How to Properly Store Wine at Home Featuring Soma Vineyard’s Wines

Storing wine is a skill that all wine lovers should master to keep their collection in top condition. Proper storage helps maintain the wine’s taste, smell, and overall quality, ensuring it can be enjoyed to the fullest. If you appreciate Soma Vineyard’s exceptional wines, here’s a guide on how to store them correctly at home.

The Fundamentals of Wine Storage

Controlling Temperature

Optimal Temperature: The most vital element in wine storage is temperature. It’s important to store wine at a consistent temperature, ideally between 45°F and 65°F (7°C and 18°C). The best temperature for long-term storage is about 55°F (13°C).

Avoiding Fluctuations: Fluctuating temperatures can harm the wine, causing it to age too quickly or spoil. Make sure your storage area maintains a stable temperature.

Humidity Levels

Maintaining Optimal Humidity: To preserve wine properly, it’s essential to store it in an environment where humidity levels range from 60% to 70%. This helps prevent the cork from drying out and shrinking, which could potentially lead to air seeping into the bottle and causing the wine to oxidize.

Managing Humidity: If you reside in a dry climate, you may want to consider using a humidifier in your wine storage area to regulate humidity levels effectively.

Significance of Darkness

It’s crucial to store wine in a dark location as UV light has the potential to degrade the wine and change its flavor and aroma. It’s best to keep wine away from direct sunlight and artificial light, and wine cabinets with UV-resistant doors are highly recommended.

Positioning of Bottles

For proper storage, wine bottles should be placed horizontally to ensure that the cork remains moist, preventing it from drying out and maintaining an airtight seal. Horizontal racks or wine cabinets are ideal for this purpose.

Reduction of Vibration

To maintain the integrity of the wine, it is important to minimize exposure to vibrations, as they can disrupt the sediments in the wine, impacting its aging process and flavor. Choose a stable environment for storing your wine, away from appliances or areas with heavy foot traffic.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Home Wine Cellar

For those who are passionate about their wine collection, establishing a dedicated wine storage area at home is essential. Here are some guidelines:

Selecting the Ideal Location

Opt for a Cool and Dark Space: Basements are preferable due to their naturally cool and dark ambience. If a basement is not available, choose a closet or a room with minimal sunlight and fluctuations in temperature.

Investing in a Wine Refrigerator

Ensure a Controlled Environment: Wine refrigerators provide precise control over temperature and humidity, safeguarding your wine from external factors. They are available in various sizes to suit different spaces and budgets.

Utilize Wine Racks and Shelving

Efficient Storage Solutions: Install wine racks or shelving units to store your bottles horizontally. Ensure that the racks are strong and designed to minimize vibrations.