How to Store Wine at Home Guide

• Storing wine at the correct temperature at home can be done by a purpose-built wine cellar or a wine cabinet.
• Keeping wine at the correct temperature during storage is vital.

The most convenient way to store wine is in the home, and there are various options available to do this successfully. If this is just not possible, some wine lovers and enthusiasts store their collections with companies offering wine storage in ideal conditions. This is perfect for wine collectors intent on reselling their wines. However, this type of storage is not practical for the consumption of everyday wines in your collection. 

How can I store wine in the home?
 

Temperature controlled wine cabinets.

Wine cabinets are the perfect way to store your wine at the correct temperature. Wine cabinets are specially designed to ensure they maintain a constant temperature and the appropriate conditions for the ageing of wine. They are easy to install, and you can choose from a wide selection of designs that you can make to fit under a counter or worktop or a freestanding wine cabinet, perfect for any kitchen or entertaining space. We offer the famous Liebherr brand.

We have a selection of guides available to help with your wine cabinet choice; please see our Undercounter Wine Cabinet Guide, Single Temperature Wine Cabinet Guide, 2-3 Temperature Guide and our Multi-temperature Wine Cabinet Guide. The type of wine cabinet is dependent on your storage needs as well as your personal preference.

Build your own cellar

If you have space and vision, then why not consider building your own wine cellar? This could be a cupboard, small room or a garage. This can be an exciting project to undertake and will definitely a worthwhile investment for your wine collection. Consulting with a wine cellar designer or builder can help you ascertain the level of work required. It is also worth considering a DIY project such as a walk-in-cellar which can increase your house’s value. Wine cellars can generally hold more wine bottles than wine cabinets, so they are the best option if you have a large/growing wine collection.

7 quick tips for storing wine at home...

Here are 7 quick tips to help keep your wine stored appropriately and safely in your home, though we cannot guarantee that someone in your house won’t drink the wine!

1 - Temperature – not too hot, not too cold

The temperature of the wine is fundamental to ensuring maximum enjoyment of the wine’s flavour and aromas. Wineware has a Wine Storage Temperature Guide advising you on the most suitable temperature for storing wine. This guide details some of the most popular bottles of wine, so print it off and keep it for future reference.

2 - Avoid fluctuation in temperature (+ or -)

Fluctuations in temperature can be extremely damaging to wine; therefore, it is important to minimise and avoid this occurrence. Wine cabinets are designed to keep the temperature constant. Wine cellar cooling units are perfect for keeping cellars cool.

3 - Darkness is best

Light (especially sunlight) can cause damage to wine and encourage premature ageing of wine. Wine is best kept out of direct UV rays and most light sources. Although household bulbs probably won’t damage the wine, wine bottle labels can fade as a result.

4 - Humidity

Humidity is important to the condition of the wine; it is advised that humidity does not exceed 70%. If the humidity is too high, this offers the perfect conditions for mould to grow, which will eventually destroy the wine labels.

5 - Please don’t shake it up!

Wine is best kept free from vibration. If wine is moved around frequently, this encourages the speeding up of chemical reactions, spoiling the wine.

6 - Side is best

It is advised that keeping bottles on their side ensures corks stay moist and swollen, avoiding any air getting into the wine.

7 - Keep wine separate

Keeping wine away from strong odours ensures wine does not become tainted. This is especially important once wines are opened, so bear this in mind! If you need further advice, please see ‘How to Store Open Bottles of Wine’.

If you have any wine-related question which we have not answered, then please contact us. We will happily share our wine knowledge with you to ensure you get the most out of your wine!