The room used to store wine in bottles or barrels is known as cava or cellar, although it can also be, less commonly, in demijohns, amphorae or plastic containers, or any other storage of salted products or oils.

In a climate-controlled wine cellar, important factors such as temperature and humidity are maintained by a climate control system. In contrast, passive or natural wineries are not climate controlled, and are typically built underground to reduce temperature swings. An overhead cellar is often called a "wine room", while a small cellar (less than 500 bottles) is sometimes called a "wine closet".

Wine cellars protect alcoholic beverages from potentially harmful external influences by providing darkness and a constant temperature for preservation. Wine is a naturally perishable product, leaving it exposed to heat, light, vibrations or fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause any type of wine to spoil. When stored properly, not only do wines maintain their quality, but those that undergo some type of aging can improve in aroma, flavor and complexity as they mature.

Wine can be stored satisfactorily between 7°C (44.6°F) and 18°C ​​(64.4°F) as long as temperature variations are gradual. The temperature of 13 °C (55.4 °F) is found mainly in the wine cellars used to store wine in France, while in Spain in the so-called cemetery of the Bodega Marques de Murrieta, where wines that are several decades old are preserved, the temperature ranges between 13 degrees Celsius (55.4 °F) on average in winter and 16 degrees Celsius (60.8 °F) in summer. It should be taken into account that the wine matures in general, differently and more slowly at low temperatures, contrary to what it does at a higher temperature. Some experts maintain that the optimal temperature for aging wines is 13 degrees Celsius (55.4 °F),[1]​ for some 15 degrees Celsius (59.0 °F)[2]​ and for others 16 degrees Celsius (60.8 °F).[3]​ On the other hand, Alexis Lichine's Encyclopedia says that at higher temperatures. 10 °C (50.0 °F) and 14 °C (57.2 °F), the wines must age normally.[4]​.