The Art of Wine Storage: Why Temperature, Light, and Orientation Matter
As a collector and designer of custom wine cellars, I’m often asked: What’s the best way to store wine? Whether you’re aging a few prized bottles or building a serious collection, the key to preserving quality and enhancing value lies in replicating the timeless conditions of Old World wine caves.
Why Temperature Matters
Wine is a living product that evolves in the bottle, and temperature plays the most critical role in that evolution. Ideally, wine should be stored between 55°F and 58°F—cool enough to slow aging, but not so cold that it stalls the process. Even more important than the exact temperature is consistency. Fluctuations cause the liquid to expand and contract, which can lead to premature aging or even a compromised cork.
Humidity & Orientation: Keep It Horizontal
Humidity also helps protect the cork. In natural caves across France and Italy, ambient humidity keeps corks moist and airtight. In your cellar, aim for 60–70% humidity to prevent corks from drying out and allowing oxygen in. We rarely include humidity control in our cellars, as most homes are already sitting in the ideal humidity zone for long-term storage.
Always store bottles on their sides. Horizontal storage keeps the wine in contact with the cork, helping it stay swollen and sealed. Storing wine upright long-term risks cork shrinkage and oxidation—a fast path to spoilage.
Avoid Light & Vibration
Wine hates light, especially UV rays, which can degrade flavor and color. That’s why traditional wine caves are buried deep underground—naturally dark, cool, and vibration-free. Modern collectors should avoid placing wine near windows or HVAC systems. Low light and zero vibration create the calm conditions wine needs to age gracefully.
Embrace the Cave Mentality
Regions like Bordeaux, Champagne, and Chianti have relied on subterranean caves for centuries. At Wine Cellar Company, we bring this tradition into homes by designing wine rooms and cellars that mimic these timeless environments—temperature-controlled, light-resistant, and built to age your collection properly.
Whether you're storing a dozen bottles or a thousand, remember: wine rewards patience—and proper care.
About the Author
Alex Hinson is the owner of Wine Cellar Company, a leading design and build firm for high-end residential wine storage. A longtime collector and WSET-certified wine professional, Alex helps clients curate, preserve, and showcase world-class collections in custom-crafted environments.
