Although my unheated basement is a good temperature for storing wine, I'm concerned that the musty odor will transfer through the cork into the wine. Is this something to be concerned about? Other than buying a wine cooler, is there a way to store my wine down there safely?
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW
It's not possible for me to diagnose the origin of the smell in your basement. Often, mustiness arises because of moisture and generally poor ventilation. Sometimes, a dehumidifier will help. But you could have mold, which is potentially a more serious issue which could call for a professional mold-removal service. If the cause is mold, that could pose a health risk. Is the floor bare concrete - and what about the walls? First, inspect the entire room to see if you can find whitish mold. If nothing is found, you can try washing all surfaces with a solution of baking soda or distilled vinegar and water. Can you open the windows (if any) and let the space dry out thoroughly? Until you determine and deal with the source of the musty odor, it may be best not to store wines in the basement. However, any conceivable penetration of mold will take a very long time. I wish you luck in solving this frustrating issue.
