| Having invested possibly hundreds of dollars in | | | | Although this is not always practical, wine should |
| your latest bottle of vintage wine (ah well, we can | | | | certainly be stored in an area that is not exposed |
| but dream), the next important decision is where | | | | it to direct sunlight. |
| to store this prized possession? | | | | As a final point, always store your wine bottles on |
| The main issue when it comes to storing wine is | | | | their side. Corks are designed to be kept moist, |
| that it needs to be maintained at a cool | | | | so that they remain airtight and do not crumble |
| temperature of between 12 and 16 degrees | | | | when a corkscrew is inserted. |
| Celsius. Shoved under the bed won't do. | | | | Bear in mind that some wines do not benefit |
| Many modern wines do not need to be aged over | | | | from being stored at all. If you have poor or no |
| a great period of time; therefore extensive cellars | | | | storage facilities available, consider purchasing wine |
| are often unnecessary. Having said this, if you | | | | that matures quickly such as most white wines or |
| have the time, space and resource to excavate a | | | | new technology reds or, possibly, a new |
| cellar, your wine will surely benefit. A purpose built | | | | Beaujolais. |
| cellar is not normally an option for most | | | | Move wine as little as possible once it has been |
| households and so suitable alternatives must be | | | | placed in storage, unless of course it is being |
| explored. | | | | moved into a glass! |
| Ideal areas for storage include a corner of a | | | | If you have a particularly special wine collection, it |
| garage, garden shed, an unused fireplace or a | | | | may be worth engaging a specialist company to |
| cupboard that is against an outside wall. | | | | store your wine for you (Oops, I'm dreaming |
| Wherever you choose to store your wine, a few | | | | again). Good storage has been recognized as vital |
| basic criteria are worth keeping in mind. | | | | for many wines and as such, many companies |
| Choose an area that is less likely to be subjected | | | | now provide storage facilities. Of course, this does |
| to fluctuating temperatures caused by household | | | | not come cheap and is best reserved for those |
| heating systems. | | | | very special bottles or for those experts who are |
| Wines benefit from being kept in dark conditions. | | | | considering selling their wine on, at a future date. |