Lately, wines are not just a complement to cosy meals at home or in favourite restaurants. Wines have become "an investment option" for people – to drink, to resell when wine is aged to a much higher value – hence, the need for proper wine storage.

There are four key elements to proper long term wine storage: temperature, humidity, light and vibration.

Temperature

• An important long-term storage factor. Temperature levels must be cool and constant.
• Generally accepted temperature for storing wine is 13°C, although a range of 10° to 15°F is considered acceptable.
• White wines prefer it as cool as 8°C.
• In general, higher temperatures make wines age faster, cooler temperatures slow the aging process.
• Higher temperatures may also cause alcohol separation. When temperatures become too low, however, deposits or other suspensions may develop in the wine.
• Sudden or wide fluctuations in a wine’s temperature will interrupt the proper aging process.
• Temperature variations not only shrink and swell the cork, but may also directly affect the organic components in the wine.

Humidity:

• For long-term wine storage, a relative humidity of about 70% is ideal, however a range between 65% and 75% is acceptable.
• Wine is stored on its side so that the wine is in contact with the cork at all times, keeping the cork wet.
• Lower humidity levels will dry the air-side of the cork, allowing for air leakage or capillary pull action of the wine toward the dry side. This allows oxygen to come in contact with the wine, causing immediate aging.
• High humidity levels will not harm the wine. In fact, to a true oenophile, a mouldy wine bottle is an indication that the wine has been stored properly for long-term.

Light:

• Ultraviolet light causes premature aging of wines. Ultraviolet light breaks down some of the complex components and may even produce unpleasant aromas.
• While wine in clear bottles is most susceptible, wine in dark bottles can be affected as well.
• Sparkling wines are the most sensitive to light and should be stored in the darkest part of your cellar.

Vibration:

• While generally not a problem in residential wine cellars, excessive vibration can disturb a wine’s sediment balance. Sediments are meant to fall out of wine, and vibration could reintroduce them back in liquid form. Wine should be organized and stored away from cooling system vibrations.
• In addition, wine should always be stored away from strong smelling compounds and foods. These odours can penetrate a weak cork and eventually change a wine’s character.

Extra Space Self Storage offers wine lockers and walk-in cellars for collectors who want to age their collection to perfection.

Do give them a call if you have any enquiries or, would like to arrange for a site inspection.

Extra Space Boon Keng Road
301 Boon Keng Road
Singapore 339779
Tel: 6391 1060
301boonkeng@extraspace.com.sg

Extra Space Eunos Link
7 Kaki Bukit Road 2
Tel: 6744 1445
eunoslink@extraspace.com.sg

This article was contributed by Extra Space (www.extraspace.com.sg)