How cold is too cold?

[hotwine]

GAD, 52F would work well, but any colder and your wines' maturation process will be slowed; at some point in the temp decline, maturation stops altogether. If I were you, I'd monitor the temp changes in your cellar over the next 6-8 months (to get you through the winter and into the summer months) and document the daily extremes. You can buy a widget from Radio Shack to help you do that - a little battery-powered instument for measuring min and max temperature and relative humidity. Called the "Radio Shack Digital Thermo-Hygro model 63-1013", it works like a champ. I've got three of 'em, for which I paid about $25 each a few years ago.<P>If the cellar stays in the 50's year-round, you're in good shape. But if it falls into the 40's for long periods, I'd consider insulating the cellar before making any more extensive mods.