Wines reach their peak quality when properly aged. The full development of flavor and bouquet is best achieved when aged in a cool and humid environment. From the wisdom of ancient peoples we have learned that underground caverns are ideal. Today a man-made cave is the most cost effective way to store and age wine.

In recent years wine growers in many parts of the world have been constructing caves where no natural ones exist. This is especially true in California, where approximately a hundred such wine storage caves now exist. It is also becoming commonplace in the wine growing regions of the eastern Unitied States. This consistent aging environment is one of the most important components in the excellent quality of premium California and East Coast wines.

Initially the costs of an underground cavern may be slightly higher than a conventional storage building of the same size, but most properly constructed underground storage caverns will pay for themselves in 2 to 4 years. This is due to the fact that they maintain a constant temperature and humidity level without additional heating or cooling devices or the power it takes to run them.