How To Properly Clean and Maintain Your Wine Cellar [Infographic]
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There is a science behind almost everything in life, and, the proper housekeeping of your wine and wine cellar is an act worthy of the careful maintenance and thought that it deserves. Although it actually is as simple as it sounds, the cleaning of a cellar or even just a wine cabinet is something that is overlooked but is crucial to excellent aging and the general longevity of your wine.
And yes - it involves more than just the odd dusting. So how do you properly care for the investment that you've made in both your wine and your wine cellar? Following a few simple steps will ensure that your wine is kept safe for drinking and that the environment that it's stored in is clean and germ-free.
The racks and shelves
What types of cloth should you use?
The unspoken rule is a thorough clean of your wine cellar at least once a year. This goes a little deeper than just wiping down the spaces that you can see. Every bottle should be removed, and your racks wiped down with a soft, damp cloth dipped in vinegar or sodium bicarbonate. Mold loves warm, dark spaces, but vinegar works a charm in getting rid of these unwanted, harmful spores. Start by wiping down with a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water, let it dry, and follow up with a bicarbonate and water solution.
Wooden racks can be a little more tricky and should be inspected and restored where necessary. Removing scratches from unstained wine racks is as simple as using fine-grit sandpaper that can bring new life to even the oldest of racks or shelves.
Cleaning your bottles of wine
Certain wines age better than others, and the one thing that you'd like to keep intact is the labels on your wine bottles, more especially so those are set aside for drinking later. Although some may suggest rinsing your wine bottles, this can damage both the labels and the corks on those that may be corked. A gentle wipe down of every bottle with a dry, soft, microfiber cloth is sufficient to clean and maintain your bottles without damaging or scratching them.
Inspect your corks
If your wine is not stored correctly, mold will find its way into the corks and this can be detrimental. Regularly inspect the bottle corks for any mold, cracks or irregularities. If the wine has been recently purchased, you may still be able to return and replace damaged bottles.
Once you've thoroughly cleaned and inspected your bottles, it is a great idea to store them in order of drinking age, with the longest ages further away. You may even consider using removable labels indicating each bottles' year of production.
How can a wine cooling system or insulation improve your cellar?
Wine storage as we've mentioned is a science, albeit not an exact one. We all know that wine tastes better as it ages, but this is largely dependent on how you store it. Whether you're an avid wine connoisseur or just building a collection of wines, storing your wine in uncontrolled environments with too much light is never a good idea, and heat is probably the greatest enemy of wine. The ideal temperature range for wine is between 45 and 65°F - anything higher than this will cause your wine to age prematurely and result in poor, flat flavors and aromas.
One of the most disappointing discoveries is that of a seeping wine bottle. The culprit? Fluctuations in temperature. Temperature swings cause wine to expand and contract, and as it expands, it tends to push the cork out and cause your bottles to leak. Don't be alarmed if this happens, and don't just throw out your wine! It does not mean that all is lost, and you may still be pleasantly surprised once you taste it.
How cool is too cool?
If you're not planning on aging your wine, fridge storage is acceptable but only for a few months. Most fridges drop below 45°F in order to preserve foods, but the lack of moisture will cause the corks to dry out, and damage the wine with air that eventually seeps in through the cork. Wine loves a bit of warmth, and of course, there are those that prefer a little cooler wine. The trick is to ensure that you do not leave it in the fridge too long.
Humidity
Extreme Humidity is the leading cause of mold, and mold is an enemy of cork and bottle labels. On the flip side, you definitely need a bit of humidity to prevent the corks from drying out. It's a fine balance, and ideally, humidity levels of 70% are optimal for wine storage. If you find that your location is a bit too dry, you can always place a bowl of water in your storage area. On the flip side, extreme dampness can be overcome with a dehumidifier.
Vertical or horizontal storage?
Lying your wine bottles on their sides has its benefits. The theory states that horizontal storage prevents the corks from drying out, and now that you've thought about it, it makes sense, doesn't it? Although this doesn't apply to bottles with screw-on caps or plastic corks, horizontal storage still offers the space-saving factor.
Should you invest in a cooler?
Regardless of the love of wine, not everyone has the space to dedicate to the storage of their collections. The good news is that there are alternatives to the traditional basement wine cellar. A wine cooler is an ideal option, but before you do invest in one, there are again factors to consider.
They do of course come in a range of sizes, and you would need to keep in mind the maximum number of bottles it can store, whether it's upright or stacked, and other things such as the materials that the unit is made out of. There are also units with multiple temperature controls which are ideal for storing reds and whites at different temperatures, but as with everything, the more elaborate the design and feature, the more you can expect to pay for it.
INNOVATIVE SAUNAS AND CELLARS ARE SAUNA BUILDERS WITH IMAGINATION
ENVIOUS WINE CELLARS
You may already have a wine collection or have dreams of starting one. Whether you have a room set aside or a specific space in mind, Innovative has decades of experience with designing wine cellars that fulfill the wishes of our clients and become the envy of our future clients.
Wine is a personal thing. Each lover and collector of wine will have their preferences. Like wine, a cellar is also personal. It is not just about pleasure and storing your best vino correctly. A cellar adds character and style to a home. Naturally, a cellar should also be a reflection of your unique requirements, both practical and aesthetic.
Your unique taste in wine will determine the technical requirements of your cellar. Our team will assist you with the correct size of racks to suit your bottles. The appropriate storage space and creating the ideal temperature and humidity are crucial for preserving your favorite wines.
With the practical aspects taken care of, the magic begins. This is when we work together to create your unique showcase. If you desire something classic that exudes established elegance, we offer Walnut, White Oak, and Sapele wood. These options are available in a wide range of shades from airy to somber espresso.
Our wood selection is specifically chosen to strike the best balance between style and longevity. A good wine cellar wood must be able to last in a humid and slightly chilly environment, while at the same time reflecting the look and feel of your vision.
If you prefer a more modern angle, we are equally adept at working with glass or combinations of glass and wood. We are innovators and we love a challenge. If your imagination is going towards something outside of the box, we would love to make it happen for you.
As wine lovers ourselves, we wanted to take our service a step further. Innovative also offers a comprehensive Sommelier service through Hermes Ortiz Wine Consulting services. Hermes is certified by the USSA Sommelier Association and has established wine contacts across the globe.
Our Sommelier service includes consulting on cellar stocking, wine investment and education, as well as wine tasting events.
We are wine cellar builders that work seamlessly under any design circumstances. We work with architects, designers, builders, or you. We can be involved in your process as much as your needs require.
Is your heart saying “I want one!”? Contact us today.
What you can expect from us as wine cellar builders, and sauna builders
High-level craftsmanship in implementation: we understand that the wine cellar or sauna becomes an integral part of your home, which must meet both comfort and representativeness requirements.
Supporting customers with over 40 years of experience: during this time we have seen many trends in the wine cellar and sauna industry come and go, which allows us to build durable solutions that meet all your needs.
Excellent and responsive customer service: We're happy to answer any questions you may have whenever they arise - whether it's before you buy, during design and construction, or as you use our products.
We provide our wine cellar builder, and sauna builder services where our clients need them - we especially enjoy working in the beautiful city of Hardy, Virginia. If you're interested in a luxury wine cellar or sauna in your home, check out our website and gallery for inspiration, and let's talk about how we can create value for you and your family.