What to Look for in a Wine Storage Facility: A Checklist

As your wine collection grows, so does the need for proper storage. At-home racks and basement coolers can only go so far before limitations set in—whether in climate control, space, security, or peace of mind. That’s when a professional wine storage facility becomes not just a luxury, but a smart investment.

But not all facilities are created equal. How do you know if a storage provider is equipped to care for your collection with the same attention you would give it yourself? Here’s a comprehensive checklist to guide your decision.

1. Precise Climate Control

Temperature and humidity are two of the most important factors in wine storage. Wine needs a consistent environment to age gracefully.

• Look for facilities that maintain a steady temperature between 55–58°F.
  

• Humidity levels should range from 60–70% to preserve cork integrity.
  

• Systems should be designed to eliminate temperature swings and shield wine from UV light and vibration.
  
  

At The Drayman House, our custom-engineered climate systems are calibrated to meet these exact standards. We’ve paired cutting-edge environmental technology with a building whose thick, historic walls offer natural insulation—an added layer of protection.

 

2. Comprehensive Security

A serious wine collection deserves serious protection. Storage facilities should have multiple layers of security, including:

• 24/7 monitoring through surveillance cameras and alarms
  

• Controlled access limited to members or authorized staff
  

• Secure, individually locked storage units or lockers
  
  

We designed our Walla Walla wine lockers with discretion and safety in mind, combining physical safeguards with personalized access protocols. Members can rest easy knowing their collections are monitored continuously and handled only by trained personnel.

 

3. Flexible and Convenient Access

Convenience is often underestimated when choosing a wine storage partner, but access matters—especially if you split time between cities or entertain frequently.

Ask:

• Are there regular operating hours? Is after-hours access available?
  

• Can you schedule pickup or delivery of bottles?
  

• Is inventory management or wine concierge support available?
  
  

We’ve built our services with flexibility in mind. Whether you’re planning a weekend in the Walla Walla Valley or sending a bottle as a gift, we make access effortless.

4. Customizable Storage Options

Every wine collector has unique needs. A good facility should offer a variety of storage options that can grow with your collection.

• Different locker sizes and cellar formats
  

• Racking designed to accommodate various bottle shapes
  

• Assistance with setup and organization
  
  

We offer scalable storage solutions—from single-locker options to walk-in cellars—with expert consultation to help you optimize space and maintain visibility across your collection. Explore how to organize your collection →

5. Reputation, Expertise, and Community Connection

Technical features are vital, but so is the character of the team behind the facility.

• Is the staff knowledgeable about wine?
  

• Do they understand the needs of serious collectors?
  

• Are they connected to the local wine community?
  
  

The Drayman House was founded by people who love wine—people who live and work in the heart of the Walla Walla Valley. Our team includes collectors, sommeliers, and professionals with deep ties to the region’s winemaking history. We’re not just storing wine—we’re preserving and supporting the culture that surrounds it.

 

Choosing the Right Wine Storage Facility Is About Trust

When it comes to how to store wine, it’s not just about ideal conditions—it’s about who’s watching over it, how easily you can access it, and the care that goes into every detail. If you’re looking for wine storage in Walla Walla, this checklist is a great starting point.

And if you want a deeper dive into the ins and outs of professional storage, we invite you to read our companion post:

👉 Your Guide to Professional Wine Storage

At The Drayman House, we’ve built our facility to meet the standards we’d want for our own collections—because we’re wine lovers too. Let us help you protect what you’ve curated, bottle by bottle.