The Do’s and Don’ts of Wine Storage at Home

For wine lovers, every bottle tells a story. Whether it’s a prized vintage saved for a special occasion or a crisp white ready for Friday night dinner, how you store your wine makes all the difference. Unfortunately, many collectors unknowingly make mistakes that can spoil the flavour, aroma, and overall enjoyment of their bottles. The good news? With the right approach—and the right storage solution—you can protect your collection and enjoy every drop exactly as the winemaker intended.

Here are the essential do’s and don’ts of wine storage at home.

Don’t: Store Bottles Upright

It may seem convenient, but storing wine upright for long periods can dry out the cork. A dry cork lets air seep into the bottle, oxidising the wine and dulling its character.

Do: Store bottles on their side. This keeps the cork moist, creating a tight seal and preserving the wine’s integrity.

Don’t: Expose Wine to Sunlight

Direct light, especially UV rays, can degrade wine over time. This is why wines are often bottled in darker glass. But if they’re sitting out on a benchtop or near a window, they’re still at risk.

Do: Keep your wine in a cool, dark place—or better yet, in a wine fridge with UV-resistant glass that shields your bottles from harmful light.

Don’t: Allow Fluctuating Temperatures

Wine is sensitive to changes in temperature. A hot kitchen one day and an air-conditioned chill the next can cause the liquid to expand and contract, pushing the cork and potentially spoiling the wine.

Do: Maintain a consistent storage temperature. Ideally, wine should be stored between 12–18°C, depending on the varietal. A wine fridge makes it easy to set and maintain the perfect climate year-round.

Don’t: Store Wine in Dry Conditions

While low humidity won’t affect screw-cap bottles, it can cause corks to dry out and compromise the seal.

Do: Aim for humidity levels of around 50–70%. Premium wine fridges are designed to balance both temperature and humidity, so your collection is always protected.

Don’t: Use the Kitchen Fridge for Long-Term Storage

Your standard fridge is too cold and dry for wine, and it’s constantly opened and closed, causing vibrations and temperature fluctuations. Over time, this can negatively impact the wine’s ageing process.

Do: Invest in a dedicated wine fridge that eliminates vibration, controls humidity, and keeps bottles at their best—ready to enjoy whenever you are.

Protect Your Wine with Grand Cru

Your wine deserves more than makeshift storage. With Grand Cru Wine Fridges, you get precise temperature control, UV protection, and vibration-free shelving—all in a sleek, modern design that elevates your home.

Explore our collection today and discover the perfect Grand Cru Wine Fridge to protect and showcase your wine collection.