Proper Wine Storage

Important Considerations for Proper Wine Storage

This guide is for those planning to store wine long-term. If you're opening a bottle for dinner tonight, detailed storage advice isn’t necessary. But if you’re building a collection with bottles aging in the cellar, it’s worth learning the basics.

Keep in mind that different wines have different storage needs. Grape variety, type, and aging potential all play a role. By understanding the specific requirements of your wines, you’ll ensure they develop properly and maintain their quality over time.

Should Wine Be Stored Lying Down or Standing?

When it comes to storing wine lying down or standing, the key factor is whether the bottles have a cork or a screw cap. If the bottles have a cork, the best practice is to store the wine on its side. This ensures that the cork stays moist from the wine, which is essential to prevent oxygen from entering the bottle. A dry cork can lead to oxidation, which can spoil the wine. At the same time, you should avoid storing the wine with the bottom up, as this can make the cork too wet. The ideal solution is to store the wine on its side, ensuring that the cork remains in constant contact with the wine without the bottle being upside down.

So, to store your wine properly, the best option is to keep the bottles lying down – this will ensure optimal preservation.

Wine Temperature, Storage, and Light Conditions

Temperature is one of the most critical factors in proper wine storage. A stable, temperate environment allows the wine to develop and age as intended.

For most wines, the ideal storage temperature lies between 12–16°C. Just as important is avoiding fluctuations—sudden changes, even minor ones, can negatively affect the wine’s aging process.

Vinorage wine cellars offer consistent temperature conditions thanks to passive cooling and floor integration, making them ideal for long-term storage. Wine fridges, with their multiple zones, are a good alternative for storing different wine types—but stable conditions remain key no matter the solution.

What You Shouldn't Do with Your Wine

To wrap up this guide, let's look at some common mistakes that we've all made at some point, but should avoid in order to preserve the quality of your precious wines:

• Avoid leaving a gift bottle of wine on the kitchen counter for months – this will not do the wine any favors. Prolonged exposure to room temperature can negatively affect the wine's development, so it's important to provide the right storage from day one.
• Never place bottles on top of a vibrating, overheated fridge – vibrations and high temperatures can damage the wine. Wine needs a stable environment to develop properly, and anything that disrupts this can cause the wine to lose its balance and character.
• Avoid storing wine in light, especially direct sunlight – this can negatively affect the taste and quality. Ultraviolet rays can break down the wine's chemical composition, leading to premature aging or damage to the wine.

Now that you've learned both what to do and what not to do when storing wine, your collection is well on its way to being in the best hands. At Wine-store, we've done our part, and now it's time for you to enjoy the right conditions to develop your wine collection.

Summary of Proper Wine Storage

Proper wine storage is essential for maintaining the quality of your collection. To store wine optimally, it’s important to maintain a stable temperature between 12 and 16°C and avoid fluctuations. Wine should be stored lying down if it has a cork to keep it in contact with the wine and prevent oxidation. For long-term storage, a wine cellar with passive cooling is ideal, ensuring stable conditions. At Wine-store, we provide expert advice and solutions to help you store your wines in the best possible environment for aging.

Contact Us for Wine Storage Guidance

At Wine-store, we understand that wine storage can be a complex process, and we are here to make it easier for you. Whether you're uncertain about the layout of your wine cellar, need advice on the optimal location for it, or have any questions regarding our products, our team is here to assist you every step of the way.

Feel free to reach out to us for personalized advice. With our extensive experience and expertise, we are well-equipped to guide you towards the best solutions for your wine collection, ensuring that your wine is stored in the ideal environment to preserve its quality. Don't hesitate to contact us for any questions or concerns!