Wine Cellar Guides from Genuwine Cellars
Our blog covers how to design, build and care for a custom wine cellar: choosing the right location, racking and layout, temperature, humidity and light, and how to build and enjoy a collection. The articles below are written by the Genuwine Cellars team from the experience of designing and building cellars since 1995. Answers to the most common wine storage questions are at the bottom of the page.
Frequently asked questions about wine storage
Where should a wine cellar be located?
A wine cellar should be cool, dark and free of vibration. A basement is ideal. If you do not have one, a closet conversion, a purpose-built wine cabinet or a dedicated wine refrigerator can hold the right conditions in a smaller footprint.
What temperature should wine be stored at?
Red wines are best kept between 55 and 65°F and white wines slightly cooler, around 45 to 55°F. A stable temperature matters more than the exact number: swings in temperature affect how the wine ages and tastes.
What humidity level is right for a wine cellar?
Between 50 and 70 percent. Too much humidity can mould labels and deteriorate corks; too little dries corks out and lets air reach the wine. A hygrometer is a simple way to keep watch on it.
Does light affect wine storage?
Yes. UV light causes premature aging and can spoil wine. Keep the cellar dark and use LED lighting rather than incandescent bulbs, which give off heat and UV. Where windows are unavoidable, use UV-filtering glass or shades.
How should I organise a wine collection?
Group bottles by varietal or region so a specific bottle is easy to find. Wooden racking suits a classic cellar and also helps buffer temperature changes.
How do I start a wine collection?
Start with a few bottles you enjoy, whether red, white or sparkling. As your palate develops, explore new regions and styles, and learn about food pairings to get more from each bottle.
How can I learn more about wine?
Join a wine club, attend local tastings and talk to experienced collectors. Keeping tasting notes on what you like and dislike makes it easier to choose well as your collection grows.
Why build a dedicated wine cellar?
A dedicated cellar protects the investment in your collection and gives each bottle the environment it needs to develop. It also becomes a centrepiece of the home, a place to entertain and share your collection.
Why does proper storage matter for aging wine?
Wine continues to develop in the bottle, and temperature, humidity and light decide whether it develops well. Aging takes time, so stable conditions over years are what preserve a wine's quality and character.