8 Tips for Storing Wine at Home
Is there anything better than coming home to a chilled bottle of wine after a long day? Not only does wine taste great, but it also has many health benefits. The only problem is that storing wine can be tricky. If you don't have the proper storage solution, your wine may not taste its best. Here are some tips for keeping wine at home.
1. Store the Bottles Horizontally
Wine bottles should be stored horizontally so that the wine stays in contact with the cork. This will keep the cork from drying out, which can cause it to shrink and allow air to enter the bottle.
2. Keep Them in a Cool, Dark Place
It tends to spoil when exposed to heat, light, or vibration. So, it's crucial to find a place for your cool wine bottles (between 55 and 58 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal), dark, and not prone to vibrations. A wine cellar or closet is often the best option.
3. Use a Wine Fridge, Not a Regular Fridge
While you can use a regular fridge to store wine, it is not ideal. The temperature in a regular fridge is usually too cold for wine, which can cause it to spoil. A wine fridge is a better option because it is designed to keep wine at the ideal temperature.
4. Don't Store Wine Near Smelly Foods
Like with regular fridges, storing wine near smelly foods can cause the wine to take on the smell of the food. So, it's best to keep your wine in a separate area of the fridge or a wine fridge.
5. Don't Fill the Wine Bottles All the Way to the Top
When you are storing wine, it's important not to fill the bottles to the top. This is because wine needs to be in contact with oxygen to age properly. So, leave a little bit of space at the top of the bottle.
6. Use Wine Racks or Shelves
It's good to use wine racks or shelves to keep your wine bottles from rolling around and breaking. You can find these at many home goods stores.
7. Don't Shake the Wine Bottles
It's important not to shake the wine bottles when you store them. Shaking can cause the sediments in the wine to become suspended, making the wine taste sour.
8. Check the Wine Bottles Regularly
When storing wine, it's important to check the bottles regularly since wine spoils quickly if it is not stored properly. So, check your wine every few weeks to make sure it is still in good condition.
Conclusion
Storing wine at home can be tricky, but it's important to do it right to ensure that your wine tastes its best. By following these tips, you can ensure that your wine is stored properly and tastes great.