Expert Tips for Storing Wine at Home

Wine lovers across the world put extra care into choosing their vintage wines and storing them properly. There is a common misconception that people must have a wine cellar to store their best wine bottles, but this is not really a necessity. You just need to watch and monitor the temperature and humidity levels in the area to keep your precious bottles safe. If you’re an aspiring wine aficionado, then read on to learn some of the most useful tips that can help you store every vintage bottle you have properly at home.

The Type of Wine

The type of wine you own will help you understand the way and the method of storage. Each delicacy has a specific temperature that owners should watch out for. There are several types with different grape varieties that numerous wine lovers enjoy. Red wine is usually kept at 59–64 °F (15–18 °C), sparkling wine is best kept below 43–50 °F (6–10 °C), and rosé wine is stored at 44–55 °F (7–13 °C). However, these temperatures are best for serving because constantly keeping the bottles at different temperatures is impossible, especially for beginners without a cellar. Depending on the variety you own, storing every bottle at a constant 55 °F is your safest bet. It will be the easiest and most efficient choice for beginners that have any type of storage area and fridge for their vintage delicacies.

The Size of Your Storage Area

There are several options to choose from when it comes to your storage area and coolers. It depends on your budget, the space you have at home, and the number of bottles you’re planning to store. The dedicated reviewers suggest that compressor systems in the refrigerator units are ideal for storing wine at the perfect temperature for serving. This means that purchasing a wine cooler can help you save so much time when serving your drinks, as they will always be kept at the right temperature. The consistent temperature that the fridge provides will keep each bottle safe from spoilage and ready to enjoy at a moment’s notice. After serving, you might have some open bottles that need to be stored back in your fridge. Consider using a soda maker device to blow some of the air out of the bottle. This makes it safer for you before you put the cork back in, preventing you from pressurizing the glass bottle and ruining the quality.

Humidity Levels

The most optimal humidity level for storage is 65% to 80%. It maintains the elasticity and shape of the cork, preventing any seepage from entering and mold from forming on the neck of the glass. Consider using paper towels to reduce the level of dampness if required. Also, investing in a dehumidifier will be wise to keep the humidity levels consistent and safe. Basements can get quite damp if this is your storage area of choice, increasing the chances of spoilage. Monitoring the levels and keeping them consistent with minimal damping will keep your stock safe.

Humidity Levels

Temperature Adjustments

If you’re not using a cooler, then temperature adjustments will be required. The idea behind room temperature is outdated because modern homes, nowadays, are properly insulated, unlike most of the drafty castles and keeps in the past. However, some homes can still have fluctuations in temperature and if you’re storing your stash in a room, then make sure it’s kept away from direct light. Also, try to keep it far from air vents and doorways because the temperature will always change around those areas. The idea is to prevent the rapid swings of change that fluctuate from 40 to 80 degrees periodically. It will ruin your wine stock over time and the quality will deteriorate significantly. Try to be careful of the area you’re planning to store them in, making sure that the temperature stays somewhat consistent for the longest time possible.

The Positioning

Some of the biggest and common mistakes are in the position of each bottle when they’re stored. The most important thing is to never store corked wine bottles in an upright position because that will make it dry out. Corks need to stay moist at all times to stop them from drying and expanding. The shrinking effect will occur over time, letting air seep in and causing the vintage to oxidize. Premature oxidation will ruin your wine and it will lose all of the quality, aroma, and taste. Always position your bottles on their sides, keeping the cork moist and preventing any air from seeping through the neck of the bottle. Moreover, keeping them on the side is safer because it will minimize any accidents. The last thing you need is a broken bottle after you accidentally shifted or bumped it.

Keep Them Away From the Kitchen

Your wine is better off being away from the kitchen, keeping it safe from odors you can’t control. Kitchens have a lot of cleaning products, detergents, or other chemicals that can ruin your stash over time. Also, the constant and strong odor of food from cooking daily can eventually affect the quality of the stash. Moreover, the heat from the stove makes the kitchen a very hot place, risking your vintage tremendously. Even though most odors don’t seep through the glass, you are better off being safe than sorry. Avoid storing them in the kitchen to keep their quality as it is.  Its also important to understand how long a wine can be enjoyed after being opened.

To preserve the delicious taste and maximize the aging potential of your wine, necessary steps are required to ensure that each bottle is stored correctly. The priority is to prevent any spoilage and maintain the quality of the vintage wine. You can still achieve this even if you don’t have a fancy wine cellar, but you must be attentive and monitor the temperature, lighting, and humidity levels to store your bottles correctly at home. Refined quality and proper preservation is a must to enjoy the delicacy of fine wine.  It takes patience and consistency to learn how to effectively preserve your wine bottles, but the end result will surely be worth the hassle