Wine Storage Tips: Keeping Your Bottles at Their Best

For wine lovers, a good bottle isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience waiting to be savored. Whether you’ve picked up a special bottle from a winery on the Mendocino Coast or brought home a fine Italian vintage, how you store your wine makes all the difference. Proper storage not only preserves its flavor but ensures that when the time comes, every sip is just as the winemaker intended.

1. Keep It Cool

Temperature is one of the most important factors in wine storage. Ideally, wine should be stored at around 55°F (13°C). Too much heat can age the wine too quickly, while overly cold temperatures can dull its complexity. If you don’t have a wine cellar, a wine fridge is a great investment.

2. Avoid Direct Light

Light, especially sunlight, can harm wine by breaking down compounds and altering its flavor. That’s why wines are often bottled in darker glass. Store your bottles in a shaded or dimly lit area to protect them from unnecessary exposure.

3. Store Bottles on Their Side

If your wine has a cork, keeping the bottle on its side ensures the cork stays moist. A dry cork can shrink, allowing air in and spoiling the wine. Screw-cap bottles are more forgiving, but side storage is still a smart way to maximize space.

4. Keep It Steady

Wine doesn’t like to be shaken around. Try to store bottles somewhere they won’t be disturbed by frequent vibrations. This allows the sediment in wines, particularly reds, to settle naturally and keeps the wine’s structure intact.

5. Control Humidity

Too much dryness can cause corks to crack, while too much humidity can damage labels and make storage messy. Aim for around 60–70% humidity for ideal conditions.

6. Know When to Drink

Not every wine benefits from long-term aging. Many wines, especially whites and lighter reds, are best enjoyed within a few years of purchase. When in doubt, ask your wine shop or winery for guidance on how long a bottle is meant to last.

Whether you’re storing wine for a special occasion or building your personal collection, following these simple steps ensures that your bottles stay in their best condition—ready to share and enjoy.

And when you’d rather savor a glass without the wait, we invite you to dine at Cucina Verona in Fort Bragg. Our menu features an excellent selection of both local Mendocino wines and imported Italian favorites, perfect for pairing with your meal. Make a reservation here.