Valuables

8 things to look for when selecting a wine storage facility

wine barrels

Before you trust them with your valuable wine collection, make sure your storage facility is set up properly and taking all the precautions necessary to protect your collection from damage and keep it at its best. Here are a few things they need to do to earn your business:

1. Protect your wine from fire.

The facility should have a centrally monitored sprinkler system and/or smoke detection system in place, with signal continuity, as well as fire extinguishers throughout the building that are easily accessible.

2. Secure the building.

The facility should have a centrally monitored burglar alarm system with signal continuity, camera surveillance, and protocols in place to monitor any access staff and visitors have to the valuables within.

wine storage

3. Control temperature and humidity.

It’s important that the facility have temperature and humidity controls that are centrally monitored, with signal continuity. They should also have a back-up generator to ensure that even in the event of a power outage, your wine will stay at the appropriate temperature and humidity levels.

4. Maintain the building

Before you hand over your wine collection, confirm that the storage facility is well maintained, with annual plans to inspect the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems to ensure they continue to be in good working order. You’ll also want to make sure they have water leak detection devices installed on air handling and air conditioning systems, to prevent possible water damage.

5. Keep a low profile.

To prevent break-ins and burglaries, many storage facilities for wine and other values keep minimal signage on the exterior of the building. That way, the general public won’t know what’s stored inside.

6. Locate the building away from potential exposures and have an emergency plan in place.

You may not want to store your fine wine in a building located next to other businesses that could create risks, such as a gas station. But, if the risks can’t be avoided – for example, if the facility is located in wildfire, hurricane, or earthquake territory – ensure that the building management has a disaster preparedness plan in place, storage racks that are secured to the walls or studs to prevent damage in an earthquake, and is ready to evacuate your valuables in case of wildfire or hurricane.

7. Properly train and vet the staff.

Everyone working at the storage facility should be properly trained and qualified to care for and handle your wine collection. The facility should also perform thorough background checks on all personnel prior to hiring them.

8. Manage the collection.

All items located in open storage should have an identification label or tracking number on them, and the warehouse should maintain a complete and updated inventory of all items, including those in open storage.

Insights and expertise

We help you stay ahead and informed with these helpful tips and tricks for protecting your home, car, and more.
winerack wine bottles
Valuables
5 things that can go wrong with wine and how to prevent them
Wine is an organic asset with a limited lifespan and a peak drinking time window. Whether you own one bottle of wine or a hundred, make sure you understand what can go wrong with your wine – and what you can do to protect it.
woman hanging painting at gallery
Valuables
A collector’s guide to appraisals
An appraisal provides documentation to substantiate the existence, condition, and value of your collection.
valuable rings on womans hand
Valuables
4 questions to determine where to keep your valuables
If you’d like to keep your important papers and small valuables away from burglars, fire or natural disaster, here are four questions you can ask yourself to determine whether you should store them in a bank safety deposit box, an in-home safe, or both.

Have questions?

Contact a broker today.