Quick storage conditions question

[Deputy]

I have three options for storage:<P>1. Dark steady temp (19ºC) closet with relatively low humidity (20-30%'ish, I think)<P>2. Dark (possibly) variable temp crawl space (currently at about 15ºC but I have no idea what will happen in there during the summer) at about 40% humidity currently<P>3. 8 Bottle wine cooler - currently 12ºC (despite being set at 15...why is it so low?) at about 65% humidity<P>How badly can I really expect the relatively low humidity in the closet or crawlspace to affect things? Can I easily raise the humidity (neither spot has electrical outlets or ready access to one)?<P>I *think* the crawlspace stays cool during the summer, but I don't really know, I never paid attention until now. <P>Right now, I need to store about...25 or so bottles. After I bottle the kit wine that I'm making (to fill the void commercial wine leaves on my wallet), I'll have an extra 200 - 300 bottles, plus whatever new wine I buy in the meantime.<P>Is it better to keep it all in the consistently 19º closet or the possibly changing temp'd crawlspace? I rent a basement suite, so no modifications are reasonably available as options and I can't afford at $3000 300-bottle cooler.<P>Thanks!

[winoweenie]

The closet with the relatively steady temp is preferable over the variable yo-yo temps in the crawl space. You can put an open bucket of water in the closet to help raise the hum-i-dit-ity. WW

[hotwine]

Agree with WW, the closet is the best of those three options. Its temp of 19C/66F is too warm for long-term graceful aging of really good stuff, but should work OK for ordinary wines. But I wouldn't plan on trying to store a particular bottle beyond a year at that temp.<P>Also agree with the water bucket idea to raise RH. Would add that a towel that's allowed to dangle over the bucket's rim into the water will help to wick moisture into the airspace.

[Deputy]

good to know! thanks, as always!