Ascent Sotheby's International Realty_Vail Valley Luxury Rentals MILESTONES MAGAZINE_Winter 2014-2015 | Page 27

UNTAPPED

TREASURES
impressive wine cellars

W

I Y N A CA RUSO

ine cellars aren’t rooms. They’re des-

something reassuringly good. If you had a fantastic day,

tinations. Less than three percent of

you’re happy to take the risk on something you’re less

affl uent homes in the U.S. have wine

sure about,” he says.

cellars, but don’t call them status

For the serious collector, no mere rack or wine refrig-

symbols. Cellars are the bastions of wine enthusiasts who

erator can deliver that experience.

love the ritual of it. The selection, the uncorking, that first

Galileo once described wine as sunlight, held together

sip of the bottle.

by water. Wine lovers agree, which is why they go to

“The great thing about having a wine cellar is that you

great lengths to protect their collection by creating the

don’t have to make up your mind which bottle of wine to

perfect environment.

pull out until you get into the cellar,” says Jamie Ritchie,

Ideal conditions for long-term quality aging are con-

president and CEO of Americas and Asia for Sotheby’s

sistent temperatures, between 52-55 degrees Fahrenheit

Wine. The weather outside, the food being served, even

with 40-70 percent humidity and proper air flow for full

the kind of day it’s been all influence the decision. “If

maturation, according to Chris Bender, owner of Paul

you had a difficult day, you want a safe bet. You want

Wyatt Designs, a custom wine cellar fi rm in Park City,

AscentSIR.com

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Untapped Treasures