How to Store Wine to Keep Every Bottle Celebration-Ready

Planning holiday dinners, Hanukkah gatherings, or a cozy Shabbat meal with friends? With so many special bottles being opened and some being gifted, now is the perfect time to make sure you’re storing your wine the right way. Whether it’s a favorite from your latest Wine Club shipment or a special bottle you’re saving for the weekend, knowing how to store wine helps every pour taste its best.

Below, we’ll share simple ways to protect your wines from temperature swings, light, and other common storage mistakes, so every glass is ready for the occasion.

Why Wine Storage Matters

Wine plays a special role in many celebrations, from the first candle lighting of Hanukkah to Friday night Kiddush. But even the finest bottle can lose its flavor and character if it’s not stored properly. Proper wine storage helps maintain the taste, aroma, and texture that make each wine unique.

For many families, keeping wine on hand for weekly Shabbat dinners or spontaneous gatherings means having a small home collection ready to enjoy. When stored correctly, bottles stay balanced and smooth, offering the same quality experience every time you uncork them, whether for holiday toasts or everyday meals.

Wine rack with numerous bottles of wine in a modern interior setting

Ideal Wine Storage Conditions

Wine is sensitive to three main factors: temperature, humidity, and light.

Temperature: Wine likes consistency. Keep it cool, ideally between 50–59°F (10–15°C). Sudden swings can cause the wine to expand and contract, pushing the cork out or letting air in. During winter, watch for indoor heating that can create warm spots in cabinets.

Humidity: A range of 60–70% humidity keeps corks from drying out and prevents mold. In dry indoor winter air, a small humidifier or a shallow water tray near your storage area can help.

Light: Sunlight and bright indoor light can harm wine, especially whites and rosés. Store bottles in a dark, stable place or inside a closed cabinet.

Shelves filled with wine bottles in a dimly lit wine cellar.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Storage

Short-Term Storage: If you plan to drink your wine in a few months, a cool closet, pantry, or shaded cabinet is often sufficient. Keep bottles undisturbed and away from heat sources.

Tip: New World wines from regions like California, Chile, and Australia are typically made to be enjoyed soon after purchase and taste great right away.

Long-Term Storage: For bottles saved for special events, ensure conditions stay steady to protect flavor and aroma over time.

Tip: Old World wines from regions like France, Italy, and Spain can benefit from longer storage, developing smoother, richer flavors with age.

Wine Club Tip: When your Wine Club shipment arrives, let the bottles rest for a day before opening. This helps them settle after transport and ensures they taste their best.

  • Three wine bottles with blue labels on a white background

    How to Position Your Bottles

    • Corked bottles: Store horizontally to keep the cork moist and airtight.
    • Screw-cap bottles: Can stand upright; cork moisture isn’t needed.
    • Sparkling wines: Keep on their sides or slightly tilted to balance pressure inside.
    • Even if displayed on open racks, ensure bottles stay out of direct light and away from heat or vibration.
  • Line drawing of a wine bottle with corkscrew on a white background

    How to Store Opened Wine

    Even opened wine can remain enjoyable for a few days if cared for properly:

    • Red wines: Reseal and keep in a cool, dark spot for 3–5 days.
    • White and rosé wines: Refrigerate; enjoy within 2–3 days.
    • Sparkling wines: Use a tight-fitting stopper; they stay fresh 1–2 days.
  • Outline of a wine bottle with a label featuring grapes and a wine glass on a white background

    Everyday Tips for Storing Wine at Home

    • Store bottles away from kitchens, laundry rooms, or other heat sources.
    • Keep corked bottles flat to maintain moisture.
    • Use labels or organizers to track purchase and “open by” dates.
    • Limit movement or vibration to protect sediment and flavor.
    • Always have a few bottles ready for Shabbat or unexpected guests.
People pouring red wine into glasses with a table setting in the background

Final Pour: Keep Every Bottle Celebration-Ready

Wine brings people together for milestones, traditions, and the simple joy of shared moments. From Hanukkah dinners to Friday night Kiddush, and from Wine Club shipments to spontaneous gatherings, proper wine storage ensures every bottle tastes as intended.

A few simple steps, steady temperature, correct positioning, and mindful care help you enjoy every pour at its best.

A Thoughtful Way to Enjoy and Share Great Wine

Looking for an easy way to have great wines on hand for gatherings or thoughtful gifting?

Discover our Wine Club, where curated kosher wines arrive ready to enjoy, share, and celebrate any occasion.

How long can wine be stored before drinking? +
Many New World wines are made to be enjoyed soon after purchase and taste great right away. Proper storage can extend their shelf life up to 2–3 years. Old World wines can benefit from longer storage, developing smoother, richer flavors over time when stored properly.
What’s the ideal temperature for storing wine? +
Keep wine at a steady temperature between 50–59°F (10–15°C). Sudden temperature changes can make the wine age too quickly.
Can wine be stored upright? +
Screw-cap bottles can be stored upright, but corked bottles should lie horizontally to maintain moisture and a tight seal.
Does light affect wine? +
Yes. UV and bright light can alter flavor and color. Storing bottles in a dark, stable location will help to preserve quality.
How should I store opened wine? +
Reseal and refrigerate whites and rosés for 2–3 days, red wines for 3–5 days in a cool, dark place, and sparkling wines for 1–2 days with a stopper.

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