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How to Store Wine: Temperature, Light, and Position Before and After Opening
The advice to keep red wine at room temperature does not tell the whole story after opening. Learn how to store wine before and after opening at home.
“Red wine belongs at room temperature” is not the whole story
You may have heard that red wine should be kept at room temperature. After a bottle is opened, however, the advice changes. Even red wine is generally better resealed and refrigerated, because cooler temperatures slow oxidation.
Good storage does not require complicated equipment. Separate unopened wine from opened wine, avoid heat and light, and reduce the wine’s contact with air.
Keep unopened wine cool, dark, and stable
For longer storage, keep unopened wine cool, dark, and at a stable temperature. WSET recommends a cool, consistent environment around 10–15°C for long-term storage.
Avoid sunny windows, areas near a stove, and shelves with large temperature swings. Cork-sealed bottles can be stored on their side; screwcap bottles do not require that position.
After opening, stand red wine upright in the refrigerator too
Oxidation is the main change after opening. Reseal the bottle as tightly as possible and store it upright in the refrigerator to reduce the wine’s contact with air.
WSET gives up to around five days as a general guide for a resealed, refrigerated opened wine, but the actual result varies with style, remaining volume, temperature, and closure.
When little wine remains, transferring it to a clean smaller bottle can reduce the amount of air. Vacuum pumps and inert-gas systems are other options for longer preservation.
Storage is not about rushing to finish the bottle
White and rosé wines are easy to refrigerate, but red wine can also go into the refrigerator after opening. Let it warm slightly before serving so its aromas can return.
For sparkling wine, use a proper stopper and refrigerate the bottle upright. Bubbles still change over time, so it is best enjoyed sooner rather than later.
Knowing how to store wine removes the pressure to finish a bottle in one meal. It lets one bottle connect with tomorrow’s dish or another quiet moment. Please enjoy alcohol responsibly and never drink under the legal age.