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If wine is something that you use continually, getting a wine fridge will be a profitable investment so you can store and serve wine at its absolute best. This is a far more efficient, economical and acceptable way of storing wine than the traditional cellar as most people in our modern world don't have the space or money to build a walk-in wine cellar in their basement.

Ideal conditions for wine

Wine should be stored in certain repeated condition to be enjoyed at its best. The 3 states which ruin wine are dryness, warmth and light. Humidity levels need to be regulated as low humidity causes cork shrinkage which can let air into the bottles and also vaporize the wine, and high humidity can lead to mould and mould. Raised temperatures of over 77F (25C) change the chemical balance of the wine and give it a stewed taste. Proteins in wine also respond to exorbitant light and this spoils the flavor. The flavour, color and consistency of wine are saved at fairly low temperatures, particularly in the case of white and sparkling wines, with reduced light and a good amount of moisture. This is the reason why using a wine fridge supplies the perfect environment for the storage of wines as these elements can all be controlled.

Wine fridge better than a kitchen fridge

A wine cooler isn't the same as a ordinary kitchen fridge. Refrigerators aren't excellent for storing wine and can essentially ruin it. The temperature in a refrigerator is too low for most wines and with the door being often opened the temperature fluctuates so the wine isn't kept at a unceasing temperature. A fridge also slightly vibrates although it is running which can shift the sediments within the wine and this destroys the flavours. From a practical standpoint, wine fridges also have specially designed racks for holding wine bottles and specially treated glass to block ultraviolet light.

Selecting a wine fridge

There are a wide selection of wine fridges to choose from according to capacity, dimensions, style and cooling methods. Deciding on the cooling technique is essentially the first point that needs to be considered when buying a wine cooler as it is immediately impacted by the sort of wine you use. All the other features can be considered after this once you have selected the technology that most closely fits your requirements.

Wine temperatures

This is an issue because differing types of wine have a selected temperature in which they're best stored. Rich red wines are best at 59-66F (15-19C) and light red wines at 55F (13C). Rose and dry white wines taste good between 46-57F (8-14C). Sparkling wines and champagne are typically chilled at 43-47F (6-8C).

Richard Brown runs an internet store selling wine coolers. His compact 6 bottle wine cooler is a favourite of many shoppers.

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We all want the best when it comes to storing wine, but sometimes there are gonna be trade-offs. Being systematic as you shop for a wine cellar ensures that you end up with something that meets both your needs and your budget.

) 1) What is the number of wine bottles you’re planning to store?

This is the easiest question to ask, and the one people most frequently answer incorrectly. You’re buying a wine fridge to store your wine over time, and your rate of consumption will tend to rise over that time, so be prepared for your future buying habits. If you think you need a fridge that holds fifty wine bottles, you’d better buy one that holds 150.

2) Ideal conditions to keep your wine fridge?

Most stand-alone wine fridges are designed to be used inside your home. They will do a great job of maintaining the ideal 12 to 15 degrees, as long as you place the unit in a moderate environment. Stick it in a 32 degrees or leave it in your un-air-conditioned or sun-facing room for a couple of months and you’ll not only burn out the compressor, but end up cooking your wine while you’re at it.

3) Will the floor hold it’s weight?

When a wine fridge is at capacity it can weigh almost a tonne. Almost all modern construction can safely support that kind of weight, but if you have any doubt, find out before your place your order.

4) Does it have to be attractive?

Will the fridge be hidden in a unoccupied room or under the stairs, will it be a centerpiece for the dining or lounge room? The finishes of many stand alone wine fridges are serviceable if not terribly attractive, but some are down right elegant.

5) What’s your budget?

Ok, so now you’ve narrowed to your choices to what you want, but it’s time to consider what you can afford. You may have to forgo the glass door or pull out shelves to be able to swing the bigger unit that I’m telling you you’re gonna need. Remember this is a tool first, and a big piece of furniture second!

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Installing a home wine cellar can help in keeping your special wine collection in peak condition. In order to age properly and to develop the delicate layers of taste as desired, wine needs to be laid down in a cellar away from the low humidity, temperature changes and imperfect storage the rest of the average home generates.

Small-scale or elaborate, a wine cellar should contain the following elements:

• proper insulation
• racks to protect and display the bottles
• good temperature controls
• proper lighting levels

Your wine cellar can be an expression of your taste – perhaps you have a preference for practicality, and as much storage in a small space as you can manage. However, you may want a show piece where you can entertain friends and sample wines in elegant comfort. Keep your needs in mind when you design your cellar.

Also note that a wine cellar need not be reserved for a country estate, as people from all walks of life who enjoy a fine bottle of wine build or have wine cellars installed.

Embark on the design process with an understanding of how you think of your wine collection. Some bottles resemble art pieces, so you can display them prominently. Sometimes you may like to showcase a rare vintage, or perhaps decorate your space with wine-related arts or crafts that bring ambience to the area.

A range of storage methods sympathetically combined will give your wine cellar the most versatility. You can invest in modular storage systems that assemble in a customized fashion, or you can have a carpenter create the storage (this can be the more expensive option).

Basic storage racks (in wood or metal) will make certain that the wine remains effectively ventilated and separated. You may also want an area reserved for wine accessories, like glasses, corkscrews, bottle openers and wine chillers or buckets.  Your wine cellar can also have essentially decorative elements such as handcrafted doors or mood lighting.

Red wines gain most from cellar storage, especially varieties that acquire flavoring from long-term storage. Most people imagine that cellars have to be located in the basement or otherwise beneath the house, but they can actually be located in any area of the house as long as the temperature and humidity levels can be effectively controlled. Make your wine cellar a genuine tribute to your passion for wine.

If you want to find out more about wine cellars, head over to http://www.infoaboutwine.com

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Storing wine is what we’ll be looking at in this part of our wine 101 guide…

The first thing you need to know when it comes to wine storage is to place your bottles on their side somewhere relatively cool and free from direct light. If you do this, youll be able to keep your wine for longer because the flavors won’t be damaged. However, knowing a bit more about wine storage will help you get the best out of your bottles.

When it comes to preserving wine, temperature is the thing that makes the most difference. Keeping your wines between 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal; though a range of 45 to 65 degrees is considered acceptable. A temperature below the ideal range will prevent your wine from aging correctly. Whereas, warmer temperatures can cause wine to age prematurely (not in a good way).

The worst thing you can do to your wine is subject it to varying temperatures. It’s much better to keep your wine at a constant temperature, even if it is too high or too low, than to subject it to large fluctuations every day. The temperature should never fluctuate more than 5 degrees a day; this is especially important for red wines, which can be more damaged than whites from fluctuations.

Another important element to wine storage is humidity; if your storage area is too dry, the corks on your bottles will dry out and allow air to get inside, which can lead to damaged wine. Try to keep your storage areas humidity level at around 70 to 80 percent, you can buy a hygrometer to keep track of this.

A wine cellar is the ideal place for storing wine because it maintains the optimal humidity and temperature; however, they aren’t practical for most people because of their size and cost. If a wine cellar isnt practical for you, place your bottles in a garage or basement to achieve similar conditions. Making some space in either and purchasing a wine rack and temperature / humidity gauge are highly recommended if you intend on storing more than a few bottles of wine at a time.

As for how long to store it for, this depends on the type of wine, the region the wine was made in, the technique used to make it, and the particular year the grapes were harvested in. In general though, you should drink whites quickly and age reds for five to 10 years. If you’re starting out, aging charts (which are available free online) can help you see when a wine is typically best enjoyed.

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