Vail Ranch Self Storage

Quite often, wine is consumed within 24 hours of the time of purchase. However, most fine wines are set aside for long-term storage. Wine happens to be one of the few commodities that can improve with age. It can also rapidly deteriorate if kept in inadequate conditions. There are three factors that have the most direct impact of a wine's condition. They are light, humidity and temperature. A fourth consideration can be security for expensive wines. All of these factors are equally important for individual wine collectors, wine growers, wineries and those likely wanting to protect and preserve their investments.

Quality wine storage utilizes industry professionals to install computerized refrigeration and humidifier systems to maintain optimal conditions for the storage of wine. Insulation is used to provide constant protection from light and fluctuations in temperature throughout the year. Too much light may cause a reaction with phenolic compounds in wine and create devastating wine faults.

Wine storage temperatures must be consistently kept between 55 and 57 degrees. Too much fluctuation in temperature could impact the bottle's cork and ultimately the taste and/or resale value. The cork, stored with too high temperature, will move up the neck of the bottle leaving more air contact, therefore, when cooled will speed the oxidation process. Humidity should be maintained between 60 and 70 percent. When the air in storage is not humid enough, the cork will dry allowing the acceleration of oxidation. If the air is too moist, mold and mildew will build up and destroy labels and possibly the cork. Free flowing air should circulate the cool air and humidity between each and every bottle for the preservation and appropriate aging of a wine investment.

There has been tremendous growth in research and knowledge in regard to proper wine storage. This knowledge has become invaluable for industries relating to wine. Some connoisseurs may elect to store their wine investments at home in a dedicated room or closet. Other options involve rentals at off-site wine storage facilities that are specifically designed for the task.

Vail Ranch Self-Storage has been catering to this specific need since 1998. Today, we are licensed by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and are one of the few facilities in California bonded by the Department of the Treasury, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tax, Tobacco and Trade.

Call (951) 302-0204 or stop by for information.