Wine storage

Sunset, Nov, 2004 by Marion McGahey

During the holidays, when you need to stash a few more bottles of bubbly than usual, storage suddenly becomes a priority. Choices in wine racks range from simple variations on the wine crate to hutchlike cabinets for 24 or more bottles to elaborate wall systems designed to hold hundreds. Companies with a good variety of storage solutions include International Wine Accessories (www.iwawine.com or 800/527-4072) and Winerackstore.com (online or 800/650-6141).

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Care for your bottles

No matter what system you have, there are a few things you need to know in order to store wine properly.

* You can successfully keep wine in any cool place--under 70[degrees], ideally around 55[degrees]. Never put a wine rack near the furnace, heating ducts, or water heater. Temperature stability is more critical than precise temperature.

* Always lay the bottle on its side or upside down so that the cork stays moist and sealed against its neck, thus avoiding oxidation, which will damage the wine.

* Avoid direct sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light. They may harm wines--specifically, the yeast organisms still alive within the bottle.

* Avoid vibration-prone areas in the home, such as near a washer, dryer, or stairway. And naturally, in earthquake country, bolt your racks to fixed walls.

* Humidity is best kept at 50 percent--not so damp that labels will fall off.