Most wines are made to be enjoyed within a few years, so you do not need a cellar. A few simple habits keep your bottles at their best until you open them.
The basics
- Keep it cool and steady. Around 12–15 °C (55–59 °F) is ideal. Steady temperature matters more than the exact number.
- Keep it dark. Sunlight and bright lamps can spoil wine, so a cupboard or closet works well.
- Lay corked bottles on their side. This keeps the cork moist. Screw-capped bottles can stand up.
- Avoid the kitchen. Heat from the oven and fridge, and the vibration of appliances, are not kind to wine.
After opening
Put the cork or cap back in and keep the bottle in the fridge, even reds. Most wines stay pleasant for two to four days; sparkling wine keeps best with a stopper made for it. Not sure how long to keep a bottle before opening it? Ask us when you buy it.