Wine storage is, simply put, storing wine bottles under conditions that protect their taste. If you store wine properly, aromas, balance, and (for more expensive bottles) the value are more likely to be preserved.
In the Netherlands, many people choose professional wine storage or self storage because there is not always a stable spot available at home. The advantage of an external space is that you can store your bottles neatly in storage boxes and organise your storage unit in a smart way.
Why is wine a special product that needs stable conditions?
Wine is not a ‘static’ product. Inside the bottle, things can become quite active. Temperature speeds up chemical reactions, oxygen that slowly enters through the cork changes the flavour, and UV-light can break down aromatic compounds.
That is why kitchens and garages are often risky places: you are more likely to deal with temperature fluctuations, odours and vibrations, which can reduce wine quality.
If you choose a storage space or set up a corner yourself, also pay attention to insulation and materials. A solid construction (for example wood, steel or concrete) often helps dampen fluctuations and light shaking in the space.
How long can you store wine before peak without losing quality?
Fresh, young wines are usually not made for long-term storage. They are often at their best when you drink them young. There are exceptions, such as wines with higher acidity or wines that contain residual sugar.
Below you will find an overview of how long wine of a decent quality can be stored on average from the year of harvest.
|
Wine type |
Indicative storage time in years (for peak quality of taste) |
|---|---|
|
Kabinett |
0-10+ |
|
Spätlese |
5-15 |
|
Auslese |
15+ |
|
Beerenauslese |
<50 |
|
Trockenbeerenauslese |
<80 |
|
Eiswein |
≤100 |
For how long wine can be kept also depends on the quality and grape variety. In some cases, high quality wine can be kept decades longer than a low quality bottle.
Also consider the wine style. Red, white, rosé, Champagne and ice wine all have different tolerances for temperature and humidity. Red can often handle a bit more, while white and rosé are usually more sensitive to light. Champagne is best stored vibration-free, and sweet wines can last a long time if conditions remain stable.
Which is the right temperature range to store wine?
Just like some groceries are better kept inside or outside the fridge, wine also has a temperature preference. For the popular grape variety Riesling, between 7-18 °C is usually a safe range, most wines will store well.
According to experts and wine sellers, around 11-12 °C is the most stable temperature, it’s also around the best serving temp in most cases.
For temperatures above 21 °C, the ageing of the wine will speed up and if it’s stored even warmer, it can cause rapid aroma loss and leave behind a ‘cooked’ taste.
Seasonal temperature changes are usually not a problem, but if it fluctuates daily because of heating, sun exposure or uninsulated walls, the wine quality will decline much faster. A consistent climate is important to prevent this.
What humidity keeps corks healthy without causing mold?
If the air where the wine is stored is too dry, the cork shrinks and oxygen can enter. If the air is too humid, mould can form on labels and racks.
If you want corks to stay flexible and airtight, make sure the space has a relative humidity of around ~65-75%.
Good wine storage takes this into account. In professional wine storage boxes or well-designed storage units, humidity is monitored to prevent related problems.
How do you protect wine from light before aromas degrade?
UV light breaks down aromatic compounds. This can lead to a so-called ‘light-struck’ fault, where the wine loses its freshness. Many people describe the remaining taste as similar to rotten eggs. Over time, bottle labels can also fade.
Store bottles in the dark. Avoid windows, glass doors and bright lighting. Long exposure to LED or fluorescent light is also unfavourable. Closed storage boxes and dark storage rooms offer the best protection against light damage.
Should you store bottles horizontal or upright based on closure type?
How you position a bottle depends on the closure:
- Cork: store bottles on their side so the cork stays in contact with the wine and does not dry out
- Screw cap or synthetic cork: storing upright is fine
- Sparkling wine: preferably also on its side, for cork condition and pressure distribution
Try not to rotate or move bottles unnecessarily. Movement disturbs sediment and increases the risk of leakage.
How do you avoid vibrations that disturb sediment and accelerate aging?
Vibrations are the quiet culprit when it comes to preserving wine quality. They keep sediment in motion and speed up chemical reactions, which negatively affects ageing. At home, there are many sources of vibration, such as fridges, washing machines, ventilation systems, garage doors, busy stairwells or a wooden floor.
A practical approach is simple: do not store wine next to appliances or walkways, and choose a stable (steel) rack. Damping helps too, such as a rack with rubber feet or dense wooden shelves on a solid floor. This keeps the wine free from disturbances.
Home cellar vs. renting storage
When choosing the storage method that fits you best, you can look at the following characteristics:
|
Storage method |
Characteristics |
|---|---|
|
At home (cellar or room) |
Little to no extra monthly costs |
|
Own responsibility for temperature control, humidity and light |
|
|
Fewer security options |
|
|
Rent wine storage |
More space at home |
|
More climate and insulation options (check the conditions and possibilities) |
|
|
You handle transport and monitoring in most cases |
If you are still not sure, ask yourself these questions to help make the right choice:
- How large is your collection?
- Is the collection growing rapidly?
- What is the value of the bottles?
- How much time and effort can and do you want to spend maintaining a wine storage space?
- Is the climate at home unpredictable?
- How much will you spend on electricity to regulate temperature?
If you are concerned about hidden costs or unclear terms, always ask in advance for the terms and a clear, detailed quote.
