Storing Wine

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated October 21, 2020)

If you love wine, then you know just how this wonderful beverage can be more than just a simple drink. Wines can also be an investment. Wine is not like other kinds of beverages, where you can simply stick them in the fridge and forget about them. With the proper storage techniques, you can not only keep your wine safe from damage, but actually enhance the taste.

  • Type of wine. Not all wine can be stored for the same amount of time. Most wine is designed for consumption within a few months of being made. These are the kinds of wine that you will find in most stores around the country. There are other kinds, more commonly referred to as vintages, which are designed to be stored for at least a year before consumption. Vintage wines are the types of wine which will improve in taste over time.
  • Location. Unlike many other kinds of beverages, you cannot store your wine in the fridge and forget about it. What's more, if you leave it out in the kitchen or in the average "wine rack" available at most department stores, you will actually cause the wine to age prematurely due to the light. When storing wine you need to choose a place that is dark, cool, and doesn't vibrate too much. For the average wine consumer, a cabinet in your home kitchen will work just fine for a month or two at most. For longer storage, look into making your own wine cellar out of a closet or go whole hog for a true (and very expensive) wine cellar.
  • Equipment. In whatever type of storage unit you use for your wine, there is absolutely one piece of equipment that must be included. You need a rack that will angle the top of the bottle down enough so that the cork will be covered with the wine. This is to ensure that the cork stays moist so it doesn't dry out and end up allowing air to enter the wine bottle, making the wine age prematurely.
  • Humidity and temperature. When storing your wine for long periods of time, you need to keep it in an area that has a humidity level of 70%. Higher than that and you can end up with moldy labels, while lower humidity may allow the exterior of the cork to dry out. Also, store your wine at a temperature of 54 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will help keep the ageing process of the wine to a minimum.
  • Neighbors. A unique property of wine is that it can absorb the flavors of things that it is stored near. What this means is that you will not want to store anything that has too strong of an odor (such as chemicals, cleaners, and some cheeses) near your wine. The odor can seep through the cork and then affect—or even ruin—the taste.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

MORE FROM LEE

Building a Bottle Garden

If you like the look of a terrarium, but don't like the size you may want to look into building a bottle garden. It's not ...

Discover More

Dryer Vent Cleaning

Dryer vent cleaning is sadly something that many people overlook until it is too late. Without periodic dryer vent ...

Discover More

Magnificent Margaritas

Just about everyone has had a margarita at some point in time. But do you know how to make them? It is surprisingly easy. ...

Discover More
More Cooking Tips

Fine Wines

Fine wine is a delicious and luxurious addition to a meal or for a special occasion. Learn to choose the best wine for ...

Discover More

Wine Gifts

Wine can be a great gift to give to someone on a special occasion. You might also give accessories and other items ...

Discover More

What is Chardonnay Wine?

Looking for the perfect white wine to go with that special dinner? Use chardonnay. It's not called "the world's favorite ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 9 - 0?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)