If you already have a collection of wine or are thinking of starting a wine collection, you will know that the issue of good storage is the most important aspect of a good cellar, as any errors in the way wine is stored could easily lead to you losing some bottles in the process. Self Storage Great Yarmouth

As experts in storage and a company that provides our customers with storage facilities, the subject of the storage of wines is one that especially interests us at Stop & Store self storage Great Yarmouth. The way wine is stored has a major effect on the retention and improvement of quality and value of the wine. 

Here are some tips to assist you putting together the correct storage conditions for your precious wines. This will give them the best chance to improve in the bottle as they mature, and also to add to their value. 

Stop & Store self storage Great Yarmouth has storage as a focus, and while our facility is not a temperature-controlled facility, we have accommodated many clients that have removed clutter from their homes to make way for wine cellars.

Here are some of the steps to follow when you decide to store your wines expertly.

Is Collecting Wine: A Hobby or Investment?

Collecting wines can easily change from being a hobby to becoming a good investment. Good wine is a tried and tested product that has been around for ages and it’s known for its characteristic of becoming better as it gets older. However, much depends on the way it is stored, the cellar it comes from, and the properties of the varietal grape involved.

Here are some important things to consider in order to collect wine successfully. 

Getting started

In order to start your collection you will need some spare cash available so that you can buy wines in sufficient quantities to make a worthwhile cellar for yourself. But before you start buying wines, make sure you have a suitable storage space to accommodate your new hobby.

The ideal storage temperature for wines is between 10-15 degrees Celsius (50 – 60 F). A constant temperature is preferred, rather than one that has peaks and lows. Identify the coolest places in your house, such as the basement or the side facing north away from the direction of the sun. The ideal place could even be under the stairs, or in a dark, cool cupboard free of damp and mould. Either way, don’t store your wines in the kitchen which is normally the warmest room in the house.

Start with the wines you like or are familiar with. After all you are going to be drinking them sometime, so you know you will enjoy them. They may be from a region or winery that you have visited or wines you may have tasted at a wine tasting. We’d suggest that the wines you select are chosen from 5 or 6 wine growing regions or even different countries, to give you some variety. They should include whites, reds, rose and sparkling wines just to give you some depth in your cellar. Add a few sweet and fortified wines and sherries for special occasions. 

How Many Bottles Make a Good Cellar?

Once you have decided which kinds of wine to collect how much wine is necessary to stock a good cellar? 

Aim at between 1000-1500 bottles so you will need enough space in your cellar to accommodate this quantity. Have a 5-year plan for your cellar in order to reach this goal, which works out at about collecting an average of 300 bottles a year.

A record keeping system on your computer will allow you to record storage date, price, and tasting notes.. Most wine collectors like to buy between 3 to 6 of the same wine at a time. This gives them the opportunity to sample a bottle when its young, then after 2-3 years and again when its more mature. Be sure to make notes of each one that you taste so that you have a record of the wine improving with age and when a particular wine reaches maturity. 

The goal of having a cellar is to enjoy the wines you collect when they reach their peak. Collecting is ongoing, and like a journey of discovery especially if you discover a hidden gem on your buying expeditions.

Importantly, by keeping records, you will know what you have in stock. Pack your wines out of their boxes and by keeping organised you are less likely to miss a wine when it has to be quaffed, which would certainly be a travesty.

How Long Should You Store your Wines for?

Some wines are for every day use and can be enjoyed immediately. Others will need to be aged for a year or two to improve, while others may need to lie for much longer, up to 10 years. It depends on the varietal and the brand of the wine. 

Correct storage is so crucial for wines to age properly. Wines don’t like light, especially sunlight, and also need a constant temperature.   If you are storing wines in your cellar, it is worth noting that the coolest part of your cellar is near the floor, so store the wines you are going to age low down, and the younger wines for early drinking higher towards the ceiling. 

Why Use Self Storage? Self Storage Great Yarmouth

When making space for your new cellar in your home, you may want to store any items that are cluttering up your potential cellar in one of our self-storage units.

Stop & Store self storage Great Yarmouth is an ideally located self-storage facility providing easy access for the offloading, safe storage, and loading into and out of the unit. With dimensions varying from 12 square feet to up to 200 square feet, it offers a range of sizes. There is sure to be a unit that is perfect for your needs. Have a look at our space calculator which will assist you in choosing the correct size storage unit for your needs.

The ease with which you can view and book your unit is so well-considered in this time of social distancing. Booking is done electronically after you have arranged an online viewing courtesy of one of our friendly staff members. 

This is done by providing you with a temporary access code for you to view our units through our CCTV system. Our CCTV is monitored, and our facility is alarmed to ensure the safety of your belongings. We are on site from 8am to 8pm, but you have access to your unit any time. 

Please contact us on 01493 803991.