Wine Cellar Spring Cleaning

Vinotemp Custom Wine Cellar

We have created a checklist for you to not only clean up, maintain, and update your cellar, but to also learn more about wine and share that knowledge with others. The goal is not to overwhelm yourself, but instead set your wine cellar up for success so that you may enjoy every drop of wine to its fullest.

1. It is important to maintain order in your cellar by making sure bottles stay organized.
2. Know what bottles you have. This will make it easier to plan what you want to drink and what you need or don’t need to buy.
3. Physically investigate your collection. It is important to check your stored bottles for leaks or damages to the corks to ensure they are aging properly and that the quality of the wine is not compromised.
4. Dispose of expired or damaged wine. Most wines have a window of time in which they should be consumed. Whether you drink it, share it, or gift it, make sure that someone is enjoying the wine at its peak, or at least before its aromas and bouquets start to decline.

1. When adding bottles to your cellar, think outside of the box. It is important to discover new and exciting wines.
2. Remember to pick up some of the classics too. While variety is always nice, a simple table wine that will lend itself to many dishes is great to have on hand.
3. Try shopping at your local wine store instead of a big-name chain. Did you know that the quality and storage of wine of the same label can vary from store to store? Tip: The local wine shops are generally selling the “best of the batch”.
4. Make note of when a bottle should ideally be consumed, when adding it to your cellar. This ensures every glass will taste its finest and no bottle will be forgotten.
5. Join a wine box subscription. Many of these services are based on your own personal tastes and preferences. It is a great way to try many different wines.

1. Downloaded the latest wine apps. From discovering the perfect pairings to learning more about the label and where to buy, smart phone apps are a great way to incorporate wine education into your busy schedule.
2. Go online. There are many of online wine education courses available that are easy and inexpensive.
3. Enjoy wine tastings in your area. Wine tastings can be fun social events where you can meet people with a common interest while learning more about what you are drinking.
4. Include friends and family in your wine education. Many wine tastings, courses, and events offer group discounts.

1. Wine is a social drink. Focus on who you can share and enjoy your wine with.
2. Host your own blind tastings or cellar parties. Have a BYOW (Bring Your Own Wine) Night and ask everyone to bring their favorite bottle to share.
3. The more your loved ones understand the wine they drink, the more they will appreciate it with you.

1. Cellar management is always advancing. Add a digital cellar management software system to your cellar to keep careful inventory of its contents. Alternatively, you can also create your own inventory on an excel spreadsheet or paper ledger.
2. Add new accessories to refresh your wine experience. A new corkscrew, decanter, or quality wine glasses can add value to each pour.
3. Update the racking system inside your cellar. Adding wall-mounted racks or mixing wine racking material within your space can add new life to your wine room and also create visual appeal.
4. Is your cellar cooling system working efficiently? Clean it by following the guidelines provided in its instruction manual. If its not cooling properly, it may be time to replace it with a newer unit.

Do you have a cellar maintenance routine? Tell us about it.