You’ve got a collection of vintages and varietals you’re proud of. Now what? Ensuring your wine is kept at a consistent temperature (55°F) and that the bottles are placed horizontally in a quiet, still place is crucial to keeping the wine’s quality top-notch and allowing it to age well. We’ve gathered a checklist to help you store your wine at home like a professional.
Keep the Temperature Cool and Regulated
The ideal temperature to store wine is 45°F and 65°F, with 55°F being the preferred “perfect” temperature. Wine kept in extreme temperatures (above 70°F or below 45°F) can get damaged, spoiling the wine and seriously affecting the quality.
Damaged wine can be noted through a stewed fruit, jam, or vinegar smell and a processed jamminess or nutty flavor. Temperature damage can also cause discoloration and mute complicated flavor profiles.
It’s important to keep the wine at a consistent temperature. Do not store wine where it can be unintentionally exposed to heat (near a radiator, above a fridge, or near an oven).
Protect the Wine from Harsh Light
Wines are sensitive to light, especially direct sunlight or fluorescents. Like temperature, light can lead to premature aging and damage to the flavor profile. Sunlight breaks down the complex molecules that contribute to the wine’s aromas and flavors.
Keep your wine in a dark place. If you have to store it in a room with light, opt for incandescent bulbs instead of fluorescent lights. This will minimize potential damage and allow the wine to age as intended.
Note the Humidity
Some people may not realize that the health of the cork in your bottle is as important as the liquid inside. A dry cork can shrink and allow oxygen into the bottle, which will spoil the wine and dull the flavors. To keep the cork strong, store your bottles between 50% and 70% humidity.
Connoisseurs living in dry climates may benefit from purchasing a humidifier to maintain the proper humidity in the room where wine is stored. A dehumidifier will come in handy for those living in humid areas; it will also help ensure the label remains protected and help prevent mold growth.
Turn the Bottles on Their Sides
Similar to controlling the humidity during storage, allowing the cork to remain wet with the liquid inside the bottle will help keep the cork healthy and moist. Achieve this by keeping the bottles on their side (or upside down) while cellared. This can be achieved by using a wine rack.
Let it Rest, Undisturbed
Allowing the wine to be stored in a way that avoids vibrations is important for letting the wine’s flavors settle. Vibration disturbs the sediment in the wine and causes a chemical reaction that leads to a disruption in acid levels, which negatively impacts quality and taste.
Think about high-traffic areas in your home and avoid keeping your wine collection near them. Under the stairs may seem ideal, but constant footsteps will upset the bottles. The same is true for keeping the wine near a garage with a mechanical door, or near a room where loud music is regularly played.
Don’t Have a Cellar? Don’t Panic.
A cellar is the most obvious way to ensure your wine will age with grace. But not everyone has access to underground space. Fortunately, we have a couple of tricks to age wine in your home without needing to dig a cellar beneath your building.
Invest in a wine fridge. If you’re a serious collector (or even have a few bottles you want to let age for an extended amount of time), investing in a wine fridge is an excellent alternative to using a cellar. They’re designed to mimic the conditions of a cellar and are available in various sizes, perfect for almost any living situation.
Dark closets and cabinets can work too. But ideally only for short-term storage. Be sure the closet or cabinet is in a low-traffic area and away from any sources of heat for best results. Also, remember to keep the wine bottles on their side or upside down to protect the cork. Invest in a wine rack or shelf if utilizing this option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every bottle I purchase age well?
Most Stags’ Leap Winery wines are built to age. Opt for full-bodied reds or certain chardonnays for your collection. High tannins and acidity (and high sugar in sweet wines) are the key for a highly ageable wine.
Should I serve my wine at the same temperature it's stored in?
Sparkling wines should be served the most chilled, around 43°F to 50°F.
Light and medium-bodied white wines benefit from cooler temperatures as well, ideally served around 45°F to 50°F.
Fuller-bodied whites, like Chardonnay, are best enjoyed at 50°F to 55°F.
Red wines, like Cabernet, are ideal at room temperature (around 59°F to 64°F).
What wines do you recommend to start my collection?
Each wine in the Stags’ Leap Winery portfolio is crafted with cellaring potential in mind. While all of our wines are suited for your collection, we have two in particular that we believe are ideal:
2022 The Leap. A lively and impressively concentrated palate of raspberries, red currants, and sweet baking spice leads to a perfumed, floral finish.
2021 Audentia Cabernet Sauvignon. An opulent palate of ripe red and black fruits with undertones of tobacco leaf. A vibrant acidity welcomes a long, juicy finish.
I’m moving. Is it okay to pack my wine?
Yes, and no. Movement is going to disrupt the aging process, so you want to minimize the amount of disturbance as much as possible. Never let the wine stay in a moving truck; the heat will upset the aging process and ensure the cork stays moist.
If moving long distance, we recommend investing in a wine relocation service to ensure your collection is protected.
