Once an investor or consumer takes the leap into the world of fine wine, it’s critical that this delicate asset be pampered, petted, and well taken care of. How does one do it? It actually comes down to two very simple words: proper storage.
If there is one oversight that serious wine aficionados are often guilty of, it’s neglecting to find the best possible storage for their cherished bottles, especially during the important maturation phase. Poor storage can literally ruin a wine’s worth, as well as its flavor and quality. In order to ensure the safety and value of premier or investment grade wine, it must be stored in the nothing-less-than-perfect environment. It is widely considered by luxury asset advisors, wine critics, and oenophiles alike that Octavian Vaults in Wiltshire, England is as close to perfect as it gets. For over 20 years, this unparalleled facility—featuring an expansive 22 acres of storage space and the impeccable Corsham Cellars—has been entrusted with fine wine storage by internationally renowned chateaux, five-star restaurants, and more than 10,000 discerning collectors across the globe. With such a reputation, it’s no surprise that Octavian stores and manages wine assets that value into the billions of dollars.
Resting 100 feet below the hills of Wiltshire, Corsham Cellars has the distinction of being encased entirely in Bath stone, a rock that can be traced all the way back to the Jurassic Period of over 100 million years ago. The stone’s widespread use during both the Roman and medieval periods for building secure homes, bridges, and churches signals its ability to claim easy victory against the elements. First quarried in 1868, the Corsham mine was taken over in 1934 by the U.K.’s Department of the Defense for munitions storage. This shift spoke to its resilience and security, particularly against aggressors not solely tied to the weather. In fact, neighboring the Cellars far below the surface is the British Royal Family Bunker. This deluxe underground bomb- and radiation-proof residence was built in 1955 to protect the royals from potential harm during the imminent Cold War.
Historic intrigue aside, Corsham Cellars is esteemed because it offers every condition required to nurture and preserve the finest wine investments—consistent temperature and humidity, pristine air quality, total absence of natural light, and immunity from environmental vibrations. Take these components and blend them with Corsham’s standards of excellence regarding financial security and product insurance, and the result is the most distinguished and celebrated wine storage facility in the world.
For those who enjoy the game of long-term wine investment, or others who are strictly interested in consuming top tier wines, it’s important to know how storage conditions can make or break the quality of the juice, particularly when bought young. For a wine to mature optimally, it is important for storage temperatures to remain cool and constant, as sudden or dramatic swings can damage its color, flavor and aroma. The same goes for improper humidity: too little can dry out the cork and promote oxidation, while too much risks damage to cases and labels. Storage areas must also be well ventilated to avert any mustiness that can quickly ruin flavor, and prevent a treasured wine’s exposure to ultraviolet rays which can easily harm tannins. Finally, vibration can be disastrous to a wine’s maturity, and is, sadly, a common problem among storage locations of lesser quality.
Octavian’s Corsham Cellars provides a perfectly balanced environment for the storage of fine wine. Its tenants will never lose their unparalleled taste, beauty or value—which, upon resale, can yield up to 20 percent more than products stored with other facilities. So, if the owning or enjoying the best luxury wine on earth is on your bucket list, you've found an elite playground in Corsham Cellars.
