Ideal Storage Conditions

"Whatever you do, never buy expensive wine to age and keep it in warm conditions for years on end in the hope that it will survive...  It won't, and you will have wasted a lot of money,"
(Steve Charters, MW, The Global Encyclopaedia of Wine, 2000).

The condition in which your wine is cellared greatly impacts its development and ultimately your enjoyment.  The following conditions are ideal to gain the maximum pleasure from your wine:

Cool Temperature with Minimal Variation
If wine is stored at temperatures that are either too warm or too cold, it will adversely affect its development.  Temperature variation is even more detrimental and must be kept to a minimum.  Interestingly, it is not uncommon for homes or home cellars to vary in temperature by up to 10 degrees within a year.

MacPhee's climate control systems utilise state-of-the-art refrigeration technology to maintain an optimum temperature of 14 degrees (plus or minus one degree) all year round.

Substantial Humidity
Melbourne's relatively low air humidity can eventually dry out corks and result in bottle leakage.  Conventional refrigeration and air conditioning is unsuitable for premium wine cellaring because it reduces humidity.  Too much moisture on the other hand (often the case in some underground cellars) can spoil labels.

MacPhee's maintain humidity in the industry-agreed range of 65% - 75% throughout the year protecting your wine against label mould and dry corks.

Even Airflow Distribution
If air is 'blown' unevenly in a wine cellar, bottles close to the unit are subject to colder air than those that are further away.

MacPhee's purpose designed 'socks' provide the ultimate in even airflow distribution. This means that all wine cellared at MacPhee's benefits from a consistent temperature.

Darkness and Limited Bottle Movement
Exposure to light is another factor that can impact the development of wine.  Whilst having little effect over short periods, it is preferable for wine to be stored away from light sources long term.

Exposure to light and vibrations are kept to an absolute minimum at MacPhee's Wine Cellarage.