When stored in the right environment, wine can provide immense enjoyment for decades after it’s been purchased. However, you may want to consider investing in proper wine storage to get the most out of your wine collection. With so many options, ranging from small wine racks to custom home wine cellars, how can you know which storage option is right for you? One storage option many people overlook is an off-site wine cellar. Whether you have a small personal wine collection or own a large commercial inventory, an off-site wine storage facility could offer several benefits for your collection. Here, we’ll go over nine benefits of professional wine storage.
Should You Use a Professional Storage Facility or a Home Cellar?
You may be thinking, why use a third-party wine cellar? There are several options for in-home coolers or cellars, which may seem more cost-effective. However, what many people don’t realize is that wine storage facilities actually have a fairly low initial cost, especially when compared to other wine storage options.
For example, wine cabinets generally start at $2,500, and wine cellars cost tens of thousands of dollars to install. To get availability or pricing for local wine storage near you, visit our wine storage informational page.
Off-site wine storage facilities also free up space in your home or restaurant that could be used more effectively. So, even if you only have 40-50 bottles, it’s probably worth the investment.
9 Benefits of a Professional Wine Storage Facility
Wine can be expensive, and you don’t have to be a serious wine collector to want to safeguard your investments. If you buy a few nice bottles to save for special occasions or order a case of wine from your favorite winery, having the right storage solutions in place can do wonders for taste and longevity. Still, many don’t think investing in professional wine storage facilities offers enough advantages to outweigh the cost. However, there are several benefits of a professional wine cellar, including:
1. Optimal Temperature Control
Most wine enthusiasts know that different wines need to be served at different temperatures. But did you know that the storage temperature matters just as much, if not more? The ideal temperature for wine storage is between 55 and 57 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures higher than this can cause the wine to age more rapidly, while lower temperatures may dry out the cork and cause a decline in quality and taste. Therefore, properly storing fine wine is essential to protect your investment and avoid wasting money. But in-home temperature-controlled wine cellars can be expensive, and your basement or pantry won’t offer the same consistency over the years. A professional cellar is much more efficient.
2. Proper Humidity Levels
Another benefit of proper wine storage is consistent humidity levels. Similar to temperatures, humidity levels must be controlled to ensure your wine can develop to its full potential. Typically, wine preservation is best at humidity between 60% and 70%. Any major fluctuations in moisture can affect the sediment in a wine bottle and change the taste. Therefore, choosing the right climate control is essential.
3. Protection from Light and Vibrations
In addition to temperature and humidity control, professional wine cellars protect your collection from damage caused by lights or vibrations. UV light can cause wine to age prematurely, which is why bottles are typically made of dark glass. However, natural or artificial light exposure at home is hard to avoid. Professional storage facilities eliminate this risk by keeping your wine in the dark. Similarly, vibrations from home appliances or nearby foot traffic can disturb the sediment in the wine, potentially affecting the flavor. Your wine stays safe from both at a storage facility, so it ages as intended.
4. Advanced Security and Protection
Professional wine storage facilities offer a level of security you simply can’t get at home. From advanced security systems to restricted access, they’re designed to keep your wine collection safe from theft, accidents, and natural disasters. Many facilities even offer backup power systems to keep storage conditions consistent, regardless of external power outages. This peace of mind is especially valuable if your collection includes rare or high-value bottles.
5. Insurance Protection and Financial Security
For collectors and casual wine enthusiasts alike, wine isn’t just a passion—it’s an investment. Some facilities offer insurance options that protect your collection in case of accidental damage, giving you an extra layer of financial security. Others may require you to supply your own insurance, depending on the area or facility. Always ask before transferring your bottles of wine to ensure that you’re covered one way or another.
6. Expertise in Handling and Maintenance
Another unique benefit of professional wine storage is the attention to detail that’s involved. Wine storage companies allow you to keep an extensive wine collection without worrying about maintenance and logistics. There are typically professionals whose jobs revolve around making sure your wine is the best it can be, whether that means maintaining optimal storage conditions or providing you with information to help you make the best decision for your needs. When looking for the best ways to store your wine, nothing beats having an expert there for daily care and observation.
7. Flexibility for Growth or Change
Wine collections tend to grow over time, especially as you discover new vintages or expand your tastes. Companies like The Lock Up Self Storage offer flexible options to accommodate this. Whether you need to increase your storage size or move your collection, facilities often provide scalable storage solutions that grow with you. This flexibility means you won’t have to constantly reconfigure your storage setup at home as your collection expands.
8. Easy and Convenient Access
Another benefit of professional wine storage is the convenience of access. While your collection won’t be as accessible as it may be at home, several businesses offer scheduled access, allowing you to pick up or inspect bottles at your leisure. This feature is invaluable for collectors who may want to sell some bottles, as it ensures your wine is in the best possible condition for any buyers or appraisals. The same applies to restaurants needing an offsite storage solution. Having a secure, controlled environment also means you can retrieve wine without the hassle of handling and moving delicate bottles from one location to another.
9. Enhanced Resale Value for Collectors
When you store wine in a professional facility, you benefit from documented conditions that prove optimal storage. This can be a game-changer if you decide to sell, as potential buyers often look for wines stored in ideal conditions for quality assurance. So, whether you’re planning to keep or sell your bottles, professional storage enhances your wine’s longevity and, ultimately, its value.
Ready to Reap the Benefits of Professional Wine Storage?
When you’re ready to enjoy the optimal conditions a professional cellar provides without spending thousands of dollars for an in-home system, partner with The Lock Up Self Storage. Whether you’re a wine collector, investor, or restaurateur, The Lock Up Wine Cellars will help enhance and safeguard your investment. We’ve spared no expense to ensure that your collection is stored in optimal conditions—at an average temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit and 60% to 70% humidity year-round. We offer various sizes of cellars for your storage needs, so you only pay for what you need.
To give you peace of mind, our wine cellars are equipped with top-of-the-line security monitoring, including security-controlled gate access, motion-sensitive lighting, 24-hour camera monitoring, and perimeter alarms. We also offer traditional self-storage units with flexible leasing options. Many of our locations offer electronic coded access specific to each tenant. To learn more about the pricing or to find a storage unit near you, call us at 1-866-327-LOCK today!
