Instructions for Wine Storage

Wine racks hold the bottles horizontally to keep the corks moist in storage.

Whether you spent $2 or $200 for a bottle of wine, you want it to taste great when you finally serve it. How you store your wine bottles is critical for determining the taste of the contents. Properly stored wine lasts longer and tastes better than wine that's stored incorrectly. Light and heat are two enemies or wine. Avoiding these will ensure the longevity of your wine.

Things You'll Need

• Thermometer
• Hydrometer
• Wine rack
• Smaller wine bottles

Instructions

1. Locate a dark spot where temperatures remain between 50 and 60 degrees F. Use a thermometer to verify the temperature settings.

2. Use the hydrometer to identify a spot in the cool area where the humidity will be between 70 and 80 percent.

3. Invert unopened wine bottles so they are standing with the cork pointing down in the wine racks, or place the bottles on their sides in the racks. This practice keeps the corks moist and the seal tight.

4. Transfer leftover wine to a smaller bottle to avoid excess air exposure. Store this wine in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not keep unopened bottles of wine in the refrigerator. The climate is too cold and too dry.

References

• Purdue University Extension: Wine Storage Guidelines
• The Wine Dilettante: Storing, Serving and Drinking Wine
• Chow: How to Store Wine Video
• Recipe Tips: Storing Wine
• Epicurious: Wine Definition