Storing wine correctly

Why is proper storage important?

Wine is a living product that is constantly evolving. The right storage conditions determine whether a wine fulfils its potential or deteriorates prematurely.

The 5 pillars of wine storage

1. Temperature

The single most important factor!

Ideal temperature: 10–14°C

Even more important: consistent temperature! Fluctuations are the greatest enemy.

"Better a constant 16°C than fluctuating between 10 and 18°C."

2. Humidity

Ideal: 60–80% relative humidity

Too dry (below 50%):

• Cork dries out
• Oxygen penetrates
• Wine oxidises prematurely

Too humid (above 85%):

• Mould forms on labels
• Cork can go mouldy
• Labels peel off

3. Light

Wine is light-sensitive — UV radiation in particular causes harm:

• Breaks down colour pigments
• Alters aromas negatively
• Leads to "light strike"

Solution: dark storage or UV-protective glass panels

4. Position

Storing on its side makes good sense:

• Cork stays moist and elastic
• Airtight seal is maintained
• Space-efficient on shelving

Exceptions:

• Screw caps: position irrelevant
• Short-term storage (under 6 months): standing is fine
• Champagne: both positions are acceptable

5. Stillness & odours

Avoid vibrations:

• Do not store next to a washing machine
• Not directly by a busy road
• Avoid moving bottles around regularly

No foreign odours:

• Not next to cleaning products
• No strongly scented food nearby
• Well-ventilated space

Storage options compared

Wine fridge

Advantages:

• Precise temperature control
• Consistent conditions
• Multiple zones possible
• Space-efficient

Disadvantages:

• Purchase cost (€200–2,000+)
• Electricity costs
• Limited capacity

Recommendation: Ideal for 20–200 bottles and active collectors

Cellar

Advantages:

• Naturally cool
• High capacity
• No electricity costs
• Authentic

Disadvantages:

• Not everyone has one
• Conversion costs
• More difficult to monitor

Recommendation: Perfect if you have one and it is suitable

Climate-controlled wine cabinet

Advantages:

• Highest precision
• Multiple climate zones
• Professional solution

Disadvantages:

• Expensive (€1,000–10,000+)
• Space-intensive

Recommendation: For serious collectors with valuable bottles

Which wines to store?

Not every wine improves with age!

Good for long-term storage (5–20+ years):

• Premium Bordeaux and Burgundy
• Top Rieslings (Spätlese, Auslese)
• Barolo, Brunello
• Vintage Champagne
• Vintage Port

Limited storage potential (2–5 years):

• Good Chianti, Côtes du Rhône
• Village Burgundy
• Quality Rieslings
• Sauternes and sweet wines

Drink now (1–2 years):

• Simple everyday and supermarket wines
• Rosé wines
• Simple white wines
• Prosecco and simple sparkling wines

Common mistakes

1. Storing in the fridge: too cold, too dry, vibrations
2. Kitchen: too warm, temperature fluctuations
3. Windowsill: light exposure!
4. Storing upright: cork dries out
5. Over-ageing: 95% of wines are held too long

Quick start for beginners

No cellar? No wine fridge? No problem:

1. Find the darkest, coolest spot in the home
2. Prefer an internal room without heating
3. A wine carton provides simple protection
4. Do not buy more than you will drink in 1–2 years
5. For valuable bottles: invest in a wine fridge

Conclusion

Perfect wine storage does not need to be complicated. What matters is:

• Consistent, cool temperature
• Darkness
• Horizontal position
• Stillness

With these basics you can keep your wines optimally and enjoy them at exactly the right moment!