Wines & Drinks
Visiting 99Wines: The Ideal Wine Storage Cellar for Collectors in Kaohsiung
After publishing my previous article on “How to Store Wine in Taiwan,” I felt it was important to explore concrete options available to wine lovers here. As you may know, Taiwan’s humid and warm climate can be a nightmare for wine preservation. That’s why I decided to visit 镙酒窖 99Wines, a premium wine storage facility located in the heart of Kaohsiung, to understand how serious collectors are keeping their wines safe.
Let me take you through what I discovered during my visit.
First Impressions: A Hidden Gem Beneath Kaohsiung
Tucked away in the basement (B2) of No. 232 Chenggong 1st Road, 99Wines might not be visible from the street, but once you descend, you’re greeted with a modern, sleek, and highly secure environment. The moment the doors opened, I could feel the difference — the air was crisp, the lighting soft, and there was a quiet, almost reverent energy about the place.
A-Lin, the operations manager, and Summer, the cellar specialist, personally welcomed me. Both were warm, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about providing a world-class experience for wine collectors. Their professionalism instantly inspired trust.
A Climate-Controlled Fortress for Wine
One of the biggest concerns for storing wine in Taiwan is humidity and temperature fluctuations. At 99Wines, these are completely under control. The entire space is maintained at an optimal temperature and humidity level ideal for wine aging and preservation.
They’ve also thought about safety in every possible detail. Here’s a breakdown of their security and protection features:
- Access Control: Multi-door security with passcode and digital locks
- Connected Lock System: Clients receive real-time notifications on their phone when their private box is opened
- Fire Protection: State-of-the-art fireproof systems throughout
- Flood Protection: Special flooring and drainage planning to prevent damage from flooding
Whether you’re storing rare vintages or daily drinkers, this is a place where you can trust your bottles are safe.
Storage Sizes: From Modest to Massive
99Wines caters to a variety of collectors. Whether you are just starting your wine journey or have an extensive collection, they offer a range of box sizes:
- Smallest Unit: Fits around 76 cartons (NT$ 7,600/month)
- Largest Unit: Can hold up to 345 cartons (NT$ 34,500/month)
For reference, the pricing structure starts at NT$ 100 per box per month, with discounts for 2- or 3-year contracts, paid annually. This flexible system allows for tailored solutions depending on your needs.
There is also a buffer zone — a temporary storage space where you can deposit or pick up bottles without opening your main box. Very convenient if you often entertain or send wine gifts.
Easy Access — Even by Car
Even though the storage facility is underground, vehicle access is straightforward. A dedicated elevator allows cars to reach the basement level, so you can load and unload boxes directly in a private and discreet manner. This is especially valuable if you’re handling expensive wine cases or large orders.
More Than Storage: A Community for Wine Enthusiasts
What sets 99Wines apart is that it’s not just a place to store wine — it’s a space to celebrate and share your passion.
They have a private tasting room that can comfortably host up to 20 people. The space includes:
- A large table for seated tastings or dinners
- A projector screen for presentations or movie nights
- Full access to wine glasses, decanters, and other accessories
This makes it perfect for:
- Private wine tastings with friends or clients
- Educational sessions and workshops
- Small corporate events or celebrations
Who Stores Wine Here?
99Wines has a very clear clientele:
- Doctors
- Business executives
- Musicians and artists
- Wine importers and restaurateurs
These are individuals who appreciate quality, discretion, and reliability. Most of them have invested in wines that are either emotionally or financially valuable, and they want peace of mind when it comes to storage.
Why Choose Professional Storage Over Home Solutions?
While storing wine at home may seem more convenient, it comes with challenges:
- Temperature and humidity are hard to regulate year-round
- Space is limited, especially in apartments
- Risk of damage from vibrations, light, or accidents
- Security concerns for high-value collections
99Wines eliminates all of these issues. For serious wine lovers, it’s the equivalent of keeping your art collection in a museum-grade vault.
Final Thoughts: A Space Worth Every Drop
As I left 99Wines, I felt both impressed and reassured. It’s the kind of place that takes wine seriously and treats every bottle like a work of art.
If you’re building or already own a wine collection in Taiwan, this is hands down one of the best storage solutions I’ve seen. The combination of climate control, security, convenience, and community spirit makes 99Wines stand out.
Whether you’re a new collector or a seasoned connoisseur, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit.
FAQ: Storing Wine in Taiwan & 99Wines
Yes, you can schedule a tour by contacting them via their Facebook page, or call 07-2695898
The facility is exclusively designed for wine storage. If you need to store other types of alcohol, the request must be reviewed in advance for safety reasons.
Items that are prohibited include anything containing moisture, strong odors, volatile substances, or any materials that could affect the storage conditions of other clients. Unfortunately, such items cannot be accepted.
Access is by appointment to ensure security, but clients can coordinate flexible times.
Insurance options are available. Speak directly with staff for customized packages.
Absolutely. A-Lin and Summer are very welcoming and provide clear communication.
Yes, there is staff presence during business hours to assist and maintain the space.
Want more tips about wine culture in Taiwan? Stay tuned to Yueh’s Choice for guides, stories, and personal recommendations.
