FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I store wine in a refrigerator?
Can I store wine in the cold cellar or basement?
Why do I need a cellar, I don’t keep expensive or rare wines?
Why are wine cellars so expensive?
Is the pricing for the different finishes the same?
Are glass doors available on all the cellars?
What protection is there against light?
Do the cellars come with a warranty?
Can I store magnums and other sized bottles in the cellars?
How import is temperature?
Can I set the temperature to Fahrenheit or Celsius?
Is vibration a concern?
Can I pay by credit card?
What are the delivery costs to areas outside the Kelowna Area?
Are Vintage Keeper cellars shipped in component form?
Can I assemble the Vintage Keeper cellars myself?
Where are the cellars manufactured?
Do I need more than one cellar to store different styles of wine?
Where is the ideal location for the cellars?
Do I need special power requirements?
What if there is a power failure?
How does the cellar maintain humidity?
How do I clean and maintain it?
Can the cellars be locked?

Can I store wine in a refrigerator?
Standard refrigeration is not appropriate for storing and aging wine. It is designed to remove heat and moisture, making it dry, thus causing the cork to shrink and the wine to oxidize. Using it to chill is fine, but not for long term storage. They are also too cold. Vibration is also quite heavy, as manufactures of fridges do not dampen the effects of the compressor turning on and off.

[TOP]

Can I store wine in the cold cellar or basement?
If the temperature is below 65 degrees and above 50 degrees, fairly constant year round, and has little or no fluctuation, then you might have manageable conditions for storage.  Insulating the room will help to minimize temperature fluctuations.  To keep a constant temperature it is wise to install a cooling unit.  Any drastic changes in temperature can harm the wine.

[TOP]

Why do I need a cellar, I don’t keep expensive or rare wines?
All wines, no matter the cost or how rare, mature and develop in their bottles.  The qualities in the wine need to be protected even if you plan to store them for a short time.

[TOP]

Why are wine cellars so expensive?
There are so many types of wine cellars, and some certainly more expensive than others.  This depends on finishes decorative features and quality of craftsmanship.  Take into account that a wine cellar is designed to protect your investment of your wine collection.  The value of replacing your collection will outweigh the per bottle cost of a wine cellar.

[TOP]

Is the pricing for the different finishes the same?
Yes, for Vintage Keeper cellars the pricing for each model is the same, irrespective of the finish.  However with the Cavavin cellars there are different exterior finishes and materials available to choose from, see the specific model specifications for options and pricing.

[TOP]

Are glass doors available on all the cellars?
Yes, thermopane UV-safe glass doors are standard with all Vintage Keeper models and optional on oyher models.  These doors allow you to view your wine collection while protecting it from damaging light sources.

[TOP]

What protection is there against light?
All glass door model wine cellars are delivered with thermopane UV-safe glass, which provide protection against damaging light sources. It is recommended, however, that you do not position your cellar in direct sunlight.

[TOP]

Do the cellars come with a warranty?
Yes, all come with a Manufactures one year warranty for the cabinet and up to five years warranty on the compressor component. Check the specific models specification materials for details.

[TOP]

Can I store magnums and other sized bottles in the cellars?
Yes, the various racking systems provide flexible racking options, which allow you to store many different size bottles, from the standard 750 ml to magnums and larger.

[TOP]

How important is temperature?
Temperature variations have a negative impact on wine. A constant temperature is therefore very important. With all models, the temperature range can be set or programmed between 44°F and 71°F (7°C and 22°C), depending on the model. The ideal range for storing and aging wine is between 55°F and 65°F (13°C and 18°C).  Once set, they will maintain the temperature to within 1-2°F or C.  For efficiency an ideal temperature is 57°F (14°C).

[TOP]

Can I set the temperature to Fahrenheit or Celsius?
Yes, Cavavin and Vintage Keeper controls are digital, fully programmable electronic controls and can be set to either Fahrenheit or Celsius.

[TOP]

Is vibration a concern?
Yes, a peaceful environment is one of wine's best friends.  Vibrations stop deposits from settling and, in turn, prevent wine from aging properly.  All our cellars are designed and manufactured to protect your wine against unwanted vibrations.

[TOP]

Can I pay by credit card?
Yes, we currently accept MasterCard and VISA credit cards.

[TOP]

What are the delivery costs to areas outside the Kelowna Area?
Rates for door-to-door delivery and installation outside the Kelowna area are available on request.

[TOP]

Are Vintage Keeper cellars shipped in component form?
Yes, one of the benefits of Vintage Keeper wine cellars is they are manufactured in a modular format, un-assembled. This component form reduces shipping and delivery costs as well as possibility of damage during shipping.

[TOP]

Can I assemble the Vintage Keeper cellars myself?
Yes, the Vintage Keeper cellars can be easily assembled by anyone, although Strictly Cellars & Accessories does offer an assembly service with delivery, in the Kelowna area for a nominal fee.

[TOP]

Where are the cellars manufactured?
The Vintage Keeper cellars are manufactured in China.

[TOP]

Do I need more than one cellar to store different styles of wine?
Not at all. All styles of wine benefit from cellaring at the same temperature, whether it is red, white, rosé, sparkling or fortified. Some models of wine cellars however are manufactured with various methods of controlling the temperature in different zones or compartments at different temperatures.

[TOP]

Where is the ideal location for the cellars?
All wine cellars are self-contained, stylish pieces of furniture that will enhance the décor in any room in your home. For optimum performance, locate the cellar where it is not subject to extreme temperature variations or direct sunlight.

[TOP]

Do I need special power requirements?
All cellars do not have any special power requirements; they use a standard household outlet. They however should be supplied by a dedicated, separately fused 15-amp, 110 volt line. The line must not be shared with any other major appliance.

[TOP]

What if there is a power failure?
Not to worry if the power is down for a day or two.  The temperature inside the cellar, and the coolness of the bottles and the wine will sustain a reasonably safe temperature for a short period of time.

[TOP]

How does the cellar maintain humidity?
The idea that humidity plays a vital role in the proper aging of wine in prefabricated wine cellars is false. Only traditional wine cellars - where wines are kept in wood barrels - require the humidity level be controlled to prevent evaporation. Wine kept in bottles is not as affected by humidity, since they are sealed with a cork, and capped with foil, plastic or wax. However, since a controlled environment is essential to the proper storage of wine, most cellars are designed to maintain the humidity relative to the humidity of the storage area.

[TOP]

How do I clean and maintain it?
Vintage Keeper cooling units need cleaning at least four times a year, around the coil area and fan cover at the back of the unit. Cavavin and Marvel cellars use a different cooling technology; however they do require maintenance once a year as you would with any refrigerator. Detailed cleaning and maintenance instructions can be found in the manual provide with your cellar.

[TOP]

Can the cellars be locked?
Yes, all Vintage Keeper cellars are delivered with lock and keys.

Got a question?  Inquire

[TOP]