How much does Wine storage cost?

If you collect fine wine, you know that proper storage is essential. Even unopened bottles of wine can become damaged by light, heat, cold, humidity, or sudden vibrations (which can stir up sediment and cause a chemical reaction that changes the wine’s flavor). The wrong temperature can also slow a wine’s aging, preventing it from developing flavor and complexity over time.

Some lucky connoisseurs have their own wine cellar, while others store their most valuable bottles in a refrigeration-equipped home wine locker. But serious wine collectors often find that the best solution is an offsite wine storage facility. These technologically advanced, fully outfitted spaces—which cater to both commercial dealers and private collectors—are designed to create ideal storage conditions for virtually any type and quantity of wine.

A professional wine storage facility will provide ideal lighting, a constant temperature (typically around 55 degrees F), and humidity control (approximately 65–70% relative humidity). Individual lockers are usually made of steel and equipped with high-security locks and other safety measures.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the costs required to keep your wine collection stored safely.

Some wine vault facilities offer private wine lockers or separate wine storage units—but regardless of the option you choose, the storage price will include the cost of the space, maintenance, security, and utilities necessary to maintain optimal conditions for your wine. 

Depending on the size of your collection and any add-on services required, the average cost of wine storage solutions is $50–250 per month.

The size of the self-storage space is the most significant factor driving cost. But while you’ll pay more for a larger space, that also usually reduces the price per bottle. 

Here are the different storage space sizes and their average costs. (A standard case equals 12 bottles.)

6–32 cases. Smaller wine lockers are typically equipped with shelves, which are configured with slots to store the bottles on their sides. Average cost: $30–75 per month.

36–84 cases. Midsize lockers may offer different wine-storage options, including shelving or—at a slightly higher cost—horizontal racks for display and easy access. Average cost: $85–175 per month.

85–100 cases. Larger wine lockers are typically walk-in spaces with shelves or racks on either side to hold cases or display individual bottles. Average cost: $200–350 per month.

A few additional services can increase the cost of wine storage.

How much does it cost to store a case of wine?

The smallest available spaces at most wine storage facilities hold 6 cases of wine, at an average monthly cost of $5–7 per case. In general, the more wine you store, the less you’ll pay per case. To store 75–100 cases you would typically pay an average of $200–300 per month, or about $2.65–3.00 per case.

How much does it cost to cellar wine?

Depending on the size of your collection and services required, the average cost of professional wine storage in a secure, climate-controlled facility is $50–250 per month.

How do you store wine for 20 years? 

Many wine storage facilities offer annual leases (based on a monthly rate), and can store your wine collection for as long as you want. For an added fee, high-end establishments may offer tracking services, which let you know when a bottle is ready to drink.

Find wine storage in your area.