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.
The ideal storage temperature is 12–15 °C (55–59 °F). 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.
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.
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.
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, a small bowl of water near your rack helps.
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.
