Perhaps the most important decision you have to make after you have decided on your wine is how it will be stored, as ultimately this determines the quality and thus the selling price your wine investment will have in the future. There are a number of ways you can go about storing your wine, and as always it depends on your budget.
If you are only making a small investment and would prefer to keep your costs low, you can store your wine at home. Wherever you decide to keep your wine, you need to be certain you can control the temperature and humidity, as these are the two main factors which can help or hinder the quality (and price) of your wine in years to come. Specialists recommend that wine should be stored in a cool, dark area – 13 C or 55 F is the ideal steady temperature. There should be no fluctuations in temperature, and if possible you should maintain a humidity level of around 70%. If the area is too dry, the corks will dry and damage the wine. If the area is too damp, the labels will mould. There are small refrigerated cellar units available, and some businesses will install custom-designed climate-controlled cellar facilities if you decide you can afford the luxury.
If you don’t want the hassle of storing your wines at home, you can have them placed in a UK Customs-controlled bonded warehouse, or a professionally controlled cellar. Both offer insurance on your wines, and will certify the quality throughout the life of the wine. This is of course preferable as when the time comes to sell, your buyers will pay more for certified quality wines. These cellar warehouses also offer security for your wines, so there is no need to fear burglary or other such disasters.
If you are only making a small investment and would prefer to keep your costs low, you can store your wine at home. Wherever you decide to keep your wine, you need to be certain you can control the temperature and humidity, as these are the two main factors which can help or hinder the quality (and price) of your wine in years to come. Specialists recommend that wine should be stored in a cool, dark area – 13 C or 55 F is the ideal steady temperature. There should be no fluctuations in temperature, and if possible you should maintain a humidity level of around 70%. If the area is too dry, the corks will dry and damage the wine. If the area is too damp, the labels will mould. There are small refrigerated cellar units available, and some businesses will install custom-designed climate-controlled cellar facilities if you decide you can afford the luxury.
If you don’t want the hassle of storing your wines at home, you can have them placed in a UK Customs-controlled bonded warehouse, or a professionally controlled cellar. Both offer insurance on your wines, and will certify the quality throughout the life of the wine. This is of course preferable as when the time comes to sell, your buyers will pay more for certified quality wines. These cellar warehouses also offer security for your wines, so there is no need to fear burglary or other such disasters.