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svspirited · 17-02-2018, 10:38

Does anyone here have suggestions on storing wine for longish periods of time aboard? I have some nice wine in my collection that I would like to bring along for extended cruises but I have real concerns with how they can be stored. Breakage is an obvious concern but easily mitigated. The main concern for me is avoiding spoilage. I have had bottles skunk quickly when kept down below in such a humid environment for more than a couple of months and I would really hate to see some of these spoil in that way. No room for a wine fridge so that isn't really an option.

Mike OReilly · 17-02-2018, 10:46

I suspect we’re in a different ‘wine bracket,’ but my wine is stored in a box.

**boatman61** · 17-02-2018, 10:58

Never lasts long enough to worry over.

sailorboy1 · 17-02-2018, 10:59

My boat has a built in liquor locker that has 9 wine bottle slots. But unfortunately the boxes of wine I like (because wine bottles on the boat are a pita) don’t fit it the slots worth crap

svspirited · 17-02-2018, 11:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

I suspect we’re in a different ‘wine bracket,’ but my wine is stored in a box.

Got no problem with that and I'm a fan of the boxed stuff for the everyday though I find portion control lacking with the box. I just have some special bottles that we break out for things like anniversaries, birthdays, etc and I'm hoping someone has some experience storing older wines with success on a boat otherwise we'll just have to toast with some nice aged rum.

CaptJamesCook · 17-02-2018, 11:36

Just thinking maybe against the hull below water line.

Mike OReilly · 17-02-2018, 11:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by svspirited

Got no problem with that and I'm a fan of the boxed stuff for the everyday though I find portion control lacking with the box. I just have some special bottles that we break out for things like anniversaries, birthdays, etc and I'm hoping someone has some experience storing older wines with success on a boat otherwise we'll just have to toast with some nice aged rum.

(especially on the portion control

)

I’m a whisky man myself; Scotch or Irish.

El Pinguino · 17-02-2018, 11:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptJamesCook

Just thinking maybe against the hull below water line.

Yep, 8*C is - I think - a good cellar temp....

I use sections of tyre inner tube as anti-rattle sleeves...

Bottles are stowed under settees in the saloon....

Simi 60 · 17-02-2018, 11:49

We have an ex trawler that still has the walk in insulated cold room which is now storage/workshop.
Have 7 cases of merlot, Shiraz and chardonnay sitting there happily alongside 6 cartons of beer, 80 litres of diesel oil, drums of epoxy, etc etc.

TheOffice · 17-02-2018, 11:51

Gym socks to protect the bottles. Store under the floorboards

LLCoolDave · 17-02-2018, 12:01

Most collectors of fine wine will have their own cellar/storage space. An expensive wine needs to be kept out of direct sunlight, humidity controlled, and at a near constant temperature. None of these can be found on a boat. The rolling motion of a sailboat will also expose the cork repeatedly to the oxygen in the bottle which can cause it to rot. Also as wines age sediment can form. The wine needs to be kept still for before serving so the sediment doesn't mix with the wine.

I'd go with a nice scotch or rum for special occasions. Maybe a tawny port (for dessert) since its already oxidized and fortified and will store better.

CarlF · 17-02-2018, 12:11

The temperature is your primary enemy. If you are cruising in 80 degree water, it's very hard to store wine for long without mechanical refrigeration. Cruise Maine or the Canadian Maritimes and your bilge is at the perfect cellar temperature.

Another alternative is to develop an interest in fine Madeira and Norwegian Linear Aquavit. Traditionally, these were aged on a sailing ship crossing the equator and back again. The most expensive bottles still make this trip. If you have bilge space, you could perhaps make your wine interest financially self supporting.

Bill O · 17-02-2018, 12:40

Agree that temperature would be one of the major factors about maintaining a storage of wine for long term.

Another major factor would be vibrations/micro vibrations through the boat. As mentioned previously the shaking/vibrations can distturb the sediment and change the composition of the wine. The vibrations can also age a wine very quickly and make it go bad/not taste good.

Probably should only try to carry "enough" to get you through to the next stock up point. This also is a good excuse to try different wines from around the world.

Bill O.