Best Practices to Store Wine at Home
Wine is a delicate product, and improper storage can lead to oxidation, spoilage, or the loss of desirable characteristics.
Fortunately, storing wine at home doesn’t require a cellar or an elaborate setup — just a few key principles can go a long way in preserving your wine for years to come.
Whether you're a casual wine drinker or a
passionate collector, proper wine storage is crucial for maintaining the
quality and flavor of your wines.
Here’s a guide to the best practices for storing wine at home, so you can enjoy your bottles at their best when the time is right.
1. Maintain the Right Temperature
Temperature is one of the most critical factors in wine storage.
Wine should be stored at a consistent temperature — ideally between 7-18°C. Fluctuations in temperature can cause the wine to expand and contract, which may push the cork out or let air into the bottle, leading to oxidation.
Ideal range: 13°C is considered optimal for most wines.
Avoid extremes: Temperatures that are too high can cause the wine to age prematurely, while temperatures too low may slow down its maturation.
If you don’t have a wine fridge or a cellar, a cool, dark spot in your home (such as a closet or basement) can work. Just be sure that it doesn’t get too hot in summer or too cold in winter.
2. Store Bottles Horizontally
Storing wine bottles on their side is another key practice for proper storage.
This helps keep the cork moist, preventing it from drying out and allowing air to enter the bottle. If the cork dries out, the wine is more likely to oxidize and spoil.
Side placement: Place the bottle horizontally or at a slight angle, with the label facing up. This will also allow you to easily read the label when selecting a bottle.
This practice is especially important for wines sealed with corks, but it's not necessary for bottles sealed with screw caps or synthetic corks, though storing them horizontally won’t hurt.
3. Keep Wine in a Dark Place
Light — especially sunlight and fluorescent lighting — can degrade wine over time, leading to what is known as “lightstruck” wine, which has a musty, unpleasant odor.
UV rays can break down compounds in wine, causing it to age prematurely and lose its flavor profile.
Darkness is key: Store wine in a dark room or in a wine fridge with UV-protective glass. Avoid placing bottles near windows or under bright lights.
If you’re storing wine on a shelf, try to keep it in a place that is shielded from direct light exposure.
4. Control Humidity Levels
Humidity is an often-overlooked aspect of wine storage, but it can affect the integrity of the corks and the actual wine.
If the humidity is too low, corks may dry out and crack, leading to leakage and oxidation. If it’s too high, mold may develop on the cork or the label, although this isn’t typically a major concern for home storage.
Optimal range: Aim for a humidity level of about 60-70%. This helps keep the corks in good condition without encouraging mold.
In homes with very dry air, consider placing a shallow pan of water nearby or investing in a small humidifier. In humid climates, ensure the area is well-ventilated.
5. Avoid Vibrations
Vibrations can disturb the delicate aging process of wine by agitating the sediments and affecting the wine's chemical composition. In that sense, repeated or consistent motion can prevent the wine from settling and maturing properly.
Keep wine still: Store your wine in a place that’s free from constant movement, such as near washing machines, heavy traffic areas, or appliances that vibrate.
Wine fridges and wine cellars are typically designed to minimize vibrations, which is another advantage of investing in dedicated storage.
6. Store Red and White Wines Appropriately
While most of the above principles apply universally, there are a few differences between storing red and white wines.
Red wine: Red wines, especially those with rich tannins, age better at slightly warmer temperatures than whites. However, they should still be kept in the 7-18°C range, with 13°C being the ideal temperature.
White wine: White wines, rosé wines, and sparkling wines are best stored a little cooler, typically around 7-10°C. This helps maintain their freshness and acidity at their optimal level.
If you have space constraints, you can store both types together, just remember to be mindful of the temperature.
7. Organize Your Collection
As your collection grows, it can become difficult to keep track of what you have and when it was purchased. Organizing your wine collection can prevent you from missing bottles or forget about the ones you already have.
Labeling: Keep a simple system in place to track your wines. You can label bottles by vintage (the year when the grapes were harvested), type, or region, or even create a wine inventory on your phone or computer.
Rotation: Store those wines you plan to consume soon at the front, and older or special bottles toward the back. This will make sure that your older wines don’t get overlooked.
8. Invest in a Wine Fridge or Wine Rack
If you are planning to have a wine collection or looking to store wine for long-term aging, it might be worth investing in a dedicated wine fridge or a wine rack that’s specifically designed for optimal storage.
Wine fridge: These appliances are designed to maintain the correct temperature, humidity, and protection from light. You can find them in various sizes, from small countertop units to large, multi-zone fridges for more serious collectors.
Wine rack: For less temperature-sensitive storage, a wine rack in a cool, dark location can be a great solution. Look for racks that allow for bottles to be stored horizontally, which maximizes space and ensures that corks stay moist.
9. Consider the Wine’s Aging Potential
Not all wines are meant to age. Many wines, particularly lighter whites and reds, are made to be consumed soon after purchase. On the other hand, high quality wines, such as tannic reds, sparklings, and dessert wines, can improve with age if stored properly.
Drink sooner vs. age longer: If you’re storing wine that’s meant to be consumed within a few years, you can store it at slightly higher temperatures or in less ideal conditions. For wines you plan to age, stick to the ideal storage conditions outlined above.
Conclusion
By following these simple practices for wine storage, you can ensure that your bottles age gracefully and are ready to be enjoyed at their peak (the wine’s ideal point of maturation in terms of flavour and aroma).
Whether you have a small collection or a budding wine cellar, proper storage will help to preserve the integrity of your wines and enhance your enjoyment over time.
So, take the time to find the right spot, keep in mind the storing conditions, and organize your collection. Your future self — and your wines — will thank you :)
Cheers!
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