How to Store Wine at Home

You don't need a cellar to keep wine tasting its best. Whether you're holding a bottle for next weekend or laying down something special for years, a few simple habits make all the difference.

1. Keep it cool — and keep it steady

The ideal storage temperature is 12–15 °C. Consistency matters even more than the exact number: big swings make the wine expand and contract, which can push air past the cork. Avoid the kitchen, the laundry room and the top of the fridge. A closet on an interior wall or a basement corner is usually perfect.

2. Store bottles on their side

Laying cork-sealed bottles horizontally keeps the cork moist so it doesn't dry out, shrink and let oxygen in. Screw-cap bottles can be stored upright, but a rack keeps everything tidy and easy to browse.

3. Keep it dark and still

UV light can damage wine and create unpleasant “light-struck” aromas — especially in clear or pale bottles like rosé and sparkling. Keep bottles out of direct sunlight and away from constant vibration from appliances or speakers.

4. Mind the humidity

Aim for 50–70% relative humidity. Too dry and corks can shrink; too damp and labels can mould. Most homes fall in a healthy range — if yours is very dry in winter, a small bowl of water near your rack helps.

How long can you keep it?

• Most everyday whites, rosés and light reds: enjoy within 1–3 years of release.
• Non-vintage Champagne and sparkling wine: 2–3 years.
• Structured reds (Bordeaux, Barolo, Napa Cabernet): 5–20 years, depending on the producer and vintage.
• Fortified wines like vintage Port: decades.

After you open a bottle

• Re-cork it and refrigerate — yes, reds too. Let reds warm up for 20 minutes before serving.
• Whites and rosés last 3–5 days; full-bodied reds 3–5 days; light reds 2–3 days.
• Sparkling wine keeps 1–3 days with a proper stopper.

Building a collection worth storing? Start with age-worthy wines from France, or let us stock your rack for you with the Splash Wine Club — and save 25% on every shipment.