Wine is an exotic and classy drink enjoyed by many people throughout the world.  With wine’s ever increasing popularity, many people have started to become amateur wine collectors. But most people are ignorant on how to store the wine properly so as to enjoy it for longer period. The basic rule for storing wine is to keep the bottle sideways, away from heat and light. Here are some factors that should be considered for storing wines-

Temperature- The ideal temperature to store wine is between 55-59 °F (12-15°C).The temperature should never exceed beyond 75°F (24°C) because the wine starts oxidizing at 75°F. Also the temperature should not fluctuate constantly; it is best to keep the wine at a consistent temperature. The humidity factor should also be kept in mind as higher humidity can also oxidize the wine. The ideal humidity for wine storage should be between 65-75%.

Light- Wine should always be stored away from light. A constant direct light majorly affects the flavor of the wine. White wines are especially very sensitive towards light. Also UV rays are equally harmful for the wines. Although nowadays some bottles have UV filters incorporated, they do not guarantee complete protection against the UV rays. Wrap the bottles in a cloth or keep them in a box away from light.

Position- The best position to keep the wine bottle is keeping it sideways. By keeping the bottle on its side the cork remains moist and thus blocks oxygen from entering the wine. If the bottle is kept straight the cork will eventually dry and let oxygen in, oxidizing the wine and stealing the wine of its aroma, color and flavor.

Stillness- Wine needs to be kept still all the time. Vibration and movement agitates the wine and do not allow it to sleep. Also the sediments in the wine cannot settle down due to vibrations and constant moving, so tuck the wine bottle away from such distractions.

Storing an opened bottle- An opened wine bottle will last only for three to five days. If you want to store an opened bottle try to fix in the cork as tight as possible. You can also use a pump and wine stopper for longer storage. If it is a white wine you can store it in a refrigerator and if it is a red wine, cork the bottle and keep it in a dark place, but not more than 3-5 days.

Proper storing of wine is very important to keep the wine safe and in good condition. Wine cellars are the best option to store wine but if you cannot buy it make sure the wine is stored in a cool, dark and properly ventilated (as wines can catch the musty smells) place.