Safe Wine Storage

A lot can happen between the time you purchase a bottle and the time you open it. Heat and light can go right through the glass to alter the taste of the wine inside. Corks can deteriorate if exposed to dry conditions. But when your wine is properly stored it will live up to its full potential when served.

Up to 2 months
• Keep wine away from heat and direct sunlight.
• Store bottles either lying down or standing up.
• Avoid rooms warmer than 75°F, such as kitchens and closets near
heaters.

2 months to 2 years
• Store bottles on the sides to keep cork wet.
• Avoid storing bottles at room temperature.
• Ideal temperature range: 55°F to 65°F.
• Ideal humidity range: 50% to 70%.
• Closets on a north wall can make good storage places.

2 years or more
• Invest in a wine storage unit that controls temperature and humidity.
• If you have a cellar where the temperature stays below 60° and the humidity is 75% or higher, then you can
safely store your wines there.

Wine coolers and wine caves
You can purchase a 6- or 8-bottle countertop cooler with temperature control for under $100. In the $100 to $200 range, you'll get more capacity, with some models storing up to 18 bottles. It is possible to spend thousands on larger units with dual temperature zones, antivibration technology and wood cabinet enclosures, like those offered by the Wine Appreciation Guild. Feeling really flush? The GE Monogram Walk-in Wine Vault will set you back a cool $35,000.