If you’re starting a wine collection, it’s important that you know how to store your bottles. Here’s how to store wine bottles for years and years.

In this article, you will discover how to store wine bottles so they maintain their rich flavor for years to come.

How to Store Wine Bottles

If you have any knowledge at all about wine, there is a good chance you know that how you store the bottle can directly affect the taste of the goodness inside. But, just because you know this does not mean you know the details.

And, because everyone should have the best-tasting wine to end a long day, we thought we’d take some time to fill you in on all you need to know about storing wine bottles – from the time you buy it until the time you pop out that cork and all the moments in between.

Here’s how to store wine bottles so they last.

The Right Temperatures

For a wine to taste anything remotely as it should, it is crucial that it is stored at the right temperature. However, this exact temperature is going to vary based on whether we are talking about white or red wine.

Just note, to begin with, that you want to keep your wine chilled, not ice cold. This means you should not turn the temperature down to freezing. Instead, most wines, in general, should be housed at a constant 55-degree Fahrenheit temperature (though, for white wines, you may want to move about ten degrees cooler). Never should you store your wine in temperatures that dip into the 20s as this will cause the wine to freeze. And, storing at anything over the temperature of 68-degrees can cause the wine to continue its aging process – which is not what you want.

The temperature for storing is not all that matters. Serving it comes with a right temperature, too. When serving your red wines, you want it to warm up a bit – serving it at about 62 to 68 degrees. For white wine, on the other hand, it should be served at 49 to 55 degrees. Keep in mind that this serving temperature will vary to meet personal preference.

Humidity Counts

That cork that is used to seal up your wine bottles needs to remain sealed until you are ready to indulge in a bottle. And, in order to do so, it must not dry out.

What happens if the humidity is not kept at an optimal percentage? The humidity around your wine should be kept at least at 60%. Otherwise, anything lower will result in the cork drying up, leaving your bottle of wine vulnerable to oxygen.

Once oxygen hits the wine, it will go bad quickly.

Does it Matter How Your Place the Bottle?

If you have seen wine stored from one place to another, you may have seen it displayed in different ways. If you are seeking to maintain a healthy bottle of wine, however, you will want to make sure it is placed on its side.

Why horizontally? As we learned above, wine corks require humidity to stay moist and keep from drying out – which damages the wine. By storing your wine bottles on their sides, you are providing constant moisture to your wine’s cork. This assists in maintaining this cork and the overall freshness of the wine.

Keep in mind that this is only a suggestion. If your storage method has the humidity properly maintained, then you do not necessarily have to worry about how you store the bottles.

In addition, storing wine on its side gives you the most efficient way to store – and be able to view – all of your wines.

Stillness is Key

Without getting into the specific details, shaking or vibrating of any kind can age your wine before you even get to open it. Then, by the time you do, it may not taste very good.

If you want your wine to maintain its taste – then keep it still. Placing the wine in or on the refrigerator or, for instance, in the trunk of your car, can result in disappointment. Make sure that wherever you choose to store your wine that it does not have any vibrations – and is not near anything that could make its space vibrate.

Dark Spaces

Before you jump to conclusions, storing wine in dark places is not for the dramatic effect. In fact, the dark space is necessary for property maintenance. We’ve discussed everything important for maintaining a delicious bottle of wine – and storing it at the right temperature is necessary.

The lights in your home give off heat. So do the lights in your refrigerator. As a matter of fact, every time you open and close its door, the refrigerator fluctuates in its temperature. Plus, if you store your wine on your countertop anywhere near a window, the sun’s UV rays can greatly affect the health of the bottle of wine.

To save your bottle from ill effects, simply store it in a dark place. Now you know why so many people have wine cellars. But, you don’t need a cellar to keep your wine in perfect shape. Ideally, you simply want to keep your wine away from windows and direct sunlight and the lighting in your kitchen. Making use of LED lighting is a great choice as it does not put off heat, but allows you to light up your collection.

Wine Storage

If you are looking for the perfect and most convenient storage method for your wine collection – no matter how big or small – then you may want to consider a wine refrigerator.

Thor Kitchen has several different models to offer – and they even have multiple zones so you can store each type of wine at its best temperature.

Here are some other features you will find:

• Security Lock
• 46 Bottles Capacity (5.43 Cu.Ft)
• Indoor or Outdoor Use Wine Cooler
• Independent Zones (5-18°C / 41-65°F)
• Fan Assisted Cooling
• Seamless Stainless Steel Door Frame
• Dual Pane Glass With Low-e For UV Protection
• 304 Stainless Steel Exterior Housing And Rear Plate
• Stainless Steel Vent Kickplate
• Full Extension Beech Wood Rolling Shelves
• LCD Display
• Blue LED Interior Lighting
• C°/F°
• Door Opening Alarm
• Temperature Alarm
• Charcoal Filters (2pcs)
• Heating Elements For Winter Weather
• 4 pcs Adjustable Feet
• No Frost Design

A wine refrigerator is a convenient way to store your wine while keeping it easily accessible.

Conclusion

Wine is a special beverage that requires special attention. Being able to enjoy it all comes down to knowing how to store it. And, now you know.