Wine Storage Tips

With the growing popularity of wine comes the need to follow wine storage tips. Wine storage methods include the use of wine racks, wine cabinets, and wine cellars. Wine storage can be expensive, but it doesn't need to be. Proper wine storage - especially after a bottle is opened - can extend the flavorful life of the wine.

Evaluate Your Home Before Storing Wine
So you've purchased your wine but aren't sure how or where it should be stored. You'll want to evaluate your home before deciding the best method for storing wine. Pick out the ideal locations before choosing a wine rack or wine cabinet.

Bob Bolden, proprietor of WineStyles in Omaha, Neb., says it's important to keep a wine bottle in a horizontal position to keep the cork moist. Otherwise, he says, wine can go bad over time. He says it's a must to make sure the wine you pick out is in a flat position. Heat and humidity are wine's two biggest enemies, so you need to control the climate around a floor-standing wine rack or hanging wine rack. A basement that is cool, dry, and low in light is the best place for a wine rack. The worst places to store wine is close to a hot oven or near a heating vent. A consistent room temperature is important, although a slow, gradual change in seasonal temperatures is acceptable. Experts recommend that temperatures should be between 55 and 65 degrees when storing wine. Sudden changes in room temperatures can adversely affect the flavor of wine. Rising heat causes the wine to expand, putting pressure on the cork. When the wine cools, the bottle's cork contracts, making it possible for oxygen to enter, which would ruin the wine.

Few things threaten a fine bottle of wine like high humidity. Wine storage racks should not be placed in a room that exceeds a humidity level of 80 percent. High humidity could cause the wine to mold. Conversely, extremely low humidity can result in evaporation of the wine and deteriorate the cork.

Light and vibration also can compromise a wine's flavor. A wine rack or cabinet should not be placed near ultraviolet lights; incandescent lighting is best. Storing wine on a vibrating appliance could loosen the cork and increase the chance for oxygen to enter the bottle.

A Look at Wine Storage Systems
Most wines require storage in a wine rack, a wine cabinet, a hanging wine rack, or a wine cellar. Wine racks and wine cabinets can add to the beauty of your home. Researching this website will help you select a wine storage system that will enhance the wine-drinking experience.

With a wide range of styles and prices of wine racks and cabinets, it's easy to pick out one that works best in your home. If you're a first-time wine consumer, you might consider starting with a small storage unit that can be expanded later. The number of bottles of wine that you purchase also could help determine the ideal storage method.

A wine storage unit that keeps wine within easy reach is preferred. The less wine that is handled the better, which is why wine storage units are so valuable. Wine cabinets and racks store bottles in a horizontal position so you can avoid moving wine aside while reaching for another bottle. Horizontal storage also keeps the cork moist, ensuring an airtight seal. Always store the wine with the label face up for easy selection.

The size of the bottle that rests in a wine cabinet or rack also can affect the wine's aging process. The larger the bottle, the less air space inside the bottle, making for better storage conditions. A magnum-size bottle of wine ages better and gives most wines a longer lifespan. Regardless of the size of the bottle, a good solid wine storage system will add to the enjoyment of wine collecting.