So, you’ve bought a bottle of wine—now what? Unless you’re planning to open it right away, it’s important to store it properly. Wine storage can vary, depending on the type of wine and your personal preferences. Whether you’re just getting into wine or starting a collection, here’s how to properly store wine at home and why it matters. We’ll walk you through the best methods for storing an unopened bottle of wine, share handy home storage tips, and even cover how to keep an open bottle fresh.

5 tips on how to properly store wine at home

Here are some simple tips to help you store wine properly at home.

 

1. Choose the right storage solution
2. Store the wine at the right temperature
3. Store your bottles horizontally on the racks
4. Store wine away from UV rays and vibrations
5. Check the right humidity levels

1. Choose the right storage solution

If you don’t have the luxury of a cool, slightly damp basement that can serve as a wine cellar, it might be time to consider investing in a wine fridge. With thousands of models on the market at various price points, it’s important to ask yourself a few key questions before making a purchase:

 

• What capacity and size of the wine fridge do you need?
• How many wine fridge cooling zones are required?
• What type of wine fridge is suitable: freestanding, built-in, undercounter, countertop etc.
• Are you considering energy efficient wine fridge?

 

For more guidance, check out our article on choosing the right wine fridge. We also have recommendations for:

 

• the best single-zone wine fridge,
• best dual-zone wine fridge, and
• best overall wine fridges in 2024.

 

If you’re looking for a more advanced storage solution, wine cabinets or multi-zone wine cellars are excellent options for storing different types of wine at their ideal temperatures.

 

Wondering if it’s time to upgrade your wine storage? Consider this: how much did you spend on wine last year? If a cooling unit costs less than 25% of your annual wine budget, it’s worth thinking seriously about. Protecting your investment is important. And here’s a tip: whatever bottle capacity you’re considering, double it. Once you start collecting wines for future enjoyment, you’ll find it hard to stop!

2. Store the wine at the right temperature

Temperature is the most crucial factor in wine storage. The ideal wine storage and the sweet spot for storing all types of wine generally falls between 55ºF (13ºC). But that can vary depending on the type of wine:

 

• Red wine: 55°F-65°F (7°C-18°C)
• White wine: Around 55°F (13°C)
• Sparkling wine: 41°F-47°F (4°C-8°C)
• Fortified wine: 53°F-59°F (12°C-15°C)

 

You should never store wine below 25°F (-4ºC). On the flip side, avoid storing it above 68°F (20°C), which can speed up aging and damage the wine’s delicate volatile compounds. The molecules that give wine its aroma. Stability is key. That’s why its important to avoid temperature fluctuations. They can cause the cork to expand and contract, allowing oxygen to seep in and spoil the wine.

3. Store your bottles horizontally on the racks

Storing wine bottles horizontally on a wine rack in the wine fridge is key for long-term wine preservation. Keeping the wine in contact with the cork helps prevent it from drying out and shrinking. By storing the bottles on its side, horizontally on the racks, you keep the cork hydrated, which is essential for preventing oxygen from seeping in and spoiling the wine quality.

 

Minimizing movement is also important when storing wine. Vibrations can disturb the sediment in the bottle, potentially generating friction. These vibrations can alter the wine’s molecular structure, which in turn can impact the wine’s taste and overall tasting experience.

4. Store wine away from UV rays and vibrations

It’s really important to store wine bottles in the dark and away from direct heat sources or sunlight. Also, keep your wine away from sources of vibration like washers, dryers, or stereos. Ultraviolet (UV) rays interact with the compounds in wine, causing unwanted changes in its structure and flavor. Many wines are packaged in dark bottles to act as a protective layer against UV rays, much like SPF for your wine. However, the best protection is to keep your wine completely away any source of direct sunlight, heat and vibration altogether.

5. Check the right humidity levels

The ideal humidity for storing wine is somewhere near 70%. If the humidity drops too low, corks can dry out, making the wine vulnerable to oxygen exposure. On the flip side, too much humidity can lead to mold and mildew on the bottle, potentially damaging the cork. Corks need a bit of moisture from the air to stay snug in the bottle. If it gets too dry, the corks can shrink, increasing the risk of oxidation—a sure way to spoil your wine.

What’s the best place to store wine at home?

How to store wine at home after opening?

Most open wines can last a few days after opening if you store it in the wine fridge properly. Here’s how long an opened bottle can typically last after you open it:

 

• Red and white wine: 3-5 (in case of more robust, full-bodied reds, sometimes even more than 7 days)
• Sparkling wine: 1-3 days
• Fortified wine: Up to 28 days

 

This table provides a clear overview of various methods and systems for preserving an open bottle of wine, including their descriptions and the pros and cons of each option.

