We wine lovers have all been there. We see an expensive bottle of classic wine and instantly want it in our wine collection.

Not that you intend to pop it that night, but you have a family member’s graduation in a few months, and it seems like the perfect celebratory drink.

Here’s the question of the century: what’s the best way to store the wine to allow it to age naturally? Where is the best spot to preserve the aroma, taste, and rich flavors?

That’s where it gets tricky.

In this article, we’ll provide simple tips for storing wine and maintaining its balance like a pro. Does it sound like something you’d be interested in? Come with us.

1. Is it Better to Drink the Wine Now Or Leave it to Age

Not all wines are designed for maturation. Some wines should be consumed and enjoyed early after harvest, while premium wines improve with aging.

Before you set out to store your wine for years, check if it’s premium!

2. Keep Your Wine in the Right Temperature

Don’t overchill your wine. Your wine isn’t a beer or some other beverage.

In fact, the reason you’d have an overchilled wine is if you store it in a regular fridge– and you shouldn’t.

Wines are best at about 45°F to 60°F. Anything higher or lower than this temperature affects the wine’s natural features.

This temperature requirement isn’t set in stone, as different wines may thrive in various temperatures.

The manufacturer usually includes the best temperature, but wines shouldn’t be kept in a storage unit that’s too cold or hot.

That may cause the wine to age faster than it should and mess with its delicate components.

Also, wines are better in a place with consistent temperature. That makes a kitchen fridge unsuitable.

3. Check Humidity Level

Besides the temperature, another factor that influences your wine is humidity level.

Typically, the humidity level in your storage unit should be between 60- 68%. So, ensure your wine cellar or storage unit is at the proper humidity level.

Low humidity dries out the cork and exposes your wine to oxygen. At the same time, high humidity may peel off the labels.

Always ensure your wine cellar has the right humidity level for your wines.

4. Store Your Wine Horizontally

Storing your vertically is one of the greatest mistakes you’d make.

You should store your wines horizontally to keep the cork moist.

At this point, you are probably wondering why the cork must be wet. Well, dried corks aren’t foolproof in keeping external elements out.

Dry corks increase the risk of dry air interacting with your wine to spoil it.

In essence, storing your wines horizontally preserves it better. Besides, it creates more space to house your wine collection.

5. Keep the Sun Away

UV rays and wines shouldn’t even be in the same sentence. The sun can damage your wine by interacting with its aromas and flavors.

Frankly, most times, a bright environment affects your wine’s quality. It’s best stored in a dark and cool spot away from disturbances.

The absence of disturbance leads us to our next point.

6. Zero Vibration Tolerance

Young wines may be slightly tolerant to mild vibrations– especially if you aren’t storing for the long term. But older wines are less tolerant.

Vibration prevents a mature wine’s sediments from settling, affecting the taste and natural aroma over time.

When storing wines, keep them away from vibrations and avoid moving them around when you want to show people your collection.

7. Get a Wine fridge

As much as your kitchen refrigerator may seem very useful for all your needs, it won’t serve long-term storage. Why?

From vibration to temperature and external contamination, traditional refrigeration doesn’t fulfill the storage needs for wine.

So, if you’re not looking to store your wine for more than a few days, invest in a wine cooler or fridge.

Perhaps you want to collect wines on a larger scale and don’t mind splurging; you may consider a wine cellar.

Either way, all that matters is having appropriate storage for your premium bottles.

8. Use a Sturdy Door for Your Wine Cellar

You opted for the wine cellar—great! However, make sure your wine cellar has a well-insulated door and is as sturdy as possible.

Some people prefer a glass door for better aesthetics. Well, that’s fine only if it’s insulated and double-paned.

This will protect your wines from external influence and keep them safe in the ideal storage condition.

Avoid putting a window in your wine cellar, but if you do have one, keep it well sealed. Remember also to track the humidity level of your wine cellar.

9. Choose the Right Location

Where is the best space for a wine cellar? Often, people opt for a basement space, understandably so.

It’s easier to control the temperature and humidity without much external interference.

While building a wine cellar, consider factors like light, layout, and footfall. Another option is the mini space under a staircase.

10. Preserve an Opened Wine Well

Once you open a wine, it may last for about 5 days, while fortified wines can last 28 days. However, you must ensure you protect it well.

Recork it and ensure it’s tight, but add wax paper for double protection. You really don’t want your wine mixed with dry air.

In cases where you don’t have a wine cork anymore, you can improvise with a rubber wine stopper.

Finally, you should store an opened wine uprightly for obvious reasons.

Store Your Wine The Right Way

Your wine’s quality entirely depends on how well you store it.

If you don’t have a professional facility, wine cellar, or wine fridge, it might be a hard nut to crack.

In fact, generally, storing your wine at home is tricky, but with the right tips, it’s achievable.

Note the temperature, humidity and environment generally.

Happy wine equals happy drinkers.

Keep your wines comfortable in storage, and you’ll be rewarded with well-aged aromas and a balanced wine taste.