Active versus passive Wine cellar

tasting room of port wine in wine cellar of producer

wine cellars can either active or passively cooled. active wine cellars highly insulated , need constructed. require specialized wine cellar conditioning , cooling systems maintain desired temperature , humidity. in dry climate, may necessary actively humidify air, in areas not necessary. passive wine cellars must located in naturally cool , damp areas minor seasonal , diurnal temperature variations—for example, basement in temperate climate. passive cellars may less predictable, cost nothing operate , not affected power outages.

debate on humidity

some wine experts debate importance of humidity proper wine storage. in wine spectator, writer matt kramer noted french study claimed relative humidity within bottle maintained 100% regardless of closure used or orientation of bottle. however, alexis lichine says low humidity can problem because may cause organic corks dry prematurely. inch of gravel covering floor periodically sprinkled little water recommended retain desired humidity.