Perhaps you keep a few on hand to unwind after a long day. You might have even accumulated enough bottles of wine to call it a collection. Regardless of how many you are waiting to uncork, here are a few simple ways to make sure you get the best pour every time.

Leaving your wine on the kitchen counter out of direct sunlight will yield a perfectly acceptable glass if you drink it within a few weeks or months. If you would like to take a little extra care of your wine or plan to keep it for over a year, consider the following storage tips to prevent your wine from going bad.

It is important to note that most modern wines are meant to be consumed young, within six months to a few years. One of the biggest misconceptions about wine is that every wine gets better with age. The truth is, a wine's ability to age depends on several factors, including tannins, vineyard of origin, acidity, and depth. Given the mysterious nature of wine, there are, of course, exceptions to the rule. Assuming that every bottle of wine will taste better after sitting in a pantry for a few years will leave you sorely disappointed.

Storage Tips for Unopened Wine

1. Temperature

The most important factor in preserving your wine is temperature. Your wine should be stored in an environment that is approximately 45-65° F. High temperatures (over 70° F) will essentially "cook" wine, depleting its aromas and flavors. Drastic changes in temperature can cause the liquid to expand and contract, which can push the cork out.

2. Light

Keep your wine away from light, specifically direct sunlight. UV rays can degrade and prematurely age wine. The colored glass of wine bottles protects against light, so the lights in your house will likely not damage your wine, but you can protect it by storing it in a dark basement or closet.

3. Vibrations

Some believe that vibrations speed up chemical reactions, potentially ruining wine. Unless you are a serious wine collector looking to age your wine for over ten years, vibrations should not be a concern, but we don't recommend shaking it either. As long as you don't store your wine in an especially unstable environment, such as the top of your refrigerator or inside your garage, your wine will not be affected.

4. Humidity

A bottle of wine will be safe between a humidity level of 50% and 80%. If you would like to keep your wine for a longer period of time, lay the bottle on its side to keep the cork moist, as it can dry out. You only need to monitor humidity levels if you live in an extreme climate, like the desert or the wetlands.

How do I store wine after opening?

After opening your wine, you should re-cork it after each pour. Oxidization turns red wine into vinegar, so it is important to minimize exposure to oxygen, especially if you know you won't finish the bottle that night.

You can store wine in the fridge for two to three days, but remember to remove it in advance to allow it time to reach an appropriate serving temperature. You can transfer the remaining wine to a smaller container to limit the amount of exposure to air it has to endure.

You should try to finish the bottle as close to the time you opened it as possible for the best tasting experience.

At what temperature do I serve wine?

Rule of thumb: Wines with a fuller body and higher complexity can be served closer to room temperature. Sweeter wines with a lighter body and lower tannin levels can be served chilled.

Red wine: 52 to 63° F

White wine: 43 to 55° F

Sparkling wine and champagne: 46 to 50° F

Now that you are equipped with this information, enjoy the best of each bottle. Cheers!