TorontoWine.Com

your guide to wine in the city

Storing Wine

This page has two sections:

• Home Solutions
• Outsourcing

Home Solutions

If you plan to collect wines for the longer term, you need to ensure optimum storage conditions, namely an environment that is free from fluctuations in temperature, has some humidity and air circulation, and is free from vibration, light, and odours.  The temperature should ideally be between 13°C and 18°C.  Ensure that the cork is always wet otherwise it will dry up and let oxygen in.  Incidentally, it is not a good idea to store wine in a fridge.  The constant vibration and cold will have a negative effect on its flavour, and because of the low temperature, a good wine will not evolve.  

Unless you are the proud owner of a French Chateau with accompanying subterranean tunnels, a good practical solution is a free-standing wine cellar which comes with a cooling unit to regulate the temperature.  Capacities range from 20 bottles to 500.  If you have limited space and a kitchen renovation pending, some of the smaller units can be built in.  If expense is no object, you can have a custom built cellar designed with modular climate control and racking systems but if you are into the big bucks, be sure to obtain a certified appraisal of your collection and build it into your insurance policy.  

Visit the following companies to do some comparison shopping:

The Wine Establishment are located at 250 The Esplanade.  They offer a large range of free-standing modular and custom built wine cellars, modular climate control systems, and modular racking systems.  They also plan and design custom wine cellars for residential and corporate clients.  In addition, they stock a variety of wine accessories.

Rosehill Wine Cellars Inc are located at 339 Olivewood Road, Toronto.  They have a variety of free standing wine cabinets, wood and metal racking systems.  They also design and build custom cellars and, in addition,  provide a design service for people who want to build their own cellar but purchase the equipment from them. They also have a variety of wine accessories.

Wine Cave Inc. are located at 117 Roncesvalles Avenue.  They have a variety of wine cabinets, racking systems and accessories.

Strictly Cellars & Accessories  are located at Sussex Centre, Suite 401, 50 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Mississauga.  They have a full range of cellars, racking systems (redwood or steel) and cooling units.  However, you need to call in advance for an appointment.

Papro Consulting specialize in custom designed cellars.  They have over twenty years experience in the construction industry, and over seven years specializing in wine cellars. Their showroom (appointment only) is located at 1131 Leslie Street.

Fowler Custom Works specialize in home remodeling, renovations and restorations including the building of a custom designed wine cellar.  They operate in Mississauga, Oakville and surrounding areas.  

Outsourcing

The Fine Wine Reserve Inc. is a custom designed state-of-the-art wine storage facility located at King Street West and Spadina Avenue.  It offers 24/7 access, robust security, a climate controlled environment and a conveyor system.  Clients have a choice of their own private alarmed unit (8-600 cases) or storage There is also a members lounge and tasting room which can be used on a casual drop-in basis or rented for special occasions.
 

Iron Gate – Private Wine Management provides a number of products and services for large collectors, auctions, wine clubs and foreign consulates.  These include off-site storage in a temperature controlled, high security vault, cellar inventory and management, eSommelier Systems, appraisals, and charity auction services.  They also manage two wine purchasing clubs.  See Syndicated Buying for details.

Home  About Us   Accessories   Books  Buying Wine  Clubs  Education  Events  Food & Wine  Massage & Health   People  Publications  Restaurants & Bars  Storing  Tasting  Tours & Travel  Wild Cards  USA Visitor Guide  Wine Regions
CONTACT US