How To Properly Store Wine

If you're like me and love a good bottle of wine, you probably want to make sure it tastes as delicious as possible when you finally pop the cork.

Before I received my level 3 certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), I didn’t pay any attention to how I stored my wine. Usually, I bought a bottle and drank it, so there was no need for storing it. However, as I became more sophisticated (said sarcastically), my husband and I enjoyed visiting the wine regions in our state. We would purchase a few cases of wine on these trips and bring them home. Because that’s an investment, I wanted to ensure I was storing the wine correctly. This is when I learned where and how you store wine can make a huge impact!

I’m sharing these tips with you now so you don’t invest in wine and then store it in your garage only to open a bottle in a few months and find it to taste terrible! So read below to make sure you are keeping your wine safe:)

Store Wine at a Constant Temperature (PLEASE!)

One of the most important things to know about storing wine is that it loves consistency. Ideally, wine should be stored at a constant temperature, around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Fluctuations in temperature can cause the wine to expand and contract, potentially damaging the cork's seal and allowing air to seep in. This exposure to air can prematurely age the wine or spoil it altogether.

Avoid storing wine in places where temperatures can vary significantly, like a hot garage, attic, or even a kitchen where temperatures can fluctuate from cooking. These environments are not ideal for wine storage because they can cause the wine to age too quickly or become 'cooked,' leaving it flat and lacking in flavor. Your garage is the absolute worst place to store your wine! If you want to store wine in a random place in your house, shoot for the basement if you have one. The temperature downstairs is usually cooler than the rest of the home.

Different Wines, Different Temperature

While 55 degrees Fahrenheit is often cited as the ideal storage temperature for wine, it's worth noting that red and white wines have different optimal serving temperatures. If possible, try to store red wines and white wines separately.

Red Wines: Red wines are generally best stored at slightly warmer temperatures than whites, usually between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they should still be stored in a cool environment away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations.

White and Sparkling Wines: White and sparkling wines are best stored at cooler temperatures, around 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit. When serving them, white wines should be chilled slightly more, while sparkling wines should be served even colder.

If you can’t store your wines separately, no worries. Store them together, and you can always chill the wine in the fridge for an hour or so before serving. Do not put ice in your wine, as this will dilute the juice. Unless you have a terrible white wine….then ice can mask the flavor.

Keep Bottles Horizontal

For wines with a natural cork closure, storing the bottles on their side is crucial. Why? Because keeping the wine in contact with the cork prevents it from drying out. A dry cork can shrink or crack, letting air into the bottle, which can spoil the wine. This is why wine racks are designed to hold bottles horizontally!

However, there is an exception to this rule: sparkling wines. Sparkling wines like Champagne, Cava, or Prosecco are usually stored upright. The pressure inside the bottle (from the carbonation) is enough to keep the cork moist, so there’s no risk of drying out.

Avoid Light and Vibrations

Another thing to remember is that wine should be stored in a dark place. Prolonged exposure to light, especially direct sunlight, can degrade and age wine prematurely. This is why many wine bottles are made from dark-colored glass—they’re trying to protect the liquid inside from UV rays.

Similarly, vibrations can disturb the sediment in wine (especially older red wines), affecting the taste. Store wine in a place where it won’t be moved or jostled frequently.

When we lived in our RV fulltime, vibrations and temperature were an issue for me. If you find yourself in a similar situation, try to tuck wine in a drawer where it can be nestled and not move a ton. I stored my white wine in the fridge, buying only a bottle at a time so I didn’t have to worry as much about the heat.

Consider a Wine Fridge

If you're just getting started with storing wine and don't have a lot of space, you don’t need a fancy wine cellar to keep your bottles safe. A small wine fridge can be a fantastic investment. These fridges are designed to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, ideal for wine storage. They also come in various sizes, so you can find one that fits your space and budget.

The first wine fridge we had held six bottles. We tucked it in our pantry on the floor. Somehow, we forgot it was in there, and a few years later, we found it and opened it up, and we had some really lovely wines in there. I have no idea how I would forget about wine, but somehow, I did!

You’re a Wine Expert Now!

Remember, you don’t need to be a wine expert (but you are now) to store your bottles properly. Follow these simple tips: maintain a consistent temperature, store your bottles horizontally (except for sparkling wines), and keep them away from light and vibrations. With a little bit of care, you can ensure that your wine is always ready to be enjoyed at its best.

Cheers!