Originally published on Redfin February 14, 2020 - By Lexi Klinkenberg
Some days there’s nothing better than coming home from work and pouring yourself a nice glass of wine. Whether you prefer white or red, having the proper storage arrangement for your wine can be critical. If you live somewhere warm like Florida, it is very important to make sure your wine is kept at a moderate temperature and away from the sun. There are many other factors that go into storing wine that can often be overlooked. If you want to learn more about how you should and shouldn’t store wine in your home read these tips from the wine experts.
What you Should Avoid
Saving wine past its prime
One of the worst things you can do if you store wine at home is to not drink it. Often, wine is collected and saved way past its prime. Wine should be accessible and enjoyed for everyday pleasure. –Fernando Beteta
Letting your corks dry out
The optimal temperature should be 55 degrees and 70% relative humidity. The higher humidity protects the cork from drying out, which can lead to premature aging of the wine. –Arrowood Vineyards
Storing wine in the sun
Ultraviolet light can cause multiple problems in stored bottles of wine. It can damage the wine and cause premature aging as well as develop a bad smell in the wine; sunlight can actually cause your wine to become stinky. Most wines that are meant for aging are bottled in colored glass as the first line of defense against light damage. – Jason Hanson, Hanson Vineyards
Keeping all your wine in the cellar
Even if you have the perfect cellar for aging, it’s helpful to have everyday wines close at hand. Storage conditions aren’t as important when wine gets consumed soon after purchase, and that way, I don’t have to run to the cellar every time I want a glass. Research is showing that a glass or two of wine a night is part of a healthy diet and lifestyle, so remember to eat your veggies and drink your fruit! –Côte Bonneville
Leaving wine out after opening
If you want to extend the life of a partially consumed wine rehome your remaining wine into a smaller bottle or vessel containing a screw cap to reduce the amount of air inside the container. A narrow-mouthed mason jar or even a plastic water bottle would work, but glass is preferred. –Joe Ibrahim, Willamette Valley Vineyards
If you do not finish a bottle of wine after opening it you should store it in the fridge – this works for every color of wine. It will last longer in the colder temperatures for enjoyment up to five days later! –Coy Barnes, The Wine Wrangler
What you should do
Find the right temperature
When storing wine, think 60/60. 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and 60% humidity. For long term storage, wine does not like hot or dry climates. Follow these guidelines and your wine can be tucked away for years. –Ruby Vineyard & Winery
Organize your wine
Organize your wine so you can find the bottle you are looking for. Firstly, organize by region. Then, organize chronologically, the oldest bottles on the bottom of the rack, the newest wine on top. –Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards
Store daily wines in the refrigerator
Store your cherished wines in the safe dark place and place your daily wines in your refrigerator and yes, even the daily reds. Better to pull out the reds 1 hour before you enjoy them rather than relying on the temperature or lighting of your house. –Gen 7 Wines
It’s always great to keep a few bottles of whites chilling in your fridge, especially in the warmer months. However, if you see small crystals of potassium bitartrate in your glass do not be alarmed. The formation of these crystals is perfectly normal, especially in chilled wines that have not undergone cold-stabilization, and they are not harmful. -Andrew Browne, Browne Family Vineyards
Avoid heat
Avoid heat at all times, a basement or wine refrigerator is best. However, a closest in a cool room would be a good alternative. –Anthony Riboli, Riboli Family of San Antonio Winery
Use the best materials for your Wine Cellar
If you’re building a dedicated wine room, consider adding display counters, rolling drawers, and shelving with wine cubbies. Also, consider the flooring – use reclaimed barrels. Barrels have been in humid conditions before, and are primed for use in a home wine cellar. –JJ Buckley Fine Wines
When looking for storage shelves, find ones with angled displays so you can keep the cork moist, see the unique labels, and be reminded of memories made visiting the winery. Allowing you to curate a wine cellar that is truly impressive. –PEJU Winery
Invest in a wine fridge
Invest in one small wine fridge; even if it just holds 6 bottles. Put anything you think you won’t drink for a year in there. –PlumpJack Wine and Spirits
Age your wine properly
Certain wines age better than others. Whites and roses don’t necessarily benefit from age. Most should be consumed within 1 to 2 years. However, red wines can easily age 3 to 10 years and develop some interesting new flavors. –Patterson Cellars
Today wine producers create their wine to be consumed young. If you choose to store, do so in a dark place where the humidity and temperatures are consistent. –Vinoski Winery v
Lexi Klinkenberg
Lexi is part of the content marketing team and enjoys writing about real estate and design trends. Her dream home would be a contemporary home with an open floor plan, lots of windows, and a waterfront view.