You do not need a cellar to look after your wine. Whether you keep a handful of bottles for weekend dinners or are slowly building a small collection, a few simple principles will help your wine stay in good condition until you open it. Autumn is a natural moment to think about storage, as many of us stock up ahead of the darker evenings and the festive season.
Here is what matters most when storing wine at home, and how to choose the right rack, cooler or cabinet.
The Four Basics Of Good Wine Storage
Wine is sensitive to its surroundings. These four factors matter most:
- Temperature: a cool, steady temperature is ideal. Avoid places that get warm or that swing between hot and cold, such as next to the oven, above the fridge or in a garage that heats up in summer. Big temperature changes are more harmful than a spot that is just slightly warmer than ideal.
- Light: keep bottles out of direct sunlight and away from strong artificial light, which can affect the wine over time. A cupboard, a dark corner or a cooler with tinted glass works well.
- Humidity: very dry air can dry out natural corks over long periods. For everyday storage this is rarely a problem, but it matters more if you plan to keep bottles for years.
- Vibration and movement: wine is happiest when it is left alone, so avoid storing it on top of a washing machine or in a spot where bottles are often moved.
Should Bottles Lie Down?
Bottles with natural corks are traditionally stored on their side. This keeps the wine in contact with the cork, which helps stop it drying out and letting air in. Screw cap bottles can be stored upright or on their side, though many people simply keep everything on its side because racks are designed that way. For wines you plan to drink within a few weeks, the position makes little difference.
Wine Racks: Simple And Flexible
A wine rack is the easiest way to store bottles on their side and keep them organised. Racks come in many sizes, from small countertop holders for a few bottles to tall freestanding units and wall-mounted designs. A sturdy option like this 10-bottle solid aluminium wine rack suits a kitchen or dining room shelf. Just remember that a rack does not control temperature, so place it in the coolest, darkest spot available.
Wine Coolers And Cabinets
If you do not have a naturally cool place at home, or you want to keep wine at serving temperature, a wine cooler is worth considering. Unlike a normal kitchen fridge, a wine cooler is designed to hold wine at a steady, moderate temperature. Many models offer one or two temperature zones, so you can keep reds and whites at different settings. Something like this 18-bottle wine cooler fridge suits a small home collection.
When choosing a cooler, think about:
- How many bottles you want to store, and leave some room to grow.
- Whether it will be freestanding or built in, as built-in models need front ventilation.
- Single or dual temperature zones.
- Noise level, especially if it will stand in a living area.
Once A Bottle Is Open
An open bottle will not last as long as a sealed one. Re-cork or seal it, keep it in the fridge (yes, red wine too), and let reds warm up a little before serving. Most still wines are best enjoyed within a few days of opening.
Good storage is about protecting the wine you have chosen with care. Explore our wine racks and wine coolers to find a solution that fits your home. Please enjoy wine responsibly.