If you are a casual wine drinker, storing it might not be a concern for you. However, if you find yourself with more than a few bottles on your wine rack, our tips can help you take your wine storage game to the next level.
Whether you are storing wine short-term or long-term, you may be making mistakes. Wine is a sensitive beverage and can be damaged by light, heat, oxygen, and vibration. Check out our storage tips to help prolong the life of your wine.
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Not all wines should be cellared or aged long-term, and only a small percentage of wines are produced with the intention of aging. However, there are things you can do to help the shelf life of your wine while at home.
1. Temperature Control
Most wine enthusiasts agree that 55 degrees is the perfect temperature. Temperatures above 70 can degrade the wine, and anything too cold can dry out the cork and expose the wine to oxygen. An essential part is ensuring the temperature stays consistent. Fluctuations in temperature can cause the liquid to expand and contract, which can cause seepage.
2. Keep It Dark
You should always avoid storing wine in a room that receives much light. UV rays can cause the wine to spoil prematurely, and even fluorescent bulbs can degrade your wine over time. Choose a dark area for optimal storing.
3. Store Horizontally
The direction you store your wine is essential for the longevity of your collection. Storing your wine on its side will keep the liquid against the cork and prevent it from drying out. Instead of keeping your wine upright on your kitchen counter, you can get a wine rack to keep them horizontal for storage.
4. Control the Humidity
Humidity for wine storage should be around 50 to 70 percent. Anything higher can cause mold, and anything lower can cause the corks to dry out. Lying your bottles horizontally can help for a little while, but long-term storage will need consistent humidity.
If you don’t have a way to check your humidity levels, check out your local hardware store for a hygrometer.
5. Avoid Movement and Vibrations
Vibrations or moving the wine can agitate the wine and speed up maturation leading to spoilage. This can also keep the sediment from settling in the bottle and lead to a gritty drink. Avoid storing in areas like the laundry room where the electronics can cause vibration.
If you need a reliable place to store your wine collection, Blue Mountain Self Storage offers humidity and climate-controlled wine lockers. To learn more, contact us today!
