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How To Properly Store Wine At Home (7 Enemies Of Wine)

So you bought a bottle of wine that you won’t drink right away. Maybe on wine and pizza night! Now, how do you properly store wine at home?

There are a lot of things you should know about wines. Choosing and buying wines are part of the process. Aside from it, you’ll also need to know how to properly store them.

If you properly store your wine, it can last for decades, increasing in value and quality. However, even the best wines in the world can be spoiled by improper storage.

So, to avoid such a tragedy, I’m here to help you!

Why is it Important to Store Wine Properly?

store wine at home properly

A well-aged wine is something to be savored. It isn’t made without effort and care. 

Why is it important to store it properly? Because proper wine storage will make a difference in flavor, color, and character. 

The amount of time a wine should be stored depends on the type of wine and how you will use it. The majority of today’s wines are “ready to drink.” 

And you can consume these wines for 6 to 12 months. You serve them together with your cheese platter

Red and white wines are designed to improve with age and will only do so if they are correctly stored.

How To Store Wine Properly?

Following these few easy rules should keep your wines safe until you’re ready to drink them.

  1. Keep It In A Cool Temperature
store wine at home close up

The first enemy of wine is temperature. Temperatures above 70° F speed up the aging of a wine, which is not always ideal. 

If the temperature rises, your wine may get “cooked,” resulting in flat smells and flavors. 

The ideal temperature range is between 45° F and 65° F. But, according to Wine Spectator, 55° F is commonly stated as close to perfect.

Whether you’re opening the bottles within a few years of their release, it doesn’t matter if your storage is a few degrees warmer.

  1. Store The In A Wine Refrigerator
store wine at home in a cooler

Yes, you read that right! WINE refrigerator. Not your regular refrigerator. 

A regular refrigerator keeps your food cool and dry. A wine fridge keeps wine at the right temperature and humidity, between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

It’s also a good idea to keep your wine in a separate wine fridge to avoid cross-contamination from food odors.

However, you can store your wines in your household refrigerator for up to a couple of months. Yet, it is not ideal for the long term.

It will dry out corks, allowing air to enter the bottles, and may damage the wine.

store wine at home in a rack
  1. Avoid Frequent Temperature Change

You’re frustrated to aim for a perfect temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit. But, little did you know, you must be more concerned about the sudden or frequent change in temperature. 

Don’t be too concerned about slight temperature changes. The expansion and contraction of the liquid inside the bottle may push the cork out or create leakage and can cause cooked flavors. 

Always aim for a steady temperature. 

  1. Don’t Worry Too Much On The Humidity
store wine at home in an X rack

Most people say that it should be stored at a humidity level of 70%. Because dry air will dry up the corks, allowing the wine to be exposed to air, which would spoil the wine.

Yes, it can happen if you live in artic or dessert places in the world. But if you’re not, there is no need to worry about the humidity. 

A humidity level of 50 to 80 percent is considered safe. And placing a pan of water in your storage area can help improve conditions.

However, very moist environments can increase mold growth. It will not affect your properly sealed wine. However, it can damage the labels. It is something that a dehumidifier can help with.

store wine at home away from light
  1. Keep Them Away From Light

Keep your wine in the dark as much as possible. It can harm the flavors and aromas of wine by UV rays from direct sunlight.

As you have noticed, colored glass bottles are used by vintners for wine. Since they’re like wine sunglasses.

The light bulb in your home doesn’t directly affect your wine. However, it can cause the label to fade. 

  1. Keep Them Steady and Away From Vibrations
store wine at home away from vibrations

Aside from light, you should also keep wines away from sources of vibration. 

Yes, I’m talking about your dishwasher, dryer, workout area, stereo systems, or anything that can cause vibrations.v Vibrations in the bottle can disturb sediments, affecting the delicate process that allows wines to age well. 

So, don’t shake your bottles like a Super Bowl MVP about to splash Champagne all over the locker room.

  1. Keep Them Sideways
store wine at home in a room

It is a fact that if you have a bottle of wine with a cork, you must store them horizontally. It will keep the cork from drying out.

This is unnecessary if you plan to drink these bottles within the next few months. And if the bottles have different seals like screwcaps, glass, or plastic corks. 

However, I must say that horizontal storing is a space-saving way of storing bottles that will not affect your wines.

FAQs about Wine

How long can you store wine?

Your unopened bottle of wine can last anywhere from 1 to 20 years, depending on the type of wine.

What’s the difference between a regular refrigerator and a wine cooler? 

A wine cooler doesn’t keep your wine as cold as other drinks. A wine cooler is set to a higher temperature range than a refrigerator. Most wine coolers won’t go below 46 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the right temperature for your wine.

What’s the difference between natural and synthetic corks?

Synthetic corks do not expand or compress within the bottle.  While natural corks expand and contract with the bottle, maintaining a tight seal between the cork and the bottle.

How can you tell if a wine is bad when you open it?

– It has a strange smell.
– The cork has been pushed slightly out of the bottle.
– The color of the wine is brownish.
– You can notice astringent or chemical flavors.
– It has a fizzy flavor,  but it is not a sparkling wine.

What’s the proper angle to store wine bottles?

You should store your wine on its side or at an angle of no more than 10 degrees. It keeps the cork from drying out.

Conclusion

Wine is a delicate beverage. It can last for several years. However, even the best wines in the world can be spoiled by poor storage.

Knowing all these factors that can affect your wine can be overwhelming. But you know what’s even more stressful?

Opening your most expensive bottle of wine and finding it has it’s already spoiled!

Proper storage of your wine will not only avoid it from spoiling. It can also help in aging and enhance the wine’s quality and taste.

What is your favorite bottle of wine? I would love to hear some of your favorites!