The addition of yeast to grape juice was not found to ruin the beverage, but rather the yeast changed it into an alcoholic drink, due to the fermentation of the sugar present in the juice. As a result, ancient civilizations began the process of creating wine by intentionally fermenting juices.

At that time, wine storage solutions weren't much of an issue. The choices were just crocks and ewers and with little way to control temperature or humidity, it was never certain that anything kept for long would be anything but vinegar when opened. Eventually, caves and cellars were found to be good conditions for wine to reach its peak and the first wine cellars came to be.

In the same way they learned how wines require different conditions for the development and aging processes, today's wine enthusiasts have discovered that their own home wine storage solutions must meet certain conditions as well. For most modest wines, an open wine rack in a home of moderate temperature and minimal humidity is sufficient.

Other more exacting wine lovers may want more precise conditions and opt to purchase and use wine storage coolers to protect the wine at its best possible quality. These can be tiny one bottle sizes to chill a bottle for individual use, or room sized refrigerated chambers or anything in between. What is being stored and the tastes and budget of the household will have a lot to do with which wine storage solutions are chosen.

It is a meticulous task to keep wine in top condition and keep it aging appropriately. There is little room for temperature variations. They only range from no lower than 40 degrees and no higher than 65 degrees Fahrenheit, the more consistent the temperature the better. There is only one recommended allowance for change each year also at least fifty percent humidity should be maintained. Wines can also be ruined by light and so the cooler should be kept light tight and out of direct sunlight.

For wine storage solutions to be effective, the wine bottles must also be stored at the correct angle. Storing the bottles at a completely horizontal angle is best, but anything up to a maximum of 45 degrees is acceptable. Storing them at a less than 25 degree angle is preferable. Racks are the best option in a wine cooler, although some simply are units to stack loose bottles.