So you’ve been to a wine tasting…gotten an idea of what you like and don’t like…purchased a few bottles that delighted your palate…now how do you store it?
These days, most busy people simply buy their wine from their local grocery store while they are doing their food shopping. But, they are oblivious when it comes to the proper storage required by each variety both before and after it’s been opened. First off, the three main things to avoid include light, heat and vibration. There are different storage methods required for different types of wine, and it is vital to be as careful as possible whenever storing your particular bottles of wine, regardless of what they cost.

Waiting backstage…some tips for storing your wine before it’s opened.
1. Stay away from the light! All wines should be stored away from light – particularly direct sunlight and fluorescent fixtures.
2. Sideways. If your wine bottles are stored upright for a long period of time, the corks will dry out, and when/if air reaches them…they’re out for the count!
3. Keep it constant. For the extended aging of wine (over 1 year), refrigeration is a must. The greater the changes in temperature a wine suffers, the greater the premature aging of the wine from over-breathing.
4. I’m picking’ up bad vibrations. If possible, try not to move a bottle at all once it is stored. Even vibrations from heavy traffic, motors, or generators can have a negative effect on your wine.
5. Humidity…70%...check! High humidity keeps the cork from drying out and ultimately minimizes evaporation.
6. It’s okay to be isolated. Remember that wine "breathes", so don't store it with anything that has a strong smell because it will permeate the cork and taint the wine.
7. The clock is ticking. Not all wines improve over time…red wines should be stored and aged for anywhere between 4-10 years to mature, while white wines should be consumed within 2-3 years.
8. Make the necessary adjustments. Right before drinking the wine, allow the temperature to rise or fall to the appropriate serving temperature, as follows:

o Blush, rose and dry white wines: 46-57F (8-14C)
o Sparkling wines and champagne: 43-47F (6-8C)
o Light red wine: 55F (13C)
o Deep red wines: 59-66F (15-19C)

The Grand Opening…tips for storing your wine after it’s opened.
1. Chill out. You can chill white wine in the refrigerator for three to five days if you have already opened it; but make sure the cork is in the bottle as tightly as possible.
2. Leave me out of it! When you’ve opened a bottle of red wine, place the cork in the bottle, put the bottle in a dark place, and don't worry about it…it should be fine for a couple of days.

Whether you are fortunate enough to have a wine cellar or are using a cooler/refrigerator
wine rack or if you’re storing your wine in a “makeshift” closet wine cellar, follow these simple rules and you’ll enjoy the maximum flavor from your wine.