It's a well-known fact that fine wine only gets better with age — however, whether or not you will experience the exceptional flavors and aromas of matured wine can depend greatly on how you choose to store it. There are several wine bottle storage factors that can influence how well your wine ages in the long term and if you will be able to enjoy it to its full potential in the future. To ensure your wine collection is kept in optimal condition for your enjoyment, let's review the best way to store wine and why.

Avoid Light

An important wine storage tip everyone should know is to keep the bottles in dark locations. UV rays from the sun and light from manmade illumination can heat wine and cause its amino acids to oxidize, making it age prematurely. Wine bottles without a dark tint color are even more vulnerable to light exposure, so it's always best to store bottles in areas away from the light. Wrapping your wine bottles can help shield them from light exposure if you need an extra layer of protection.

Store in a Horizontal Position

One of the best ways to store wine is horizontally. When stored sideways, the cork is kept in constant contact with the wine itself. This allows the cork to remain moist and prevents it from drying out. Should the cork crack or become dry, then air will be able to enter the bottle and cause the wine to undergo oxidation — altering the wine's taste as a result. While horizontal placement may not be necessary for bottles without natural corks, this method is an efficient use of space that creates room for more storage.

Maintain the Right Temperature

Keeping an eye on the temperature is also essential for proper wine storage. It's best to keep your bottle around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, as temperatures above 70 degrees can cause the wine to age faster and rob it of its flavors and aromas. However, low temperatures aren't good for wine storage either. Cold conditions can dry out the corks and cause air to enter, and if the wine freezes, it could expand in size and force the cork out.

Likewise, it's in your interest not to expose your wine bottles to frequent temperature changes. Any fluctuations can make the cork expand and contract, allowing air to enter and oxidize the wine. Therefore, maintaining a consistent temperature is ideal for helping wine last longer.

Watch Humidity Levels

Another environmental condition that can affect your wine is the humidity levels. Anywhere between 50 to 80 percent humidity is preferred for wine storage, as levels too high or too low can cause problems. Humidity is important for keeping the cork moist and preventing air from 

leaking in — but, if the environment you store wine in becomes too moist, it can lead to mold growth.

For Premium Wine, Visit Jonathan Edwards Winery

If you're searching for exceptional bottles of wine for your collection, restaurant, or special occasion, reach out to Jonathan Edwards Winery. We offer year-long wine subscriptions at affordable prices, as well as host vineyard weddings in CT. For more information on our wine selections and to place an order, reach out to our winery today!