6 Essential Tips for Storing Wine at Home

Are you passionate about wine? Whether you've been collecting bottles for years or you’re just starting out, setting up a personalized wine cellar at home can help ensure your best bottles stand the test of time while adding a stylish touch to your place—a feature your guests will surely envy. Beyond the taste, it's about the memories and milestones each bottle signifies. Whether celebrating graduations or toasting wedding anniversaries, wine has a unique way of capturing life's cherished moments. To assist you in creating your ideal home wine sanctuary, we've gathered six essential tips to store wine like a pro.

1. Temperature Control is Key

Maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial for preserving the quality of your wine. Aim for a temperature between 7°C and 18°C to prevent fluctuations that can harm the wine.

2. Mind the Humidity

Relative humidity levels of around 70% or higher are ideal for storing wine. This helps keep corks from drying out and protects the wine from oxidation which can alter its flavor and color when exposed to air. Luckily, homes usually maintain a humidity range between 45 and 60% humidity, making this step less intimidating than it may seem. Investing in a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels in your storage area can be a good idea.

3. Keep It Dark

Light is wine’s worst enemy - it can cause wine to age prematurely and develop off-flavors. To protect your precious bottles, store them away from direct sunlight in a dark or dimly lit area. Opt for low-intensity bulbs and consider packaging like gift boxes, cardboard, or wooden crates to keep them away from light exposure.

4. Store Bottles Horizontally

Storing wine bottles on their side keeps the cork in contact with the wine, which helps prevent it from drying out and allows for a tight seal to keep oxygen out. You can tilt your RackBuddy shelves to achieve this ideal storage position. Prefer a completely horizontal setup? No problem! We also offer wine accessories for that.

5. Prioritize Quality Storage

Whether you're building a custom wine cellar or upgrading your current storage setup, invest in high-quality shelves and racks designed specifically for wine bottles. After all, you've likely put a lot of time and money into curating your collection, so it's essential to safeguard it properly.

6. Organize Wisely

Arrange your wines in a way that makes sense to you. Whether you prefer to sort by varietal, region, or color, keep it organized and easy to navigate.

By following these tips and saying goodbye to one-size-fits-all solutions, you can create a home wine cellar that not only preserves the quality of your favorite wines but also adds a touch of sophistication to your living space. Whether you're looking for a sleek wine rack for a select few bottles or a wall-mounted wine rack to showcase your entire collection, RackBuddy offers many options to suit your needs. Cheers to building the perfect wine cellar in your home!