How to Store Wine

Nothing's worse than opening a special bottle of wine and finding out that it's gone bad. That's why Frank from Public Storage is here to teach you how to store your wine properly so you don't damage the quality while it's in storage or in your home.

Step 1 - Keep Wine Still

This step isn't exactly difficult - really, just avoid keeping wine in your car or moving it around a ton. A lot of movement or vibrations can prevent sediments from settling and affect the taste of the wine. This is especially important for older wines.

Step 2 - Keep Bottle Sideways

Most good wine shops don't have their bottles upright, instead the bottles are on their sides. Why's this? It helps prevent the cork from drying out and shrinking, which can allow air into the bottle and oxidize the wine prematurely. This step is really important for maintaining the integrity of the wine.

Step 3 - Keep Wine In a Cool Place

Wine storage temperature matters. When the temperatures are too warm, oxidation occurs and the wine can age prematurely. The ideal temperature for storing wine is between 45-65 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, it's equally important to keep wine temperatures constant. Fluctuating temperatures causes the wine to expand and contract, which can push out the cork or cause seepage.

Step 4 - Keep Wine Somewhere Dark

You've probably noticed that a lot of wine bottles are tinted. This is to help protect the wines against the sun's harsh UV rays. Light contributes to the oxidation process and can prematurely age a great bottle of wine. It's best to keep your wine somewhere out of direct light and that means not just sunlight.

Now that you know the proper way to store wine, go ahead and have a glass!

Download our Tip Sheet PDF so you always know the best methods to protecting your beloved wine.