When it comes to the do’s and don’t’s of storing wine, there is a lot to learn (we learn something new all the time!) But luckily, it’s not as hard as you think. Knowing just a few essential rules about wine storage can mean the difference between spoiled wine and perfectly aged wine that can last decades - even centuries!
So, to help you on your journey, here is a no-fuss guide to the best way to store wine that even a casual wine lover can use.
Store Your Wine at the Optimal Temperature
Here’s the thing: the perfect temperature for wine can vary, depending on who you ask and what type of wine you’re storing. With that said, it’s generally agreed that wine should be stored between 11 to 14 degrees Celsius.
As well as getting the right temperature, you must also store your wine so that the temperature doesn’t fluctuate too much. Not doing so can quickly lead to spoiled wine.
You can guarantee the perfect temperature for your wine with a wine refrigerator or wine cabinet, as well as a wine air conditioning system.
Store Your Wine at the Right Humidity
Many newcomers to wine collecting underestimate the importance of optimal humidity for wine storage. Humidity levels of less than 50% can lead to cracked corks, exposing the wine to air and eventually leading to wine degradation. Humidity levels of more than 70% can lead to mildew and mould, causing the wine to spoil and even become foul-smelling.
So, you can’t go wrong aiming for 50% to 70% relative humidity, with 60% occupying that sweet spot in the middle.
Keep Your Wine Somewhere Away from Direct Sunlight/in the Dark
If your wine is in the path of direct sunlight, it can be a one-way ticket to a spoiled drink. The best environment for your wine collection is somewhere consistently dim. You can use a wine room, a wine cellar, or anywhere away from broad windows or bright lights.
If space is an issue for you, we recommend finding an area in your home that fits these conditions and create a wine wall or wine room out of reliable wine racks. Check out our online store for some inspiration.
Position Your Wine On Side
Have you ever wondered why wine is often kept on its side? Well, there’s a reason for this. Although it isn’t essential for every wine, the main reason for this is to keep corks in contact with the wine to prevent them from drying out and degrading. It’s also a simple but effective way to save space.
Use Wine Racks or Wine Cabinets to Keep Your Wine Vibration Free
Your dream wine collection deserves a reliable wine storage system. Whether it’s premium wine racks or wine cabinets, there are many options for high-quality and stylish wine storage solutions. Not only do they look great, but they keep your wine vibration-free, and acts as a visually appealing way to organise your wine collection.
Use a Wine Fridge Instead of a Standard Fridge
What is the difference between a standard fridge and a wine fridge? A wine fridge is designed to meet the right conditions for wine storage and is generally a little fancier. For one thing, a standard fridge is too cold for wine, among other issues. A wine fridge often comes with dual temperature control, lighting control and even display racks to show off to your friends. Fancy
Store Open Wine Bottles Properly
After opening a wine bottle, you’ll find that they will quickly start to degrade. With that said, there are a few things you can do to slow this process. Again, the best place to store opened wine is a wine fridge.
If you don’t have one, a standard fridge is the next best thing. With that said, storing a bottle of opened wine in a wine fridge is best done while using a wine stopper. If you only have the cork available, it’s best to re-cork your wine straight away with the ‘stained side’ facing the bottle.
For more wine storage solutions, check out our online store and for your chance to WIN a $500 Wine Stash voucher plus two bottles of wine courtesy of Neighbourhood Cellars click here to enter now.