Wine storage at home can be tricky, though, especially if you don’t know what type of container you should use or how long certain wines will last. So here are some tips that will help you store your wine securely so that it tastes as good as possible and stays fresh for longer:
Keep wines in a dry and cool place
The first rule of storing wine is to keep it in a cool, dark place. The ideal temperature for wine storage should be between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a wine cellar or special room dedicated to keeping the temperature stable, it’s perfect for storing your bottles there. But even if you don’t have a fancy space like this, then make sure to keep them safe from heat sources, direct sunlight, and other elements that could damage them over time.
Do not store wines in a fridge
Don’t store your wines in a fridge. Wine is best stored at room temperature, and a refrigerator can damage the wine. The temperature of most refrigerators is too cold, causing the cork to dry out and crack as it freezes, which exposes the wine to air that spoils its flavor. If you want, you can store your wines on their sides like bottles of beer instead of upright like with other beverages—this will keep them from being exposed to more condensation than necessary because they’re not standing upright.
Avoid storing wine under direct sunlight
The next thing you should do is keep your wine away from sunlight. Sunlight can damage the quality of your wine, so it’s best to store it in a cool, dark place. Windows and doors are notorious for letting light through, which can affect how your wine tastes. It’s best to keep it stored on an interior wall or in an area where the lighting is dimmer than in other parts of your home. The storage area should also be dry and ventilated so that there is no moisture buildup within the bottle itself or its surrounding environment.
Store the bottle horizontally and lying down on its side
We recommend storing your wine horizontally, and on its side, in a wine rack, or on a surface you keep at an angle. This helps to keep the cork moist and prevents it from drying out. It’s important to keep the cork moist because it’s what allows air into the bottle, which is why we drink wine.
Storing your bottles vertically isn’t recommended because it will tilt them forward and expose the neck of the bottle (where all those bubbles are), which will cause them to oxidize faster than if they were lying down horizontally.
Be sure to have a corker at home
The first thing you should do is purchase a corker. They are quite inexpensive, so it’s well worth the investment.
Corkers are simple to use: simply place your bottle in the hole at the top of the machine, place a cork on top, and press down on the lever until it seals around both ends of your bottle. Then, just pull out your bottle using its handle!
You may think this sounds too easy to be true—how could something so simple really work? Well, it does work! And not only that—it will keep your wine fresh longer than any other method you’ve tried before.
The next time you open up an older batch of vino, try using a corkscrew instead of letting air get into its precious contents. You won’t regret it.
Conclusion
Don’t take your wine collection lightly. The right storage can help it age gracefully and keep its flavor intact for years. We hope these tips help you take better care of your own wine collection!
