How to Store Wine in Small Apartment
Properly storing wine is crucial for maintaining its quality and flavor over time. Whether you want to be an avid collector or enjoy an occasional glass, following a few simple guidelines can help preserve your wine and enhance your drinking experience.
Here’s how to store wine to keep it at its best, when a fancy cellar isn’t available:
TLDR: Keep bottles out of the kitchen. The refridgerator is too cold and dry, with a variety of unwanted aromas. Under the sink experiences dramatic temperature shifts, particularly spikes in heat everytime the hot water is on. The kitchen itself is likely the room that experiences the most temperature and humidity changes as well.
The best place to store wine in a small apartment, is to arrange space in a hallway or bedroom closet, away from sunlight, drafts and air vents.
1. Store Wine at the Right Temperature
Temperature is the most critical factor in wine storage. Ideally, wine should be stored between 45°F and 65°F (7°C — 18°C). The perfect temperature is around 55°F (13°C).
Consistency is key. Second, and only by a slim margin, to the right temperature range is keeping it as consistent as possible. Temperature fluctuations cause the wine to expand and contract, potentially damaging the cork and letting air in over time.
Wine stored too cold can develop unpleasant flavors, while wine stored too warm can age prematurely, losing its aroma and complexity.
2. Keep Wine Away from Light
Light, especially UV rays from the sun, can degrade wine, causing it to age faster than intended. This is why wine bottles are typically made of colored glass. However, prolonged exposure to sunlight can still harm your wine even in a dark bottle.
Store your bottles in a dark place, such as a wine cellar, cabinet, or wine fridge, to protect them from direct light. If you can't make closet space, a wine rack in a dim corner, in an otherwise climate-consistent bedroom or office can be fine if it’s your only option.
3. Maintain Proper Humidity
Humidity levels between 60% and 70% are ideal for wine storage. Too little humidity can dry out the cork, allowing air to seep in and oxidize the wine, while too much humidity can lead to mold.
If you’re storing wine in a room or closet, consider using a humidifier or placing a small container of water nearby to maintain moisture. A wine fridge often has built-in humidity controls, but they can be expensive and awkward to keep in a small apartment.
4. Store Bottles Horizontally
Wine bottles with corks should be stored on their sides to keep the cork moist.
A dry cork can shrink, allowing air to enter the bottle, which can spoil the wine. Storing bottles horizontally also maximizes space, making it easier to organize and access your collection. Screw-top bottles don’t need to be stored on their sides, but doing so can still save space.
5. Minimize Vibration and Movement
Vibrations can disturb the sediment in wine bottles, affecting the aging process and flavor.
Avoid storing wine in places with frequent movement or vibrations, such as near household appliances, on top of a refrigerator, or in a busy area of your home. A quiet, stable environment is best for long-term storage.
6. Avoid Strong Odors
Wine can absorb strong odors through the cork, which can alter its taste.
Keep wine away from anything with a strong smell, such as cleaning products, garbage, or pungent foods. If you’re storing wine in a cellar, ensure it’s well-ventilated and free from musty odors.
7. Know When to Drink Your Wine
Not all wines are meant to be aged. Many are best enjoyed within a few months of purchase, while others can benefit from years of aging.
As a general suggestion, Red wines with high tannins, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, often age well, while lighter whites, like Sauvignon Blanc, are typically enjoyed young. Research your specific wines to determine their optimal drinking window and plan accordingly.
Conclusion: Keep Bottles Out of the Kitchen
Proper wine storage involves a combination of stable temperature, humidity, minimal light, and limited movement.
Avoid storing your wine in the kitchen, and dedicate space in a hallway or bedroom closet.
Plenty of well-meaning wine lovers stash bottles in the kitchen, but it’s the worst possible place to store wine, second only to a bathroom.
The refrigerator is far too cold, dry, and filled with strong aromas, for storage lasting more than a week. Under the sink is the opposite end of the spectrum but just as damaging.
Higher kitchen cabinets can be tempting if they are your only honest option, but your kitchen has the most temperature fluctuation in your apartment.
Following these guidelines ensures your wine stays in peak condition until you’re ready to enjoy it.
Whether you’re storing wine for a few weeks or several years, these tips will help you make the most of every bottle.
