Toast-worthy - WINE STORAGE

FROM EVERYDAY WINES TO BOTTLES YOU’RE SAVING, DECANT YOUR COLLECTION INTO STORAGE THAT PARTNERS TASTE AND STYLE

- TARA KING

ROOM OF ITS OWN

A climate-controlled room is an ideal option for those with expanding collections. ‘While larger homes may benefit from existing rooms, redundant space such as under the stairs can be just as effective with cleverly designed shelving,’ says Tom Howley, design director of Tom Howley. ‘By incorporating a glass door and the right lighting, it becomes an eye-catching feature wall as well as an immersive walk-in experience.’

GO UNDERGROUND

Installing a purpose-built cellar will provide the ideal natural environment for storing your wine. They can be built into an existing, furnished, ground-floor room and planning permission usually isn’t required unless it’s a listed building. ‘Don’t be tempted to use an untreated basement – although cool in temperature, a dank environment with poor air circulation will allow musty flavours and bacteria to creep in,’ says Lucy Hargreaves, managing director, Spiral Cellars.

LAY IT DOWN

While it’s fine to store screw-top bottles upright, it’s important that those sealed with a cork are laid on their side to prevent the cork from drying out and shrinking. A wine wall offers the perfect solution, but daylight can affect quality over time – something to consider if you’re collecting investment wines.

GET CREATIVE