10 CELLARING GUIDELINES TO CONSIDER WHETHER YOU’RE PLANNING AN UNDERGROUND CELLAR OR ASSESSING THE BEST SPOT TO STASH BOXES OF WINE IN YOUR HOUSE.

BUY MORE THAN ONE

Stocking up on dozens of a wine is not always feasible, but try to buy multiples when you can. That way, you won’t have to agonise over when to open just the one bottle, and you’ll also get insights into its development by opening each bottle at a different point.

BUY DIVERSELY

Don’t fill your collection with just one type of wine. Even if you love only one or two grape varieties or styles, source examples from different regions and overseas, and ask your retailer or favourite sommelier about wines with similar flavour profiles, and stock up for later. You’ll be glad you did.

UP AND DOWN

Wines sealed with screwcaps can be stored in any position, but if a bottle has a cork, the wine should remain in contact with it – ideally on its side. This will prevent the cork from drying out, which can lead to oxidisation and other issues.

KEEP IT CONSISTENT

The ideal temperature for wine storage lies between 12 and 16 degrees, but minimising climatic fluctuations can prove more important than the actual degrees. Even if your wines are stored in warmer conditions, a consistent temperature will help them stay in peak form.

DARK IS BEST

Exposing your collection to light, particularly UV and fluorescent lighting, can seriously damage your wines; light can trigger a chemical reaction that leads to changes in a wine’s flavours. Keep your collection in a dark place and the wines will reward you.

DO NOT DISTURB

Aside from regularly checking cork-sealed bottles for damage (emerging corks and low levels are two sure signs of trouble), bottles should not be moved. This also means avoiding storage near vibrating fridges and well-trod thoroughfares where frequent footsteps will disturb their slumber.

SEEK BALANCE

Wines that will age well tend to show balance on release, with all elements in harmony. If any one character is too obvious in a young wine – tannins, oak and alcohol are regular offenders – age can make it more pronounced, rather than improve the wine.

KNOW WHAT YOU LOVE

Visiting wineries that offer museum wines, attending back-vintage dinners and sourcing older wines can show you what you truly want in your collection. Sampling new releases against their older counterparts is an excellent way to learn what you can look forward to over time – or not!

HAVE A SYSTEM

Whether it’s a simple spreadsheet or the Halliday Virtual Cellar, set up a system so you know what’s in your collection. List your wines, their region, vintage and price, plus the bottles you’ve already enjoyed and when, with a few notes about them.