Warehouse Conditions

Optimum Environment

The VWS founders have extensively researched the challenge of developing the optimum environment to properly age wine in the bottle. Temperature, humidity, airflow, light, insulation, and technology have been incorporated into the cellar to create the most desirable environment for your investment.

The climate conditions are monitored by a “Smart Controller.” The refrigeration unit system is set up to a computer so temperature, air flow, and humidity is monitored throughout the day. The “Smart Controller” data can be viewed and adjusted as needed 24/7.

Electric Power Systems

Refrigeration Systems are monitored & professionally maintained. Technicians are available to restore power 24/7 in the event of power interruption.

Temperature

VWS researched and worked with leading professionals in the industry and together have concluded that REFRIGERATION is the best cooling method. It not only keeps a temperature of 54 – 59 degrees, but also consistently maintains the temperature throughout the cellar thus allowing the maximum preservation of your wine. We called on professionals in the refrigeration industry to build a model that maintains ultimate above ground cave conditions. The refrigeration units at VSI are continuously monitored and adjusted to maintain the proper temperature environment.

Humidity

The cellar averages a relative humidity between 60% and 70%. Maintaining the appropriate range of relative humidity in the warehouse provides the ideal atmosphere for the wine bottle cork. Too little humidity causes the cork to dry out and allows the oxidation process to begin causing unwanted changes in the taste and value of your wine. However, too much relative humidity in the cellar causes mold and mildew build-up which will damage wine bottle labels, an important criteria to collectors and resellers. VSI maintains humidifiers that are monitored in collaboration with the refrigeration units to uphold the proper cellar conditions.

Air Flow

The evaporation coils that distribute the cool air from the condensing units are monitored with a “Smart Controller” on the computer so that the appropriate airflow is maintained. Proper air-flow (cool air with humidity) allows each bottle in the cellar to age properly. No matter where the bottle is in the warehouse, the “open” storage system is designed to permit unimpeded airflow for the preserving of your collection and investment.

Insulation

Not only are the appropriate insulation applications utilized to maintain a constant temperature throughout the year, the insulation also protects the cellar from a fluctuating temperature during the various seasons – keeping the warm air out in the summer and a constant temperature inside at all times.

Seismic

VWS management met with City of Carlsbad Engineers and discussed any possible geotechnical hazards in the area. After reviewing the seismic maps and recognizing the many active faults located throughout Southern California, VSI proceeded to build a “State-of-the Art” storage system that accounts for earthquake activity.

VWS retained the services of a Structural Engineer (who prepared the “motion props” for the movie TITANIC) to prepare a storage system that meets all Uniform Building Codes in Section 2222. After receiving the applicable permits from the reviewing agencies, we then proceeded with the construction of the storage system.

Vibration

VSI has addressed the impact of vibration, which can affect the equilibrium and aging of wine. The Structural Engineer, through conforming to building codes, has minimized any vibration in the cellar.

Lighting

VWS has eliminated most of the natural light into the cellar. Lighting is programmed to be on only when there is activity such as wine delivery or retrieval. Ultra-violet light can be harmful, therefore the cellar is designed to protect your investment from outside lighting conditions

Security

VWS has taken the security of your wine investment and the safety of the cellar very seriously. There is ALWAYS an owner or a manager on site during all access hours. You never have to worry if someone unknown was given a key card to enter the premises. Video camera monitoring, open access, and motion sensors throughout are just a few of the precautionary measures VWS management has installed. The only access to the cellar is by a registered fob or the management.

The video camera surveillance system allows monitoring in the lobby, cellar & outside and provides a recorded history. The activity in the business is monitored in the lobby & by cell phone.

The “after hours” security system is under constant monitoring. In the event a problem should occur the security company immediately notifies the Carlsbad Police Department and a VWS owner.