8 Things to Look for When Selecting a Wine Storage Facility

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.
   
   

   
   
   

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.

This material is advisory in nature and is provided as a resource to be used together with your professional insurance advisors in maintaining a loss prevention program.