Does It Really Matter How You Store Wine?
At Donelan, all of our wines are made for longevity. A bottle of wine is a living, breathing thing that continues to evolve. And like any other living thing, it deserves thoughtful care. A while ago, we introduced a Vintage Chart on our website where you can find drinking and decanting recommendations for all of our wines. Our customers thought it was a great tool, so we want to continue sharing advice on how to take care of great wine.
We often hear from guests who hesitate to stock up on bottles they love, because they’re unsure how (or where) to store them. With the weather warming up and lots of wine-drinking occasions on the calendar, we thought now would be a perfect time to cover the dos and don’ts of how to store wine.
How Temperature Affects Wine
If you’ve ever wondered why wineries sometimes hold your order or require expedited shipping, it’s likely because of the weather. Temperature is one of the most critical elements in preserving wine during shipping, storage, and service. Too hot, and the wine can spoil. Too cold, and it can mute the amazing qualities we work so hard to craft.
What Happens When Wine Gets Too Hot or Too Cold?
Like most food and drinks, wine will spoil if it’s not kept at the right temperature. Wine bottles left in the heat for too long will become maderized, or “cooked”, causing the scent, taste, and acidity to break down. You’ll know a wine is cooked if it smells super sweet, like warm fruit syrup. Heat can also push the cork out, which allows air in and causes oxidation. Oxidized wine has been contaminated by air in the bottle and will turn a dull color, lose its flavor, and develop a vinegar-like smell.
Temporary cold is usually not damaging to wine, but prolonged exposure will dramatically slow down the aging process. The bigger risk is that the wine bottle freezes and cracks, or the cork dislodges and leads to oxidation.
The Ideal Temperature for Storing Wine
If you’re planning to open a bottle in the coming weeks or months, storing it at room temperature is fine. But for wines you’re saving for years down the road, then a stable, cool environment is key. At lower temperatures, the wine will remain fresh and age at a steady pace.
Here’s a Temperature Guide:
- Saving for up to a year > Room temperature is okay
- Saving for 1–10 years > Aim for 56–58°F
- Saving for 10+ years > Around 52°F is ideal
Why Light and Bottle Position Matter
As tempting as it is to stash your bottles in the garage or the kitchen, it’s never a good idea. The bottom line is, wine doesn’t like to be disturbed. In addition to extreme temperature and air, light and movement can disrupt the composition of wine. That’s why it’s best to store wine horizontally in dark areas.
Why Wine Belongs in the Dark
Have you ever wondered why wine bottles are green, brown, or black glass? Or why cellars are so dark? It’s to protect the wine from light. Excessive light can damage wine through an effect called “light-strike,” where a chemical reaction creates sulfur compounds. And if you’ve ever smelled sulfur, you know it’s not what you want to smell upon opening a beautiful Chardonnay.
Wines most susceptible to light strike are bottled in clear glass, like Rosé, sparkling wines, and some whites. So wherever you choose to keep your wine, make sure it’s away from windows or harsh fluorescent lighting. Soft LED lights are okay.
Store Wine On Its Side
We’re all guilty of leaving a bottle on the kitchen counter or a bar cart — and that’s fine for very short periods of time. However, for long-term storage, bottles should always be placed on their side. Why does it matter? When a bottle is horizontal, the wine inside stays in contact with the cork. This keeps the cork damp and shields outside air. If you leave a bottle upright for too long, the cork dries out, cracks, or shrinks, allowing air to seep in and oxidize the wine.
Where to Store Wine at Home
The truth is, you don’t need an expensive wine fridge or a cellar room to keep a decent-sized collection. The first step is to get a wine rack that fits your current capacity (plus extra for growth) and go from there. Just remember the 3 most important rules: cool temperature, low or no light, and horizontal positioning.
Basements or Closets
If you’re lucky enough to have a basement that stays cool, that’s your best option for a traditional wine rack. An interior closet is another good choice, as long as it’s dark and well ventilated. If you don’t have those hidden spots, find a wall that doesn’t get much light and isn’t near strong vents. You don’t want the wine getting blasted with sunlight all afternoon or with heat all winter.
Furniture with Wine Storage
A clever way to make space for wine is to find a wine rack that doubles as a piece of furniture. Look for accent tables or cabinets with built-in wine storage, and use them as accent tables or media consoles.
Small or Modular Wine Racks
If you don’t have the floor space for a traditional wine rack, try spreading out your storage with smaller wine racks around the house. For example: place a 4-bottle rack on a bookshelf, hang a 12-bottle rack on the wall, and keep a 6-bottle rack in the pantry. Most traditional wooden wine racks are stackable shelves. Instead of stacking them, separate them and slide them under the bed or a cabinet.
Store Wine Safely For Years of Enjoyment
Taking care of wine is an investment, and it really doesn’t take much—just a little peace, consistency, and a cool, dark place to rest. Whether you’re saving bottles for a decade or just until Friday night, proper storage goes a long way. And if you’re ever unsure, send us an email! We’re always happy to answer questions and help ensure your wines taste great and age beautifully.