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You don't need to be a millionaire to enjoy your own wine cellar. What you do need is a cool place with moderate humidity, low light and no vibration or odor. This could be the back of a closet or a section of your basement or garage, providing it's not near your furnace or water heater. Heat and light will prematurely age a bottle of wine, so make sure the constant temperature is between 50 and 59ºF and the humidity is around 75%. The size of your collection and the amount of space you have will determine what type of storage you use for your wine. You can store your wine by the case or by the bottle, but make sure the wine is placed on its side, so the cork stays moist. For smaller areas, simple wooden racks work well and come in a variety of sizes and configurations. A storage basket set holds up to 30 bottles (five baskets of six bottles each), and is on wheels for easy movement. For wine that is stored by the case, a cardboard case rack or a wood case rack keeps your cases in order. For those of you who have a lot of room to devote to your wine collecting, there are some beautiful storage options that make the most of your collection and the space you have. The waterfall configuration cascades down from 19 rows to 11 rows with a waterfall of display bottles on top. Choose from several different sizes and styles of racks, including individual half height, which holds 60 bottles, a diamond cube, or even a curved corner rack that utilizes your corner space by allowing your racks to flow from wall to wall. A tasting table creates a perfect space for wine tasting and decanting. Remember to stock your wine cellar with short-term, medium-term and long-term wines so you have right wine to enjoy with your casual get-togethers, special dinners and commemorative occasions. Put the wines you drink most often in a spot that's easy to reach, so you can grab them at any time. An inventory log will help to manage your investment and keep track of your collection.
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