At some point, most wine enthusiasts will begin to dream about having a wine cellar in their own homes. Who wouldn’t love a dedicated room just for their collection of fancy wines? When you’re ready to begin your home improvement project, your first step should be to speak with a B & J Refrigeration specialist about the refrigeration and climate control systems you’ll need.
Choose the right location.
There is a good reason why wine rooms are typically referred to as “wine cellars.” They are usually located underground. An ideal wine room is cool and dark, which makes the cellar the perfect location for it, especially in a region with a hot climate like the Southwestern U.S. You do not want any natural sunlight in your wine room. You can use artificial light when you’re in the wine room inspecting your collection. In addition, the door to your wine room should have an airtight seal to prevent fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
Maintain the right temperature.
The right temperature is crucial for properly aging of your wine. Wine should never be stored at temperatures higher than 70 degrees Fahrenheit, as this will prematurely age the wine. An appropriate temperature range is between 45 and 65 degrees, with 55 degrees being ideal.
Maintain proper humidity levels.
Humidity levels are just as important as temperatures for proper wine storage and aging. An ideal range is between 50% and 70%. At this range, the corks are able to pull sufficient moisture out of the air, enabling them to expand like a sponge. This creates a tighter seal, which keeps oxygen out of the bottle. If the humidity level is less than 50%, the corks will dry out. If the humidity is higher than 70%, mold can begin to grow. In addition, the labels and label glue will begin to degrade.
The technicians at B & J Refrigeration Inc. – Heating and Cooling are experts at designing and installing the systems necessary for custom wine rooms. We can provide a reliable refrigeration system, as well as a climate control system to manage your temperature and humidity levels. Get in touch with our office in Tucson today by calling (520) 355-4857.