Storing and resting wine however does require attention to a few crucial points.

A proper wine cellar needs to maintain a cool constant temperature. Constancy of temperature is particularly important - wines do not respond well to change and they do not like sudden temperature fluctuations.

Having said this a wine cellar needs more than just an air conditioner. Air conditioners cool too rapidly and, rather than maintaining a constant temperature, tend to fluctuate between pre-determined points, causing a continuous up and down temperature cycle.

Also, most air conditioners don’t cool to the temperature range required for optimum wine storage and air conditioners also dry out the air.

Low humidity means corks can shrink at one end - even if the bottle is lying down. When corks dry out they allow air seepage into the bottle and when this happens it’s a short trip from wine to vinegar!

A good wine cellar needs a humidity level around 70% - this level maintains the integrity of the cork seal.

However, humid is not the same as damp. Whilst a damp cellar won’t necessarily harm your wines, it may make it very difficult to read the mouldy, rotting labels on the bottles and it will likely see the collapse of the cardboard boxes holding your prized possessions! Also, a mouldy smelly cellar is not particularly inviting.