 

Method/System	Description	Pros and Cons
Wine Stopper	A reusable stopper that creates a tighter seal than a cork and may include a vacuum feature to remove excess air.	Pros: Effective seal; may include vacuum. Cons: Limited protection compared to more advanced systems.
Wine Bags with a Seal	Airtight bags designed for storing open wine, useful for both long-term storage and carrying leftovers.	Pros: Provides airtight seal; portable. Cons: Not as elegant; can be cumbersome for frequent use.
Vacuum Wine Saver	A pump system that removes air from the bottle, slowing oxidation. Includes rubber stoppers to seal the bottle.	Pros: Reduces oxidation effectively; easy to use. Cons: Requires pump and stoppers; may need regular refills.
Argon Gas Preservation System	Uses argon gas to create a protective layer over the wine, preventing oxygen exposure. Requires cartridges and a nozzle.	Pros: Excellent for long-term preservation; prevents oxidation. Cons: More expensive; requires refills.
Wine Preserver Spray	A can of inert gas (e.g., argon or nitrogen) sprayed into the bottle to displace oxygen.	Pros: Quick and easy; portable. Cons: May not be as effective for extended storage; less comprehensive.
Coravin System	Allows pouring without removing the cork by using a needle and injecting argon gas to replace the wine volume.	Pros: Preserves wine for long-term; no need to remove cork. Cons: Expensive; requires maintenance.
Enomatic Wine Dispenser	Uses argon or nitrogen gas and a dispenser to serve wine by the glass, maintaining a protective gas atmosphere.	Pros: Excellent for extending shelf life; professional use. Cons: Very costly; typically for commercial use.

 

How to store everyday wine at home?

Not all wine is made to age. In fact, most wines are meant to be enjoyed young, often within a year or two of production. These wines are fresh, vibrant, and won’t improve with time. When it comes to everyday wine, proper storage is pretty straightforward. Ideally, store your wine in a dark, slightly humid place that stays relatively cool. Just be sure to keep it away from direct sunlight or any heat sources.

 

We highly recommend using a wine fridge if you plan to enjoy your bottle within a few days, or if you’re a casual wine drinker or someone hosting regular dinners. It’s a reliable option for short-term storage. Remember, storage temperature isn’t the same as serving temperature (that’s a topic for another day). The key for short-term storage? Keep it at a moderate temperature, and a wine fridge is perfect for that.

How to store wine at home for a long-term?

When it comes to storing wine at home for the long term, creating the right environment is key to preserving its quality and improving its aging potential. Let’s start by clarifying why your everyday fridge is not a good solution for long-term wine storage.

 

Standard refrigerators are designed to keep food and drinks at a chilly temperatures, which is much too cold and dry for wine. Wine cellars and wine cabinets are specifically designed to store various types of wine under optimal conditions. They maintain a stable temperature, and offer a protective environment for long-term storage.

 

Most models are packed with amazing range of features, including adjustable temperature settings, humidity settings, hihg-end design, UV protection doors, safe locks etc. Additionally, wine fridges often have features to minimize vibrations and control odors. When choosing a wine cellar or wine cabinet, consider the following:

 

• Capacity: How many bottles do you plan to store? Wine cellars and cabinets come in various sizes.
• Cooling Zones: Depending on the types of wine you have, you can often find single, dual and multi-zone wine cellars and cabinets.
• Features: Look for models with UV-protected glass doors to shield your wine from harmful light and those with vibration-dampening technology.
• Wooden or metal racks: Wooden racks offer a classic look and can be customized to fit your space. They’re great for larger collections and can often be built into a wall or closet. Metal racks are sleek and modern, typically more compact and can be placed on countertops or in cabinets. Regardless of the type of rack you choose, ensure it holds your bottles horizontally. This keeps the corks moist and prevents air from entering the bottle.

 

In summary, for long-term wine storage, a wine cellar or a cabinet offers the best control over temperature, humidity, and vibrations.

How to age wine at home without a wine fridge?

Not everyone has a wine fridge, high-tech wine cellar or a rack system in their basement. If that sounds like you, don’t worry. You can still create a good environment for aging wine at home with a few simple steps.

 

First things first, pick a good location. The best places for aging wine are cool, dark, and slightly humid. A basement or garage often works well, just make sure it’s free from strong odors that could affect your wine. If these options aren’t available, a closet or a cupboard in a cool room can do the trick—just avoid areas with temperature swings or direct light.

 

You can still mimic those ideal cellar conditions with some DIY solutions. Use wooden or metal racks to store your bottles horizontally. Remember, even though aging can enhance a wine’s quality, it’s not a guarantee that it will improve indefinitely. A wine can decline faster than you might expect if conditions aren’t perfect. It’s often better to open a bottle a bit early, when it’s still enjoyable, than to wait too long and risk it being past its prime.

 

There’s always a reason to celebrate, so don’t hold off too long on that special bottle. Proper aging can transform a good wine into a great one, but it’s meant to be enjoyed. So, whether you’re marking a milestone or just having a casual get-together, make sure you pop open that bottle while it’s still at its best.

 

In summary, while a wine fridge offers the best control over temperature and humidity, you can still effectively age wine at home by creating the right environment.

Conslusion

Wine cellars, and wine cabinets, and wine fridges offer optimal storage conditions for your home wine collection. But remember, for proper storing your wine collection, you have to consider some factors that we mentioned in this article. Cheers to the best home wine storage!