The growth of wine collections as part of a diversified portfolio has become a recent trend. Collections can offer many financial and culinary benefits for those who cultivate them. Whether used for entertaining or as an investment, you’ll need proper storage if you want your bottles to maintain their valueand taste. Here are four tips to ensure your collection keeps its quality:

1. Temperature is key. 
Wine needs to be kept at a stable temperature between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Any fluctuation, particularly on the hot end, can reduce the wine’s life and affect its taste. Steer clear of storing your collection anywhere that temperature changes occur.

2. Store bottles on their side. 
Bottles left standing allow the cork to get dry, shrinking it and letting oxygen into the bottle. This causes a bitter taste. By storing the bottles on their side, you keep the cork moist and the seal strong. 

3. Keep it dark. 
Light, specifically the UV rays from sunlight, can be especially damaging to wine (vintage ones in particular). The more transparent a bottle is, the more vulnerable it is to light. This is why many cellars are located in interior rooms or basements.

4. Have a method to the madness. 
As your collection grows, you’ll want to have a method for organizing. Many collectors organize by region, year or both. Consider assigning numbers and keeping an inventory list to guide future purchase decisions.

Serious collectors may want to consider using professional wine storage facilities, especially if they have large volumes or particularly high-priced bottles. Custom-built in-home cellars can also provide safe storage options for dedicated collectors and connoisseurs. For valuable collections stored at home, consider adding a rider to your homeowners insurance.

If you’re considering a home remodel for wine storage, or are interested in a new home with proper storage options, get in touch today.