- Obviously, to have a true wine cellar, you should have a cellar, basement or some type of dark, cool sub-level in your home in which to store wine properly. Your wine should stay within a certain temperature range; though opinions vary, generally speaking your wine should never be over 75 degrees or under 40 degrees, as variations above or below this range can spoil your wine in a short period.
- Believe it or not, the best type of cellar is an old, unfinished one. If it is unfinished, it is more than likely to be somewhat damp or humid. This is another key ingredient for properly storing wine. When wine is stored for a medium to long period of time in a dry environment, the cork in the bottle can start to dry out. This can cause tiny cracks to form as the cork begins to crumble. Air may seep into your wine and render it undrinkable. Remember that oxygen is the enemy of wine.
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Having a cellar is one thing, and having shelves to actually put your wine on is another. Wooden crates or metal-and-wood holders are fine, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with stacking cardboard wine boxes on top of one another. Just remember to stack the wine on its side. You never want to store your wine right-side-up; always lay it down, on its side. This will also aid in the longevity of the wine.
If you're uncomfortable with the cardboard boxes, go to your local wine retailer or wholesaler and ask for wooden wine crates. They may charge you, but try to talk them down in price. If you're also uncomfortable with this, find wine shelving online or at a local home improvement store. Or build racks yourself, if you feel up to the task. - Ideally, you will want some type of basement or sub-level for keeping your wine. If not, create an airtight, dark, temperature- and humidity-controlled environment to ensure the longevity of your wine--possibly a small closet or even a cranny under the stairs.
