Many would-be wine collectors shy away from this rewarding hobby out of fear the costs will run too high. While certain vintages might set a buyer back a bit, wine storage doesn’t have to be a big-ticket concern.

Wine lovers really don’t have to spend thousands of dollars installing specialty made cellars to protect their favorite bottles from the elements. When budgeting matters, there are some exceptional alternatives that cost less than most people realize.

There are a few things to consider when coming up with a budget storage area for wine. First of all, wine should be stored out of direct sunlight. The darker the area, generally the better. Try to avoid large fluctuations in temperature and humidity. The range of temperatures wine should between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

So, what can the budget-minded do to protect their purchases and ensure a good flavor when a bottle is opened?

Here are some wine storage ideas that don’t cost a bundle:

• Counter storage – if only a few bottles will be purchased at any given time, a counter rack can work fairly well.  Make sure the rack allows for bottles to be stored on their sides and that it is kept out of direct sunlight. Ideally, try to place wine racks in the coolest room in a home and preferably one without harsh exposure to the sun during the day. Do keep in mind the temperatures in a home are not likely to fall in the ideal range, but for short-term storage this solution can work quite well.
• Mini-cellars – There are special refrigerators meant to store wine that don’t cost as much as many people think. Some models cost under a few hundred dollars and provide optimum internal conditions for the storage of wine above ground.

Storing wine doesn’t always call for a special cellar and a huge investment. When budgets matter, there are alternatives that work extremely well.