What is a ‘Passive’ Wine Cellar?

So should you only store wine in a cool, dark place?
The short answer is no— but it’s complicated.

First off, let's talk about why room temperature is just fine for storing wine. Room temperature (or passive) storage is one of the most common and affordable options available to consumers today, as it does not require any adjustments to the rooms conditions.

Examples of passive cellars are often found in areas that are organically colder and void of direct sunlight such as basements, closets, and other window-less rooms. Passive cellars are also a great option for the more casual drinker who isn’t storing hundreds of bottles of wine at a time, and drinking their collection within a faster turn around time.

If you are finding yourself needing ample storage room for your bottles, or perhaps frequent the wine country to bring cases home; it might be time to consider a cooled cellar.

Opting for a climate-controlled space is an investment, however this type of storage is particularly suitable for those who are planning on aging their wines for an extended period of time, as it allows the wine to age at a consistent rate and preserves its quality for years to come.