Wine Facts / FAQs - How to Store Wine

Integrating modern organic winery techniques with centuries of traditional viticulture experience enables us to produce only the finest of natural tasting wines for your special moments.

Proper wine storage ensures the success of your Mood & Food occasions!

As mentioned in the section on "How to Serve Wine", you must allow wine the time to rest. If unopened wine is allowed to rest for more than a few weeks it requires proper storage conditions. For successful wine storage, proper attention must be given to: temperature, darkness, vibration and angle of storage.

Temperature - The ideal is a constant, low temperature, around 50°F to 60°F. Wine will endure 80°F as long as the fluctuation relative to the 80°F temperature is kept to a minimum. Wine in storage should also be kept well away from any heat sources. If a cellar is not available, one suggestion is to place your wine in a dark cupboard or closet with good ventilation and a constant internal temperature.

Darkness - Wine spoils (oxidizes) with long exposure to direct sunlight, or daylight balanced artificial light. Although it is tempting to display wine bottles in fancy racks in dining rooms and kitchens, it is better to keep them in the dark - they will be preserved better, and last longer.

Vibration - Constant agitation causes wine to age prematurely. Keep wine away from vibrations of any sort - motors, HVAC ducts, street traffic, elevators, fans, etc....

Angle of storage - Wine must be stored on its side to keep the cork moist and tight against the bottle neck. If a bottle is stored upright, the cork will eventually dry out and shrink, exposing the wine to the dangers of oxidation and vinegaring. Bubbles will escape from Sparkling wines causing them to 'go flat' as well.

Once Wine is Opened - It is best to consume any wine relatively soon once it has been opened. However, should you find yourself with a little left over, two basic rules apply 1) refrigerate the wine to help preserve its taste, and 2) minimize the wine's exposure to oxygen by transferring it to a smaller container and corking it with a vacuum stopper. Adding a neutral gas like nitrogen in the bottle seriously extends the life of the wine. You should find it safe to store White Wines and Red Wines for up to a couple of weeks and Sweet Wines for about 2 to 4 weeks.