Climate-Controlled Wine Storage for Collectors and Trade

Serious collectors, wine merchants, importers, restaurants and wine bars needing extra storage.

Monthly fees per case, bin or locker, with added charges for pick and pack, delivery, inventory reporting and short-term trade storage.

• Inventory and record management
• Sales and relationship building with trade customers
• Customer service
• Managing premises, suppliers and security

• Storing wine for merchants or restaurants may bring extra provincial liquor rules or permits; check with your provincial regulator before you sign a lease
• Zoning, fire code and building permits for the space and its equipment, checked with your municipality
• Insurance that covers high-value stock belonging to customers, plus theft and spoilage risk
• High fixed costs such as rent and power, so fill the space gradually and watch cash flow
• Hot summers and cold winters put extra strain on cooling and heating systems, so plan for resilience and backup

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on the space, climate control, racking and security you need. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how full the facility gets.

Check with your provincial regulator whether storing wine for merchants or restaurants brings extra liquor rules or permits before you sign a lease. Also check zoning, fire code and building permits with your municipality, and insurance for high-value customer stock.

It is estimated to need at least about 20 hours a week, depending on your customer base. Helpful skills include inventory management, building trade relationships, customer service and managing premises and security. High fixed costs mean filling the space gradually.