Correct methods; providing storage space without a cellar
Store your wines in a cool place well away from light, heat, or vibrations. Ideal temperature is between 55°F and 60°F. But 65°F, even 70°F, won’t harm wine as long as the temperature is constant throughout the year; wines will, however, mature faster.
The storage area should be ventilated to prevent accumulation of musty odors, but vents should be kept closed during very hot or cold weather. If possible, maintain the relative humidity constantly around 60 percent.
Except for fortified wines, such as Sherry, keep wine bottles on their sides so that their corks remain moist and fully expanded. If bottles are stored upright, the corks dry out and shrink, admitting air, which spoils wine.
You can convert closet space for wine storage by installing shelves partitioned into bins. Shelves should be at least 34 inch thick and 14 inches deep. The bins can be of varying sizes, depending on the number and types of wines stored. A bin 13 x 15 inches will hold a case (12) of average-size bottles, stacked on top of one another. To accommodate bottles of different sizes, you may also need some smaller, individual compartments.
Cabinet space can be divided diagonally to create two compartments. Bevel the edges of the dividing board so that it fits neatly. The divider should be strong enough to hold the weight of at least six bottles.
Wine racks, available in attractive units, can be put anywhere that the temperature is right. The advantage is that each bottle has its own cubbyhole and is easy to retrieve.