How to Properly Store Wine

There’s nothing quite like relaxing with a glass of wine. Be it red, white, rosé, or sparkling, great wine is a staple at mealtimes or celebrations in many of our lives. Whether you are a collector or just a wine lover, proper wine storage is key to preserving your investment and enjoyment. While you don’t need to have an extravagant wine cellar in your house, you do need to know a few things about how to store wine.

Here are helpful tips to properly store wine to make sure your favorite vino ages well and tastes great every time you crack open a bottle.

Best Ways to Store Wine

Store Wine on Racks

Storing wine on racks will keep bottles organized and secure for a long time. Storing wine sideways on racks prevents the cork from getting moist and helps to reduce premature aging of the wine while keeping the wine tasting great for years to come.

When it comes to wine racks there are hundreds of different styles, makes and models on the market. But you don’t really need anything fancy. A wine rack with plenty of space ensures you can fit in all your favorites and a few more bottles for good measure.

Store Wine at the Right Temperature and Humidity

Storing wine at the wrong temperature is one of the most common ways to ruin the taste. The ideal temperature to store wine should be between 45- and 65-degrees Fahrenheit. Too much heat is a definite way to spoil your wine – no matter what grape and vintage you prefer. While low temperatures could prevent your wine from aging properly. Leaving wine in the fridge is okay for a couple of days, but any longer and the temperature can start to oxidize the wine after opening and change the taste. If you’re planning on keeping wine for any longer than a few months, look for an alternative like a wine storage unit to ensure that your wine is stored in a consistent temperature to get the best results.

Humidity also plays a role in how wine can age. To age your wine properly, store your wine within the humidity of 50% to 70%. Low humidity might dry the cork, while high humidity could lead to wine molding overtime.

Avoid Light and Vibration

It’s important that your store wine away from direct sunlight. Wine can become “light-struck”, prematurely aging due to light rearranging its compounds. This affects the flavors and aromas, leaving the wine tasting sour or off when the time comes to crack open a bottle. This is one of the main reasons champagne, prosecco, and cava are always bottled in a black bottle. These are some of the most sensitive to light.

In addition to light, vibration is another thing to avoid because it can disturb the sediments in wine. It is these sediments that make sure wine ages well and the delicate taste doesn’t change over time. Store your wine away from vibrating household items, like washing machines, dryers, and speakers to maintain the taste of your wine.

Why Wine Storage is a Good Option

Storing wine at home is a great option for short term and for easy access; though if you’re collection is rapidly growing, a climate-controlled storage unit might be the best way to protect your investment.

Why Choose Climate Controlled Wine Storage?

• Protection from light and UV conditions.
• Temperature and humidity set to constant ideal conditions for wine.
• Stability – prevents wine from jostling or vibrations.
• Organization of your collection away from home, but easily accessible when you need it.

Find Wine Storage Near You and keep your collection thriving.