Lighting solutions for wine cellars: tips for preserving wine
Wine is a beverage that is loved worldwide. It has certain rather unique characteristics that have helped guarantee its place on the top dining tables on the planet. However, preserving wine in optimum conditions means taking a number of different factors into account. The style, efficiency and energy savings that LED lights can bring to wine cellars make these luminaires the best solution on the market. The fact is, LED lights are an ideal alternative to traditional lighting solutions that have now become outdated and could even damage the product.
In this article, we talk about all the aspects of wine storage lighting projects that need to be considered. It is a matter of creating a space where the lights do not interfere with this exquisite beverage’s ageing process.
En este artículo trataremos...
- WHY DO WE NEED SPECIAL LIGHTING SOLUTIONS FOR WINE?
- WHAT KIND OF LIGHTS SHOULD WE USE FOR PRESERVING WINE?
- SPECIALIST LUMINAIRES FROM SECOM
- NOTABLE SECOM RUSTIC WINE CELLAR PROJECTS
Why do we need special lighting solutions for wine?
Wine is a delicate beverage and, as such, its elaboration process needs to be carefully controlled so that it reaches customers in the best possible conditions. If we want to preserve its taste and ensure that it ages appropriately, it needs to be stored in a place where lighting conditions are optimum.
This means avoiding exposing it to excessive amounts of shortwave UV rays such as those produced by the sun. The rays deteriorate wine at a biochemical level and affect the oxidation process. In addition, they have a negative impact on the wine’s aroma and how it ages and it is the reason why wine tends to be bottled in dark glass bottles.
However, this does not mean that wine needs to be stored in a dark cellar. It simply means that cellars need to have certain components that provide light but do not damage the product. Thanks to LED lights, it is possible to create elegant spaces that are suitably well lit. LEDs provide light without any UV rays, meaning that the wine does not deteriorate.
The choice of fixture itself depends on the size and type of wine cellar. We must not forget that another of the objectives in these projects is to create a space that is also aesthetically pleasing. To this end, we can select from a large number of elements with different degrees of brightness and achieve just the right amount of dimmed lighting. This ensures that decorative elements stand out and the properties of the wine are preserved.
What kind of lights should we use for preserving wine?
Temperature is a key factor in ensuring that wine stays in optimum condition over long periods of time. It must remain constant and any significant fluctuations must be avoided. At most, temperatures can increase or decrease a degree or two. Anything more than this affects the quantity of oxygen in the wine and, in turn, its flavour.
Unlike incandescent light bulbs, LED luminaires generate very little heat and have low levels of radiation. This means that large numbers of these lights can be fitted in wine cellars and, since they do not affect the quality of the wine, they can even be positioned near bottles. Warm, amber indirect lights are best for creating intimate spaces.
What’s more, taking into account that LED lights use between six and seven times less energy than incandescent lights, fitting these kinds of lights in rustic wine cellars leads to considerable energy savings.
Specialist luminaires from SECOM
SECOM specialises in lighting and is familiar with all the latest and most innovative ways of providing the best possible service in premises of this kind. SECOM recommends lights with a wavelength between 550 and 590nm because they are efficient and can adapt to all kinds of locations. Of course, not all rooms are the same. The setting, architectural features and specific areas within a space that need to be highlighted have to be analysed in order to create a room that is pleasing and appealing to the eye.
SECOM has systems for dimmed lighting to make rooms feel warmer or for creating soft shadows where needed. This can enhance the features of a wine cellar.
The light provided by SECOM’s special LEDs for wine cellars and wine storage spaces – Leds Wine – is free from blue light wavelengths on the emissions spectrum. The company has a range of spotlights, high bay, rectangular and linear light fixtures. It should be highlighted that SECOM manufactures its own luminaires and supplies everything you need in terms of components, including dissipaters, circuits and drivers. This means that customers are given the very best service. The company has invested heavily in R&D and Innovation to develop temperature dissipation technology which, in conjunction with strict quality controls, means it can provide products that meet existing European regulatory requirements for wine cellar illumination projects of all kinds.
Notable SECOM rustic wine cellar projects
In addition to hospitals, car dealerships and football pitches, to mention just a few, SECOM has worked on very prestigious projects such as the Pino Winery in Huelva (Spain). The lighting project designed by SECOM was based on installation of different luminaires in amber tones to preserve the wines in the best possible condition.
This Spanish company specialises in the design, manufacture and sale of professional lighting systems and has worked on other wineries, too. The results have invariably exceeded customers’ expectations. Examples include using Konak high bay luminaires with special LED lights for wines.
These elements are particularly suitable for wineries and wine storage spaces because of their elevated and safe luminary performance. One of the main advantages is that they can be supplied in a range of outputs, fitted with different opening angles and controlled so that they generate savings in energy consumption.
As mentioned, LED lighting solutions for wine cellars need to include luminaires that do not affect the wine maturation process nor damage the product in any way. SECOM supplies special LED lights that eliminate potentially harmful emission spectres and are particularly suitable for wine cellars and wine storage spaces.
