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In 2010, a bottle of 1947 Cheval Blanc sold for over $300,000. And ten years earlier, a bottle of Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon sold for $500,000. Needless to say, wine can be profitable for investors.
If you're new to wine as an investment there are a few things you need to know- starting with wine storage. The environment, conditions, and even the position of the wine bottle can impact the quality and value of the wine.
Keep reading to learn how to store wine properly.
Temperature
Wine should be stored at a consistent temperature, ideally around 12°C to 13°C (54°F to 55°F). Wine doesn't like heat. It can change the flavor of the wine and if the seal is damaged it can cause oxidation problems.
Store your wine at a consistent temperature that's not too hot or too cold. A consistent wine storage temperature can help the wine maintain its value or appreciate in value. Consider using a wine fridge for an easy way to control the temperature at all times.
Your wine storage area should also have some humidity to prevent the cork from drying out. Humidity between 50% and 70% is preferred but if you can't accommodate that consider storing your wine investments in a wine storage facility. Humidity also protects the integrity of the label and capsule which is important to collectors.
Lighting
The reason many people store wine in a cellar is because it's dark and cool. Excessive light can increase the temperature of the room and damage the bottles. Avoid using UV lights or artificial lights.
Keep your wine storage area dark as often as you can. Only turn the lights on for a short time while you're browsing and keep wine away from prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Position
The position of the wine bottle in the cellar also affects its quality. Wine should be kept on its side to maintain contact between the cork and the wine, which keeps the cork moist. There are plenty of creative wine storage ideas to keep bottles on their sides like free-standing racks or wall mounts.
If your wine came in a wooden box, you can keep it there. As long as the temperature is consistent, the wooden box will not have a negative impact on wine storage.
How to Store Wine Bottles
Now you know the basics of how to store wine. If you want to make the most out of your wine investment, you will likely be storing certain bottles of wine for 5 - 10 years plus. Keeping them in ideal conditions protects their value and allows them to develop over time properly.
Consider adding a wine fridge or wine cellar to your home to protect your investment. These two environments are best for wine quality and maintaining a consistent environment for your wine.
If adding on to your home or purchasing expensive wine fridges doesn't work for you, consider investing with Vint. We not only source the wines, but we also take care of the storage and sale of the wine as well. All you need to do is sit back and wait for the returns. If you're interested in learning more, visit our website at Vint.co or book a call with one of our team members!
