Storage

Temperature

The single most important factor in storing wine properly is temperature. Ideally, wine should be stored at a constant 55º F plus or minus 1-2 degrees. Below 50º, wine matures too slowly, while extended storage above 65-70º can drastically accelerate the aging process, shorten the period of peak drinkability and “cook” your wine. Occasional brief exposure to temperatures above 65-70º is not terribly detrimental, but repeated exposure to these temperatures, particularly when multiplied over a 10 or 20 year aging period, has a cumulative negative effect. This is why Seattle Wine Storage lockers are kept at an ideal 55º all of the time.

Humidity

Most experts recommend maintaining wine between 50% and 75% relative humidity. Low humidity causes corks to become brittle and dry, while humidity levels above 80% can result in mold and mildew, ruining labels and reducing potential resale value. Seattle Wine Storage maintains a natural humidity range of 60-75%.

Light

Exposure to sunlight or fluorescent lighting can adversely affect the contents of the bottle and fade the label. Our locker design blocks light while allowing air to circulate. Seattle Wine Storage uses only incandescent lights which are controlled by motion sensors. All lights come on when you enter an area and go off when you leave. There are no light switches to worry about, especially if your hands are full of wine.

Vibration

Constant or excessive vibration, especially for red wines, disturbs the bitter sediment, causing it to remain suspended in contact with the wine. Vibration can also adversely affect the seal on old, fragile corks. Our subterranean facilities are built into a rock hillside, eliminating vibration from external sources. Your wines will rest in a perfectly still environment at Seattle Wine Storage.