenser coil which uses a compressor to remove the heat in the room. Programmed to operate within a designated range, they turn on when the room is too warm and switch off when the temperature is low. Hot air is exchanged for cool air, allowing wine to age gracefully at the right temperature. Below we explore the different types of wine cellar cooling systems.

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Comments | Posted By Desiree David

Vinotemp Mother’s Day Gift Guide

4/30/2019 12:07 PM

Mother’s Day is rapidly approaching and we are ready to help you celebrate the mothers in your life

Today we are sharing popular gifts that are sure to please. If your mom loves to entertain and enjoys a delicious glass of wine, check out our Mother’s Day Gift Guide.

The Epicureanist Cheese Tray Serving Set

Crafted from bamboo, this attractive set has everything mom needs to set out a delicious selection of cheese and small bites. Included is a glass surface for cutting and serving, cheese knives with a magnetic strip, and a ceramic bowl that is perfect for olives, crackers, hummus, and more.

Epicureanist Cheese Tray Serving Set, $49.95

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Comments | Posted By Desiree David

How to Decide on the Best Wine Storage

4/24/2019 1:14 PM

Wine storage is a layered topic to discuss because there are so many options available.

Vinotemp Custom Wine Storage at Andiron Steak and Sea in Las Vegas, NV

Wine storage is a layered topic to discuss because there are so many options available. When selecting the best wine storage there are a few questions you should ask yourself:

• What is your vision for your wine cellar?

• Will you be storing your wine long term or short term?

• How many bottles are in your wine collection?

• How much space do you have available for storage?

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Comments | Posted By Desiree David