If you’re a wine lover, storing your beloved wines, especially a vintage collection, can pose to be a problem.  Whether you enjoy sipping a fine vintage or a fan of budget-friendly labels, it is now time to think beyond the glass and to find the ideal storage solution for your precious bottles.

With a growing community of wine connoisseurs seeking the perfect way to preserve their treasured bottles, Extra Space Asia has introduced temperature-controlled rooms for wine connoisseurs who wish to expand their collection.

Collectors can choose from exclusive wine lockers for those who adore the convenience of quick access or the spacious walk-in cellars, complete with industry-grade shelving. Each wine storage unit is kept at an optimal temperature between 12 °C and 14°C at 65% to 75% humidity.

Extra Space Asia’s wine storage facilities are also under 24/7 surveillance, with a network of high-definition cameras ensuring that every corner is monitored. To find out more about what the company is bringing to the wine enthusiast market in Malaysia, we sit down with Kenneth Worsdale, CEO of Extra Space Asia.

Wine storage is a unique proposition, what convinced you to launch this service here?

The introduction of wine storage services in Malaysia in 2013 was a strategic response to the growing enthusiasm for wine collection in the region. Recognising a significant demand from individuals and businesses for specialised wine storage, we took the initiative to provide a solution that ensures optimal conditions for preserving valuable wine collections. Our climate-controlled wine facilities are specifically designed to maintain the precise temperature and humidity levels crucial for wine preservation, offering peace of mind to our clients.

As a leader in the self-storage industry, our commitment extends beyond meeting immediate needs; we aim to innovate and diversify our offerings. The launch of wine storage services not only expands our portfolio but also positions us as one of the first in Malaysia to provide such specialized storage solutions. This move is also indicative of our dedication to continually evolve and cater to the diverse and changing needs of our customers, reinforcing our role as a comprehensive provider of secure and tailored storage options.

Who would you say are the customer segment you are catering to?

In terms of wine storage, we cater to a specialised customer segment composed of:

Wine Collectors and Enthusiasts: Individuals who are passionate about collecting and preserving fine wines. They rely on our state-of-the-art, climate-controlled storage facilities to ensure the optimal condition of their valuable collections.

Restaurants and Hospitality Businesses: These entities require professional-grade storage solutions to maintain a large inventory of wines, ensuring quality and taste consistency for their clientele.

Wine Retailers and Distributors: Businesses engaged in the sale and distribution of wines find our storage solutions ideal for managing inventory, especially for premium wines that necessitate precise storage conditions.

Investors in Fine Wines: For those who invest in wine as an asset class, our secure and professionally managed wine storage facilities provide the peace of mind needed to protect their investment over the long term.

Each of these segments has distinct requirements when it comes to wine storage, and our facilities are designed to meet these needs with utmost precision and care.

What’s the Malaysian market like – are there more investor focused, collectors or aficionados/wine lovers?

In the Malaysian wine storage market, the most prevalent group among our clientele are aficionados and wine lovers focused on consumption, along with wine businesses such as restaurants and retailers. This segment, which includes individuals and businesses passionate about enjoying, sharing, and selling wine, is particularly active, reflecting the growing culture of wine appreciation and consumption in Malaysia.

While the investor segment, consisting of those who view wine as a valuable asset, does exist, it is comparatively smaller. These individuals are interested in the long-term storage and appreciation of fine wines but represent a more niche market.

Collectors, known for their interest in the rarity and uniqueness of wines, are significant but not as numerous as the wine lovers and businesses. Their requirements for storage are often more specialized, catering to diverse and unique collections.

How important is proper storage when it comes to wines?

Proper storage is vital when it comes to wines, and it significantly impacts the quality, taste, and longevity of the wine. Here are some reasons why proper wine storage is crucial:

Temperature control

Wine is highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Proper storage ensures that wine is kept at the correct temperature for aging and preservation. At Extra Space Asia Self-Storage, our wine storage temperature is kept at 12-14 degrees Celsius.

Humidity control

Maintaining the right humidity levels is essential for preserving the integrity of the cork and preventing it from drying out. At Extra Space Asia Self-Storage, our wine storage temperature is kept at humidity of 65 – 75%.

Consistent storage environment

Having a consistent storage environment is vital for wine storage as frequent changes in temperature; humidity can lead to wine spoilage and inconsistencies in the wine overall flavour and aroma.

Wine bottle storage position

Storing wine bottles horizontally is essential to keep the cork in contact with the wine, preventing it from drying out and ensuring a tight seal that keeps oxygen out. At Extra Space Asia Self-Storage, we understand this fundamental aspect of wine preservation. Therefore, in our walk-in wine storage units, we provide shelves that allow for horizontal storage of wine bottles. This ensures that each bottle is kept in the ideal position for maintaining its quality and integrity over time.

Aging Potential

For enthusiasts interested in aging wine, it’s crucial to have the right storage conditions. Proper storage ensures that wines mature under optimal conditions, allowing them to develop their flavours and character over time.

Are there certain protocols/methods/temperatures in say storing white versus red or champagne?

At Extra Space Asia Self-Storage, we offer optimal wine storage conditions, maintaining a consistent temperature range of 12-14 degrees Celsius and a humidity level between 65% and 75%. These conditions are carefully regulated to cater to a diverse range of wines, including both red and white varieties, as well as champagne.

We understand the importance of proper wine storage conditions for preserving the quality and enhancing the aging potential of different types of wines. While there are specific ideal temperatures for red, white, and champagne wines, we maintain our wine storage facilities at a standard temperature range of 12-14 degrees Celsius to cater to a broad range of wines.

This setting ensures that all wines stored in our facility are kept in conditions that are conducive to preserving their flavour, aroma, and quality over time.

Are home wine chillers sufficient for these tasks?

For short-term storage or small quantities, a home wine chiller can be quite sufficient and convenient. It’s ideal for individuals who have a limited number of bottles and are looking to enjoy them in the near future. However, when it comes to long-term aging or storing larger collections, dedicated wine storage facilities like Extra Space Asia Self-Storage are often more suitable.

Our climate-controlled units provide precise temperature and humidity control, essential for preserving wine quality over an extended period. These conditions are particularly important for wine enthusiasts, collectors, and businesses with substantial collections that exceed the capacity of typical home chillers. In such cases, the expansive storage space and specialized environment of a professional wine storage facility are necessary to ensure each bottle maintains its ideal condition

Where are your wine storage facilities located?

We offer wine storages in Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan.  Specifically in Malaysia, our wine storage facilities are located in Extra Space Chan Sow Lin and Extra Space Section 51A.

How accessible are they in terms of time?

We provide 24/7 access to storage units via a personal pin code system, allowing customers to store and retrieve their items at their convenience, any time of day or night.

In terms of offerings, what are the maximum and minimum sizes offered?

Our wine storage offerings in Malaysia include both locker units and walk-in units, with sizes ranging from as small as 10 square feet for individual collectors to as large as 40 square feet for more extensive collections.

What sort of safety precautions in place like security as well as fail safes for power cuts for instance?

Extra Space Asia is committed to ensuring the utmost security in our facilities. We have comprehensive safety precautions in place to protect our customers’ valuable items. Our facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art security systems. These include 24/7 surveillance and controlled access systems, ensuring only authorised personnel and customers can access the storage areas. On-site security personnel are always on hand to respond swiftly to any situation, providing an extra layer of safety.

Our focus at Extra Space Asia Self-Storage extends beyond merely preventing incidents; we also prioritise quick and effective responses in case of emergencies. Ensuring the safety of stored items and maintaining the continuity of our services are paramount in our operations.

(Images: Courtesy of Extra Space Asia)