There are some wines that are created to be enjoyed immediately after opening. Others, however, take months or even years to become the very best they can be. It is this group of wines that must be properly stored and preserved in a carefully created and meticulously maintained environment.

All types of wine, both white and red, must be stored in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat or sunshine will have an adverse effect on the aging process.

It's essential to store your wine in the appropriate environment within a proper wine cellar, away from heat and sunlight. Careful storage will ensure that you'll enjoy a scandalously good wine when you finally pop the cork.

Temperature is the most important aspect of your wine cellar, so you need to equip the area with a good climate maintenance system. Ideally, the storage temperature will be between 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

During summer and winter, of course, the temperature may slowly rise or dip about 10 degrees or so. These natural and gradual fluctuations are normal and should not affect the quality of your wines. Any rapid increases or decreases, however, can cause the wines to age prematurely. Take care to monitor the temperature and keep it consistent at all times.

There are a few options available to wine collectors wishing to install a wine cellar. It is possible to purchase a ready-made cellar, but this is a very expensive proposition. For most of us, building a wine cellar is a more realistic option. The project does not involve a great deal of equipment, money or even space. An existing cold cellar, storage area or even an unused closet will do just fine.

If you're serious about collecting wines but simply don't have the space or resources available to commit to a proper wine cellar, talk to a local wine merchant. There are retailers and individuals with wine storage facilities that can offer space to you for a rental fee.

Collecting wine can be a fun and interesting hobby; and if you store your wines properly, you'll continue to enjoy the hobby for many years to come.