Questions about Vintage Wine Warehouse?

Check out our FAQ's and find out what makes us different:

Q: What makes Vintage Wine Warehouse different from other wine storage facilities?

A: At Vintage Wine Warehouse we are wine storage experts. We handle and cellar thousands of cases a year with the utmost care and under ideal conditions. We are affiliated with the Morrell Wine Group and can utilize over 60 years of experience in the wine business. With more than 25 years in the wine storage business, we are the oldest wine storage facility in New York. We are also proud of being the largest facility, handling more cases and serving more collectors than any of our competitors.

Q: Why should I store my wine in a professional wine storage facility?

A: Professional wine storage frees up space at your home or apartment. It allows you to take advantage of great wine offers when they happen without having to worry whether your wine fridge is full. You can keep a smaller portion of your collection at home and use the delivery/pick up services to bolster your home supply when needed.

Ideal storage conditions let your wines mature properly. After all, the cost of wine storage is far less than buying investment grade wines in later years when they are ready to drink.

Q: What are ideal wine storage conditions?

A: Our 1921 industrial concrete building, originally designed to store food perishables for United Grocers, is ideal for storing wine. Our subterranean storage facility is encased in 12" of poured concrete, which creates a naturally cool and humid wine cellar environment. No matter what the external conditions, the temperature and humidity of the wine cellar only fluctuate by a few degrees. The natural storage conditions are supplemented by 40 tons of water cooled refrigeration, ensuring that the temperature throughout the cellar is maintained at 55 degrees. The facility is kept in the dark at all times. Lights are only used during a scheduled movement of cases. Since each customer's wine is assigned to private and unshared bins, cases are only moved at the customer's request.

Steady temperature control is important, not only inside of the facility, but also when delivering wine. All local deliveries and pick-ups are made with our refrigerated truck to assure temperature stability throughout all seasons.

Q: What happens if wine is not stored properly?

A: Wine should ideally be stored at a temperature of 55 degrees and will ultimately fair better at slightly colder temperatures than warmer. The key to storing wine properly is the stability of the conditions. Fluctuation in temperature can damage wines and cause them to age prematurely. The wine will expand and contract creating conditions for seepage around the sides of the cork. When wine seeps out it creates a vacuum in the bottle that allows oxygen to be let in. This will cause the wine to oxidize. Also, a lack of humidity can cause corks to dry out, thus ensuring conditions for seepage to occur. Once oxygen comes in contact with the wine, the aging process is accelerated. That is why it is so important for wines to be cellared continuously at the correct temperature, with ample amounts of humidity, and with as little fluctuation in conditions as possible. More frequently than not, New York City apartments are far too warm for proper wine storage and house basements fluctuate in temperature at too wide a range. Light can also prematurely age wines, especially in clear bottles. Sparkling wines are particularly susceptible.

Q: How much does it cost to store my wine at Vintage Wine Warehouse?

A: With our special introductory offer, new customers can store their collection for the first 3 months FREE OF CHARGE. We will pick up the initial cases anywhere in the five New York City boroughs also FREE OF CHARGE. There is a $2.00 handling fee (in) per case. There after storage can be as low as $1.60 per box per month (please see "rates and fees"). There are no hidden fees and no mandatory insurance coverage. If within 90 days of becoming a customer you are not satisfied with our service for any reason, we will deliver your wine back to you anywhere in the five boroughs for free.

Q: How do I monitor my stored inventory?

A: Vintage Wine Warehouse offers customers the opportunity to manage their accounts online. Log in with your password to check on your inventory - it is that simple. In addition, varying levels of inventory management services are available. This can range from the basic tracking of your assigned box numbers, all the way up to a bottle-by-bottle inventory for each box. Many of our customers depend on Vintage Wine Warehouse to inventory, track and manage their cellars. Whatever level of service you need, we can provide it. Please see our Rates & Fees for more information.