Wine Cellar Humidor

[REesq]

I thought I had a pretty good supply of CCs, but when COVID hit, I started to panic that my “almost lifetime” supply wasn’t going to make it unless I significantly changed my departure date, which I really didn’t want to do😊.  As a result, as the supply chains have started to open up again, I have been loading up on cigars.  I now have a lot of 2022-2024 boxes that need some aging.  My main humidors are full, so I need to find alternative solutions.  I have a large wine cellar that has room.  My understanding is that at 55 degrees, you need 80% humidity for proper storage conditions.  My wine cellar has maintained a steady 54.5 degrees, plus or minus 1 degree, over the last 3 years.  The humidity averages 82%, plus or minus 3%, over the same period.  Has anyone here actually tried long-term cigar storage in this type of environment?  Thanks

[FatCobra]

I'm new here. I know this is an older post, but I have been asking the same for a year and can't get an answer. I just rebuilt my larger wine room, it's 16ftx10ft all glass surround with dedicated refrigeration at 55F just like you. Seems like a great place for storage to avoid bugs, but I can't find any advice on the subject. I worry that the high humidity will result in condensation, so I never tried it. If you have been successful, please share to I can learn. Thanks.

[Socrates]

Many more knowledgeable and experienced people on this forum than I...but I am pretty sure that 55F and 80% RH will result in very wet cigars...and mold. Cigars absorb more and more moisture as you lower temp.  At 55F my uneducated guess would be a max range of 65%-70%RH  (I wouldn't do 70 myself in fact at 55F I would try to keep it at 60% RH for long term storage).  Would be interesting to hear other feedback on this topic.

[gormag38]

I can't really speak to the wine cellar humidor you're suggesting. But I do think 80% rh is going to be too high, regardless of temp. In regards to the temperature however I don't think that 55 F is too cold. I have nothing to base this on other than my own personal experience. I have an electric coolerdor (unplugged) and some small and large tuppers filled with sticks and boxes that I keep in my basement. For the summer months in my region that means around 65-70F and for the winter months it means around 55-60F. I always just keep some Boveda 62s in mine and they always smoke great. I haven't noticed any negative effect during the winter months. I know I've heard others talk about how Davidoff London ages some of their stuff in a similarly 'cold' climate. Unsure of exact numbers however. Hope this helps you some.