No one wants to drink bad wine, so it’s important to store it properly. Many people make mistakes when storing their wine, which can lead to ruined wine and a wasted investment. Here are the 10 most common wine storage mistakes and how to avoid them.
10 Wine Storage Mistakes
1. Not knowing the difference between wine storage and a wine cellar.
When it comes to wine, there is a big difference between storage and a cellar. Wine storage is simply keeping your wine in a cool, dark place. This can be a cupboard, closet or even the back of the fridge.
As long as the temperature is consistent, your wine will be fine in storage. A wine cellar, on the other hand, is a special room that is specifically designed for storing wine. Cellars are usually underground to keep the temperature and humidity at ideal levels for wine storage.
They also have racks or shelves to store the bottles horizontally so that the wine can age properly. If you’re serious about collecting and storing wine, then a cellar is the way to go. But if you just want to keep a few bottles on hand for drinking, then storage will suffice.
2. Assuming that all wine needs to be stored in a dark, cool place.
Assuming that all wine needs to be stored in a dark, cool place is a common mistake many people make. While it is true that certain types of wine benefit from this type of storage, there are also many types of wine that do not need to be stored in such an environment.
In fact, storing some types of wine in a dark, cool place can actually adversely affect the flavor and quality of the wine. So, what types of wine should be stored in a dark, cool place? And what types of wine can be safely stored in a more moderate environment?
There are generally two categories of wines that benefit from being stored in a dark, cool place: red wines and dessert wines. Red wines are typically made from darker-colored grapes and have a higher tannin content than white wines.
Tannins are natural compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems that give red wines their astringent taste. They also help preserve the wine and protect it from oxidation.
3. Not taking into account the humidity levels when storing wine.
Wine is a delicate beverage that can be easily spoiled if not stored properly. One of the most important factors to consider when storing wine is humidity. If the air is too dry, it will cause the wine to lose its flavor and aroma.
On the other hand, if the air is too humid, it will cause the wine to spoil. The ideal humidity level for storing wine is between 50% and 70%. If the humidity level is below 50%, it is recommended to use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. If the humidity level is above 70%, it is recommended to use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.
4. Not using the right type of storage containers for your wine.
One of the most important things to consider when storing wine is the type of storage container you use. Many people make the mistake of using the wrong type of storage container, which can lead to spoilage and loss of flavor. There are three main types of storage containers for wine: glass, metal, and plastic.
Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. Glass is the most popular type of storage container for wine. It’s easy to clean and doesn’t absorb flavors or odors from the wine. However, glass is breakable and can be expensive.
5. Not using the right type of wine racks for your storage area.
One common mistake people make when it comes to wine racks is not using the right type of racks for their particular storage area. There are many different types of wine racks available on the market, and each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
It is important to choose the right type of rack for your particular storage needs in order to get the most out of your investment. Wine racks come in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. Each material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before making a purchase.
6. Storing wine in an area that is too warm or too cold.
Wine is a delicate beverage that needs to be stored properly in order to taste its best. Storing wine in an area that is too warm or too cold is a mistake that can ruin the flavor of your wine.
The ideal storage temperature for wine is between 55 and 57 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too high, the wine will age too quickly and taste sour or vinegary. If the temperature is too low, the wine will not age at all and will taste flat.
When storing wine, it is important to keep the bottles in a dark place with consistent temperature and humidity levels. Wine should also be stored on its side so that the cork does not dry out and allow oxygen to enter the bottle.
7. Not monitoring the temperature and humidity levels regularly.
When it comes to temperature and humidity levels, many people believe that as long as they feel comfortable, there is no need to monitor the numbers.
However, this is a mistake. While temperature and humidity levels that are too high or too low can certainly be uncomfortable, they can also cause serious damage to your home and belongings.
High humidity levels can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can cause structural damage to your home and health problems for your family. Low humidity levels can cause static electricity, cracks in wood floors and furniture, and respiratory problems.
