How To Properly Store Wine At Home: Tips For Keeping Your Bottles Fresh

Storing wine at home isn’t just about finding a cool spot in your kitchen or pantry. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a serious collector, how you store your wine can have a big impact on how it tastes when you finally open the bottle. The good news? You don’t need a full wine cellar to do it right. With a few key guidelines, you can ensure your bottles stay fresh and enjoyable for months—or even years. Here’s what you need to know about properly storing wine at home.

Temperature Matters

One of the most important factors when storing wine is temperature.

“A bottle of wine that has been stored in very warm or hot conditions can "cook" - meaning some of the bright fruit flavors can start to taste jammy, especially in red wine,” says Hilary Cocalis, Founder and Chief Go Getter of Sipwell Wine Co.

Wine is sensitive to both heat and cold, and fluctuating temperatures can cause it to age too quickly or lose its flavor. Ideally, wine should be stored at a consistent temperature of around 55°F (13°C). But if you don’t have a dedicated wine fridge or cellar, don’t worry. Most wines will be fine if kept anywhere between 45°F and 65°F, as long as the temperature doesn’t change dramatically.

Avoid keeping wine in areas that can get too hot or cold, like near a stove, refrigerator, or windows where sunlight can raise the temperature. Heat can cause wine to spoil, while too much cold can freeze it, which is especially bad for sparkling wines.

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“More [important] than the actual temperature is the consistency of the temperature and climate,” says Lori Budd, Owner and CMO of Dracaena Wines. “ The variation in temperature and climate negatively impacts the wine. For example, a wine kept at 73 degrees will age better than a wine that often goes between 60 degrees and 73 degrees. When the temperature varies, the wine in the bottle will expand and contract effecting the cork's position in the bottle.”

Humidity and Light

Humidity also plays a role in wine storage, though it’s not as crucial for short-term storage. Ideally, the humidity in your storage space should be around 70%. Too much humidity can cause mold to form on the cork, while too little can dry it out, allowing air to enter the bottle and spoil the wine.

Light is another enemy of wine, particularly direct sunlight.

“Bottled wine is susceptible to light and sun exposure - this can cause "light strike" which increases sulfur compounds in wine, resulting in aromas of rotten eggs,” says Cocalis.

That’s why many wine bottles are made of dark glass—it helps protect the wine from light. But even with dark glass, it’s best to store wine in a cool, dark place, away from windows or bright artificial lights.

Should Wine Be Stored Horizontally or Vertically?

One common question people have is whether wine should be stored on its side or upright. The general rule is that wine with a cork should be stored horizontally. This keeps the cork in constant contact with the wine, preventing it from drying out and shrinking.

“Wine stored upright can dry out the cork, which allows oxygen in and can cause the wine to oxidize,” says Cocalis.

Screw-top bottles don’t require the same care, so you can store them vertically if space is tight. However, horizontal storage is a good option if you have a wine rack, as it allows you to store more bottles in a compact space.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Storage

Not all wines are meant to be aged, and most bottles sold today are ready to be enjoyed within a year or two of purchase. If you’re storing wine for short-term consumption, your focus should be on keeping it cool and away from direct light. A kitchen cabinet, pantry, or even a closet can work fine for short-term storage.

For longer-term storage, wines that benefit from aging, like some reds and a few whites, should be kept in a more stable environment. A dedicated wine fridge or cooler is ideal, but if you don’t have one, a basement or another cool, dark part of your home can work. Just make sure to check the temperature and humidity levels to ensure the wine is stored properly.

How Long Can You Store Wine?

Wine doesn’t last forever, even if stored correctly. How long a wine can be stored depends on the type of wine:

• Red Wine: Many red wines can be stored for two to ten years, though some premium bottles can last even longer.
• White Wine: Most white wines are best enjoyed within one to two years, but certain varieties, like Chardonnay, can age for five years or more.
• Sparkling Wine: Sparkling wines, like Champagne, don’t benefit from long-term storage and are best consumed within a year or two of purchase.
• Rosé: Like whites, rosé wines are typically best enjoyed within a year or two.

What to Do After Opening a Bottle

Once a bottle of wine is opened, air starts to affect its flavor. To keep it fresh, seal the bottle with the cork or a wine stopper and store it in the fridge. Red wines can be left out at room temperature for a day or two, but beyond that, they should be refrigerated. Even then, most wines will only stay fresh for three to five days once opened. If you’re looking to keep it for longer, investing in a vacuum pump or wine preservation system can help.

Avoid Vibrations

Another factor that can impact wine storage, especially for long-term aging, is vibration.

“If wine is agitated, it speeds up the maturation of the wine,” says Budd. “ Vibrations also disturb the sediment that may be in the bottle and can lead to chemical reactions that effect the wine’s compounds affecting aromatics as well as causing an escalation of acetone notes.”

For this reason, avoid storing wine in areas with a lot of movement, like near the washing machine or other appliances. A stable, quiet environment is best.

Properly storing wine at home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By keeping your bottles cool, dark, and stored on their sides, you can preserve their flavors and enjoy them at their best. Whether you’re holding onto a bottle for a special occasion or simply stocking up for the week, following these guidelines will ensure your wine is always fresh and ready to drink.