The Vintage Storage founders have extensively researched the challenge of developing the perfect wine environment. Creating the ultimate climate condition in the cellar for the wine to age properly in the bottle is what we have achieved. The temperature, humidity, proper air flow, light, and insulation have been researched and proper measures have been incorporated into the cellar to create the perfect environment for your wine storage.

Electric Power Backup

In the event of power outages, technicians are available to restore power and the various Vintage Storage systems 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Temperature

There are many ways to keep the temperature of the cellar cold. Vintage Storage researched and worked with leading professionals in the industry and together have concluded that REFRIGERATION is the best cooling method. It not only keeps a temperature of 54 - 59 degrees, but consistently maintains the temperature throughout the cellar thus allowing the maximum preservation of your wine.

Fluctuation of temperature, in addition to improperly preserving wine, also impacts the bottle's cork. Temperatures that are too high tend to cause the cork to move up the neck of the wine bottle leaving additional head space and more air contact with the wine. When the temperature begins to drop and the wine cools, the cork does not move back down the bottle, therefore accelerating the oxidation process.

Vintage Storage called on professionals in the refrigeration industry to build a model that maintains ultimate above ground cave conditions. The refrigeration units at Vintage Storage are monitored continuously and adjusted to maintain the proper temperature environment.

Humidity

Maintaining the appropriate range of relative humidity in the warehouse provides the ideal atmosphere for the wine bottle cork. Too little humidity causes the cork to dry out and allows the oxidation process to begin - which is not the best preservation of your wine. However, too much relative humidity in the cellar causes mold and mildew build up which will damage wine bottle labels.

Vintage Storage maintains humidifiers that are monitored in collaboration with the refrigeration units to uphold the proper cellar conditions. The cellar averages a relative humidity between 60% and 75%.

Air Flow

The Evaporation Coils that distribute the cool air from the Condensing Units are monitored with a "Smart Controller" on the computer so that the appropriate air flow is maintained. Proper air flow (cool air with humidity) allows each bottle of wine in the cellar to age properly. No matter where the wine is in the warehouse, the "open" storage systems allow proper air flow for the preserving of your investment.

Insulation

Not only are the appropriate insulation applications utilized to maintain a constant temperature throughout the year, the insulation also protects the wine cellar from a fluctuating temperature during the various seasons - keeping the warm air out in the summer and the cool air out in the winter.

Seismic

Vintage Storage management met with City Of Carlsbad engineers and discussed any possible geotechnical hazards in the area. After reviewing the seismic maps and recognizing the many active faults located throughout Southern California, Vintage Storage proceeded to build a "State-of-the Art" wine storage system that accounts for earthquake activity.

Vintage Storage retained the services of a Structural Engineer (who prepared the "motion props" for the movie TITANIC) to prepare a wine storage system that meets all Uniform Building Codes in Section 2222. After receiving the applicable permits from the reviewing agencies, we then proceeded with the construction of the wine storage system.

Vibration

Vintage Storage has addressed the impact of vibration which can affect the equilibrium and aging of wine. The Structural Engineer through conforming to building codes has minimized any vibration in the cellar.

Lighting

Vintage Storage has eliminated all natural light into the cellar. Lighting is programmed to be on only when there is activity such as wine delivery or retrieval. Ultra-Violet light can be harmful to wine, therefore the cellar is designed to protect the wine from outside lighting conditions.

Security

Vintage Storage has taken the security of your wine investment and the safety of the cellar very seriously. Video camera monitoring, key card access, and motion sensors throughout are just a few of the precautionary measures Vintage Storage management has installed.

The "after hours" security system is under constant monitoring.  In the event a problem should occur the security company immediately notifies the Carlsbad Police Department which has a five minute or less response time.

The video camera surveillance system allows monitoring in the cellar during business hours and provides a recorded history to be on file.

The only access to the cellar is by the security key card entry system. Key cards are only issued to those whom have executed a lease contract and have their name, signature, and photo identification on file. Print-outs of who and when one enters the warehouse are recorded through their key card number and are maintained in a history file with Vintage Storage management and its security company.

Not only are the activities of people monitored in the warehouse, the climate conditions are also monitored by a "Smart Controller." The refrigeration unit system is set up to a computer system so that temperature, air flow, and humidity is monitored throughout the year. Vintage Storage management has also contracted with a refrigeration expert who is notified if any malfunction should occur - no matter what time of the day (24 hrs.).

In addition, the "Smart Controller", data can be viewed and adjusted as needed.