8. Not checking on the condition of your wine bottles regularly.
It’s a mistake to not check the condition of your wine bottles regularly. Wine is a living, breathing thing, and it needs to be monitored carefully to ensure that it stays in good condition. If you don’t check on your wine regularly, you run the risk of it turning bad and ruining your investment.
Wine is a delicate beverage, and it can easily burn if it’s not properly cared for. To keep your wine in top condition, make sure to check on it frequently. Inspect the labels for any signs of damage or wear, and make sure the cork is still intact. If you notice any problems, take action immediately to prevent further deterioration.
9. Not cleaning your wine storage area regularly.
It’s a common mistake to not clean your wine storage area regularly. Dust, dirt and other debris can accumulate over time, and if not cleaned properly, this can lead to off flavors in your wine.
Additionally, mold and mildew can grow in unclean storage areas, which can ruin your wine. Therefore, it’s important to clean your wine storage area at least once a month to prevent these problems from occurring.
When cleaning your wine storage area, be sure to use a soft cloth or brush so as not to damage the bottles. Gently dust off any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the bottles and shelves. If there is mold or mildew present, you’ll need to use a stronger cleaner to remove it.
10. Not having a plan for what to do if there is a power outage.
If you live in an area that is prone to power outages, it’s important to have a plan in place for what to do if the power goes out. If the power outage is caused by severe weather, it could take days or even weeks for the power to be restored.
This means that you could be without heat, running water, and other basic necessities for an extended period of time. If you rely on electrically-powered medical devices, not having a plan for how to continue using them during a power outage could put your health at risk.
Additionally, using candles or other open flames for light during a power outage can increase the risk of fire. If you have food in your refrigerator or freezer that will spoil without power, not having a plan for how to keep it cold could cause you to lose it.
This is especially costly if you have a lot of expensive meat or seafood in your freezer. If the power outage lasts long enough, it could cause you to miss work or school. This can impact your income and your ability to keep up with your studies.
5 Best Ways to Store Wine
1. Temperature-Controlled Storage
One of the most important factors in storing wine is temperature. Wine should be stored at a cool, consistent temperature in order to prevent it from going bad. The ideal temperature for storing wine is between 55-58 degrees Fahrenheit. If your home doesn’t have a cool, dark place that can maintain this temperature, then you may want to invest in a wine cooler or cellar.
2. Avoid Vibrations
Wine is also very sensitive to vibrations. If your wine is constantly being jostled around, it can affect the flavor and quality. That’s why it’s important to store your wine in a place where there isn’t a lot of movement or vibration. A wine rack is a great option because it keeps the bottles separated and prevents them from knocking into each other.
3. Use the Right Materials
When you’re storing wine, you’ll want to use materials that won’t interact with the flavor or quality of the wine. For example, avoid using plastic or rubber because they can leech chemicals into the wine. Instead, opt for glass, wood, or metal. These materials won’t interact with the wine and will help to keep it in pristine condition.
4. Store Wine Bottles Horizontally
Another important factor in storing wine is the position of the bottles. Wine bottles should always be stored on their sides so that the cork stays moist. If the cork dries out, it can shrink and allow oxygen to enter the bottle which will cause the wine to spoil. By storing your bottles horizontally, you can prevent this from happening and keep your wine fresh for longer.
5. Don’t Forget About Humidity
In addition to temperature, humidity is another important factor to consider when storing wine. If the air is too dry, it can cause the corks to shrink and allow oxygen to enter the bottles. On the other hand, if the air is too humid, it can promote the growth of mold and bacteria. The ideal humidity level for storing wine is between 50-70%.
Conclusion
If you want to make sure your wine collection is in good shape, avoid making these 10 wine storage mistakes.
But if you do find yourself with a few less-than-ideal bottles, don’t worry – we have the best way to store wine and get it back on track. Follow our tips and you’ll be enjoying your favorite vintages in no time!
