For anyone who enjoys wines, a "wine cellar" is not just a nicety - it is a necessity! There are many reasons to start a cellar, but convenience is certainly one of them. With a thoughtfully stocked cellar, you can be assured of having the right wine for the right occasion, even if the vast majority is just for everyday quaffing. It is also very rewarding to put away a few potential gems, and be rewarded by drinking them at the pinnacle of their maturity.

The three keys to proper wine storage are control of light, temperature, and humidity. It is necessary to control exposure to sunlight to prevent harmful oxidation.

The ideal temperature for wine to be stored is 55 degrees Fahrenheit. A colder temperature retards the natural maturation process, while a warmer temperature accelerates the oxidation process, which is harmful. Next to exposure to extreme heat, the most damaging to wine is exposure to temperature fluctuations, which can even cause the cork to be pulled in and out of the bottle, increasing the chance of air leaking into the wine.

Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can also be harmful. Many a bottle of Champagne has been compromised by being left in the refrigerator, awaiting the ideal occasion.

Humidity fluctuations, within reason, are not as harmful to wine as temperature changes. The main danger is in prolonged exposure to extremely dry conditions, which can dry the cork, even with the bottles stored on their sides. The ideal humidity for wine storage is between 50% and 80%.