5 tips for protecting your wine

Keep your original receipts, detailed descriptions and photos of wine bottle, and an updated and complete inventory, including storage locations. That way, if anything happens, you’ll know what you have – or what’s missing.

Markets can be volatile, so routinely have your collection professionally appraised, and keep a running record of appraised values. Work closely with your insurance agent to make sure your collection is protected, based on current market values.

Wine should be stored at a consistent temperature of between 13-15 degrees Celsius. Avoid exposure to extreme temperature changes, especially heat, which can flatten the wine’s aroma and flavour. Wine is mostly water, so it will freeze at between -9 and -6 degrees Celsius. Humidity should also be constant, at 50 to 80 percent to keep the corks healthy and sealed.

The best wine cellars are detached, well insulated and secure. You may want to store your wine in a specialty wine storage facility or in your own cellar, insulated with fiberglass to regulate temperature. Using redwood or mahogany is a good choice, as they do not rot in humidity. An electric wine cooler will also work well, especially if you have a back-up generator.

Once your wine is in storage, try not to move it, unless absolutely necessary. If you have to move it, do so carefully. Pack each bottle in a two-piece, moulded polystyrene foam mailer and place in a double wall container to ensure that it will get to its location safe and sound.