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The Art of Wine Storage: Keep Your Bottles in Top Shape!



Why do you need to store wine correctly?

“Wine is a living product; its quality and taste are influenced by how it’s stored. Proper storage can mean the difference between a delightful sip and a disappointing pour.”

Firstly, let’s start by saying that all wine has a shelf life. Even expensive examples from the best vintages aren’t immortal. If you’re unsure about your wine, it’s worth doing a quick internet search on the producer and vintage or asking your wine merchant/supplier for advice.


As wine ages, it gradually loses its freshness of fruit and develops complexity in the form of dried or jammy fruit and savouriness. The longer the wine is left, generally the less freshness there is, so it is important to keep an eye on the wine and most importantly bear your personal tastes in mind or those of the people you are buying it for. Tobacco, mushroom, leather, and gamey notes can add complexity but eventually, these will dominate the wine.


It's important to note, however, that not all wine will be capable of this. In fact, most wines are intended to be drunk young and fresh. All that will happen if you attempt to store them for too long, even under the right conditions, is they will fade, and you’ll be left with a bottle of farmyard aromas or acid.


It's All About Timing

If your wine has a quick turnaround sales-wise, it will be fine on your wine rack in the kitchen or in the fridge, and no harm will come to it. Ideally, it should be kept out of direct sunlight and not too close to the oven or hobs where temperatures regularly go from extremes.


When keeping wine for longer, keep it out of direct sunlight, bright artificial lights, and extremes of temperature. All of these can prematurely age your wine (and not in a good way!) or damage it, causing off aromas and flavors.



Where to Store Wine

“A cool, consistent temperature and the right humidity can preserve your wine's integrity for years.”

  • Wine Cellars: Often underground where there is a cool, consistent temperature and humidity of 12-15 degrees Celsius. Lights are only turned on when required, often with special bulbs that emit less damaging wavelengths of light. This ensures that the wine ages slowly and carefully.

  • Home Cellar or Beer Cellar: If you have one, add a wine rack for optimal conditions.

  • Wine Fridge: If you lack a cellar, invest in a wine fridge that filters UV light and mimics cellar conditions. Prices range from £100 to over £1000.

  • Alternative: Keep wine in its original box in the coolest, darkest room available, ideally a north-facing room away from the kitchen.



Storage Tips to Remember


  • Avoid Light and Heat: Direct sunlight and high temperatures can spoil wine.

  • Store Horizontally: Keep bottles on their sides to keep corks moist, preventing them from drying out and letting air in.

  • Control Humidity: Aim for 70% humidity to prevent corks from shrinking or mold growth.



Managing Your Wine Inventory

“A well-managed wine list can boost your sales and enhance customer satisfaction.”

  • Regular Check: Monitor your wine inventory regularly to ensure no bottle is forgotten and left to spoil.

  • Promotions: If certain wines aren't selling, consider by-the-glass promotions to move stock faster



Conclusion

It’s important to store wine correctly to avoid affecting its quality and taste. Not doing so could result in lots of wasted wine, so it’s much better to invest in appropriate storage and follow good etiquette! It’s also important to think carefully about what you list. If certain bottles aren’t shifting, try a by-the-glass promotion. The worst thing to do is leave it collecting dust and forget about it. You would literally be pouring money down the drain, and if someone does eventually buy it, your guests/customers are likely to be unimpressed.


By following these guidelines, you can ensure your wine maintains its best possible quality, delighting both you and your guests. Cheers to proper wine storage!


This article was written by John Callow, a seasoned hospitality professional with extensive experience in wine selection, pairing, and industry trends. John is also the founder of The Northern Wine School, where he shares his expertise through wine education and tasting events. Find out more here 

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