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Installing a personal wine cellar can assist in keeping your special wine collection in top condition. For wine to age properly and to mature the intricate layers of taste as intended, wine needs to be kept in a cellar away from the low humidity, temperature variations and less than desirable storage the majority of the average home generates.

Small-scale or on a big scale, a wine cellar should incorporate the following elements:

• proper insulation
• racks to protect and display the bottles
• good temperature controls
• proper lighting levels

Your wine cellar can be an expression of your taste – perhaps you have a preference for practicality, and as much storage in a small space as you can manage. Or, you may want a show piece where you can entertain friends and sample wines in elegant surroundings. Have your needs in mind when you design your cellar.

Also be aware that a wine cellar need not be reserved for a country estate, as people from all walks of life who enjoy a fine bottle of wine build or have wine cellars installed.

You will want to come to the design process with an idea of how you view your wine collection. Some bottles resemble art pieces, so you may want to display them prominently. Sometimes you may like to showcase a rare vintage, or perhaps decorate your space with wine-related arts or crafts that bring ambience to the area.

A variety of storage modules pleasantly combined will give your wine cellar the most versatility. You can invest in modular storage systems that assemble in a customized fashion, or you can have a carpenter create the storage (this can be the more expensive option).

Simple storage racks (in wood or metal) will ensure that the wine remains properly ventilated and separated. You may also want an area reserved for wine accessories, like glasses, corkscrews, bottle openers and wine chillers or buckets.  Your wine cellar can also have essentially decorative elements such as handcrafted doors or mood lighting.

Red wines gain most from cellar storage, in particular varieties that acquire body from long-term storage. Many people imagine that cellars must be located in the basement or otherwise under the house, though they can actually be located in any area of the house as long as the temperature and humidity levels can be properly controlled. Make your wine cellar a personal tribute to your passion for wine.

If you want to read more about wine cellars, click over to http://www.infoaboutwine.com

Storing wine is the focus of this part of our wine 101 guide…

A simple method of wine storage is to keep your bottles sideways in a dark place away from heat or light. If you do this, youll be able to keep your wine for longer because the flavors won’t be damaged. However, knowing a bit more about wine storage will help you get the best out of your bottles.

Temperature is an important factor when you’re dealing with wine. Keeping your wines between 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal; though a range of 45 to 65 degrees is considered acceptable. A temperature below the ideal range will prevent your wine from aging correctly. Whereas, warmer temperatures can cause wine to age prematurely (not in a good way).

The worst thing you can do to your wine is subject it to varying temperatures. As bad as it is, a steady temperature in extreme heat or cold is much better than constantly varying temperatures, even if the change is within the ideal range. The temperature should never fluctuate more than 5 degrees a day, especially with red wines, which suffer more temperature-related problems than white wines.

Humidity is also important as, unless its properly maintained, it can cause the cork to dry out, and this allows air to come into contact with the wine (which damages it). You want to aim for a humidity level of around 70 – 80% and can purchase a hygrometer to track this.

A wine cellar is the ideal place for storing wine because it maintains the optimal humidity and temperature; however, they aren’t practical for most people because of their size and cost. However, you can mimic the conditions of a wine cellar in a basement or garage. Making some space in either and purchasing a wine rack and temperature / humidity gauge are highly recommended if you intend on storing more than a few bottles of wine at a time.

If you’re wondering how long to store your wine for, the answer is complicated; many factors contribute to storage length, not limited to the production technique, style of wine, and region where it was produced. In general though, you should drink whites quickly and age reds for five to 10 years. If you’re starting out, consult a free online aging chart to to assist you with this aspect of wine storage.

Although position is important when storing wine, temperature is the most important storing factor overall.  Even though you may not have the ideal conditions for storage, you should always have the optimal level of temperature.While storing your wine temperature is very important, as it is responsible for the overall flavor,quality and longevity of the wine.  Most wines need to be stored for long periods of time, which is why the temperature is so very important.

The temperature for storing wine should always be between 50 and 65 degrees F. When stored in this range, the wine will develop quite nicely.  In the days before refrigeration, wine was stored in underground cellars and caves.  When refrigeration came along, it quickly became the easiest and most preferred way to store wine, as it allowed you to maintain the same desired temperature.

In this day and age, science plays a major role with wine making.  Science has proved over the years that aging is actually a chain of chemical reactions that occur over time.  Depending on the temperature, the chemical reactions can either be good or bad.  Chemical reactions all have unique energy factors that need to be met for each individual reaction to happen.So it is important to maintain the right temperature, in order to felicitate the chemical reactions in the wine.

If wine is stored in direct sunlight or in a hot area, the increase in temperature can result in a chemical reaction that can damage both the flavor and the quality of the wine.  Wine that has been damaged from heat will normally turn brown due to the oxidation.If this happens, the quality and flavor of the wine would not be good.  Wine that is damaged from heat loses all of it’s flavor and color, making it virtually impossible to drink – or sell.

Colder temperatures on the other hand may slow the aging process, although it can also prevent the wine from getting the chemical reactions it needs as well.  Lower temperatures may not affect the quality or taste of the wine, although it isn’t recommended.  All bottles of wine, until they have been opened, should be stored in a location with a temperature above 50 degrees F.  This way, the wine will be in the proper temperature for storage and able to get the chemical reactions it needs.

You should keep any open bottles in your refrigerator, as the average temperature is normally 41 degrees F.  You shouldn’t keep bottles that you haven’t opened in the fridge, as the temperature is much too cold.  If you follow the above tips when storing your wine, you’ll find the taste to be spectacular.  Storing wine will always raise the value and add to the taste – providing you store it the right way.

There are two primary ways of combining food and wine. First, it can be done by choosing a wine to accompany a meal. And, second, wine can become an ingredient in the preparation of a meal. Of course, the second activity should always be followed by the first for maximum wine and food enjoyment. And, of course, there’s no reason not to enjoy both activities at the same time providing an ideal combination of food and wine.

Enjoying Wine With Dinner

A good wine will add to the flavor of the food, assist in digestion and, in the case of red wine, be beneficial in keeping your heart healthy. There are many differing theories as to which wines to combine with particular foods. However, my suggestion is that if it tastes right, it is right. While some gourmets may argue with this, there seems to be little downside in combining food and wine in this manner.

Cooking With Wine

French and Italian chefs are renowned for combining wine and food. Both cuisines make extensive use of both red and white wines in meal preparation from appetizers to sauces to desserts.

Usually, combining food and wine in this manner does not result in an alcoholic taste to the food as heating the wine or other liquor typically boils away the alcohol component.

The other rule to consider when cooking with wine is never to cook with a wine that you don’t want to drink. This will often mean opening a bottle of wine just for cooking but the flavor boost to your dinner is worth it. Don’t be tempted to add that wine that has been sitting open in the fridge for the last week to the recipe you are cooking. If it isn’t a wine you would drink, don’t try to cook with it. Get some more tips about cooking with wine, storing wine and tasting wine at Wine Cellar Secrets.