Home Cellar Series: Episode 1 - White Wines

Written by Dan Berger 
Contributing Author 

If you enjoy wine, chances are you visit retail wine shops whenever you need a bottle or two for a meal or an upcoming celebration. 

There are numerous compelling reasons to start a modest wine collection at home. First and foremost, having a variety of wines readily available reduces the frequency of last-minute shopping trips. Impromptu purchases can be unpredictable, often leaving you with limited options that may not be to your liking. 

By allowing yourself additional time to determine what to stock, you can make more thoughtful decisions, avoiding the rush of last-minute selections that might result in increased expenses or subpar wine quality. 

A home cellar, or even a basic cool storage area, provides an ideal environment for wine enthusiasts to age their bottles in more stable conditions than those typically found at many retail stores, where temperature variations are common. 

I think that lately, wineries have been launching their wines prematurely. A number of them would benefit from a bit more aging time. Take chardonnay, for instance; while it’s frequently enjoyed shortly after buying, it can develop greater complexity with just a few additional months or even a year in the bottle. 

Having a personal wine collection offers enthusiasts the opportunity to mature their wines, while also being a cost-effective approach. Retailers frequently receive special deals on certain wines and are motivated to sell them quickly to secure profits before settling their costs. As a result, these wines may be offered at discounted prices for a limited time. However, it's important to note that prices can increase after a few weeks. 

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