The perfect humidity setting and temperature of any type of wine cellar is the one that can create similar conditions like the ones found in the authentic wine caves in France. The reason is simple – according to wine experts, these wine caves provide an ideal setting for wine storage.

 

 

However, maintain a temperature of around 14 C (55 to 57 F) degrees and a relative humidity of around 60% on average is possible only with a certain type of cooling system designed for wine cooling. In order to manage the temperature humidity and temperature in the wine cellar, this system must be able to control the temperature and the specific characteristics of the climate in which the wine cellars are located. Generally speaking, the climate can be hot and dry, cold and humid, cold and dry and hot and humid. In addition, you should think about the winter period too. If the winter temperatures are low, the system must provide adequate heating too. These are just some of the things that people need to take into account if they are planning on building a wine cellar.

 

 

As we have mentioned before, 55 to 57 degrees F are taken as the standard for storing and aging of any kind of wine. In case the temperature goes up and down for a few degrees all the time, the wine can lose its properties and you will probably speed up the process of aging which will eventually ruin the taste and quality of wine. The good news is that there are many cooling devices today that can adjust the temperature once they notice even a small change (drop or increase of temperature for 2-3 degrees). The best idea is to use a thermostat mounted on the cellar’s wall. This thermostat should have a range of 1 degree F. This means that it will be able to keep the temperature even at slightest changes. Cellars situated in areas where the original temperature goes below 55 degrees F must utilize heating coil. Obviously, if the temperature goes below the desired 55 F, the cooling unit can’t help you. In order to keep the temperature at the right level, you should purchase a cooling unit designed for wine cellar use and you should also use a professional load calculation program.

 

When it comes to humidity, 60% is the perfect humidity even though anything between 50% and 70% is fine.  If the humidity goes above 70% you risk degradation of the glue and labels and possible emergence of mold. On the other hand, low humidity under 50% can dry the corks and evaporate some of the content. In addition to a good cooling unit, wine cellar owners should use a humidifier and a special vapor barrier around the cellar to keep the humidity at the right level.

 

Wine cellar humidity (and temperature) plays a crucial role in the process of storing and aging. They have a direct impact on the final taste, properties, and quality of wine.

Advertisement
Newsletter