Everything you Need to Know About Humidity in Wine Coolers

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When it comes to storing wine properly, temperature tends to get all the attention. However, humidity is just as important.

Whether you’re a casual wine drinker or a serious collector, maintaining the right humidity in your wine cooler is essential for preserving the quality, flavour, and longevity of your collection.

In this guide, we’ll explore why humidity matters, the best humidity levels for wine storage, and how to maintain the right environment so your wine stays in peak condition.

Why is Humidity Important in Wine Storage?

Proper humidity levels, typically around 50-70%, prevent corks from drying out, which could lead to oxidation and spoilage of the wine. Adequate humidity also ensures that labels stay intact and legible, preserving the wine's identity and value.

1 - Keeps The Cork Moist

The best humidity for wine storage is between 50% and 70% relative humidity (RH).

At these levels, corks stay moist and expand to seal the bottle properly. If humidity drops too low, corks can dry out and shrink, letting oxygen seep in and spoil your wine. Oxygen exposure causes your wine to undergo irreversible chemical changes, leaving it tasting un-fresh and generally unpleasant.

2 - Prevents Oxidation

Dry corks allow air to enter the bottle, which can lead to oxidation. This chemical reaction alters the wine’s flavour, aroma, and colour, often making it taste flat or “off.”

3 - Preserves The Labels and Accessories

High humidity can also be a problem. Excess moisture can lead to label damage, smudging, or even mould. This is especially frustrating if you want to keep your wine bottles in pristine condition.

If you’re a wine collector and value your wine, you’re likely to be extremely disappointed if you come to find that the labels have peeled off your expensive wine bottles. Mould loves moisture, so if left unattended, mould may begin to grow in your wine storage space and around your labels.

Humidity doesn’t just affect the bottles themselves. Poor humidity control can cause mould to grow on stemware, decanters, or display cabinets, especially if stored alongside your wine.

What’s the Best Humidity for Wine?

Aim to maintain your wine storage environment between 50% and 70% RH (relative humidity), with around 60% RH often cited as the sweet spot.

Below 50% RH – Corks dry out and shrink
Above 70% RH – Labels may peel, and mould can grow
Around 60% RH – Ideal balance for long-term preservation

Although you may not need to worry too much about the humidity levels if you’re only storing your wine for a couple of days, you should still monitor and regulate the humidity levels within your storage space. Maintaining the right humidity helps protect the bottle’s presentation and avoid unnecessary deterioration.

Humidity and Long-Term Wine Storage

Humidity is most important if you’re storing your wine for longer periods of time. This is because most people will leave their wine for months (or even years) at a time without checking on it – and if there’s not enough humidity or there’s too much humidity in the storage space. They may be shocked to find their wine spoiled due to avoidable humidity issues.

That’s why we always recommend choosing wine storage solutions that monitor and regulate humidity automatically.

How Do I Ensure The Right Humidity Levels?

Humidity is a wine storage factor that is often overlooked and can be difficult to both regulate and maintain the correct humidity for your wine storage space. However, if you have an appliance that takes humidity into account, then the stress is taken off your shoulders.

Wine Cooler

One of the best appliances that you can purchase to store your wine collection is a wine cooler. In 2023, most wine coolers come with humidity regulating features, ensuring that your wine remains in conditions between 50% and 70% RH.

Wine coolers are the best option if you’re planning on storing your wine for shorter periods of time - generally for serving. The main function of a wine cooler is to keep your wine cool - typically between 11 and 14 degrees Celsius, but this can be adjusted.

You can find wine coolers in three designs - freestanding, built-in, and fully integrated. Freestanding wine coolers are designed to stand freely with sufficient space around the unit for ventilation. Built-in and fully integrated wine coolers, however, are designed to be installed into kitchen space such as under counters or inside cabinets.

Wine Cabinet

Another way of ensuring the perfect humidity levels for your wine collection is by purchasing a wine cabinet. Wine cabinets have similar functions to a wine cooler but are designed to store your wine in optimal conditions for longer periods of time. Wine cabinets are also a great choice if you have a larger wine collection that you plan on ageing.

Dual or Multi-Temperature Zones

Both wine fridges and wine coolers can have dual temperature zones or multiple temperature zones. This enables you to store your reds, whites, and sparkling wines separately, or prepare some bottles to be served while you store bottles in the long term all in the same unit.

Wine Wall

A wine wall is also a great way to store your wine collection - and is the best way for you to display your wine bottles. Wine walls are often used in commercial settings due to their modular setup, meaning that you can grow your wine wall with your collection. The majority of modern wine walls will feature humidity regulation.

How to Maintain the Right Humidity in Wine Storage

If your appliance doesn’t come with a built-in humidifier, here are a few tips:

Use a hygrometer to monitor RH levels inside the unit
Place a small dish of water inside your cooler to raise humidity
Use silica gel packs or dehumidifiers to lower excess humidity
Ensure your cooler or cabinet is placed in a stable room environment, away from heat sources or fluctuating air

Store Your Wine The Right Way

At Elite Wine Refrigeration, we’re proud to offer a premium selection of Swisscave wine coolers, including models from their humidification series.

Swisscave is one of the few brands that offer advanced humidity and temperature regulation in a single appliance, making them the perfect choice for both private collectors and commercial wine displays.

We’re also the official Swisscave stockist for the UK and Ireland, offering unbeatable product quality and expert support.

Explore our full collection of wine coolers, cabinets, and humidification-ready units. If you're unsure which wine storage option is right for you, contact our team – we’re happy to help you find the perfect fit.