Not sure how to store your wine collection? Don’t worry, we’re here to break down common misconceptions about wine storage by giving you an easy list of do’s and don’ts to follow. Read on to discover the truth about storing your Missouri wine properly.

DO Chill Out – While chilling wine before serving is a personal preference (check out our handy cheat sheet for chilling), keeping wine bottles stored in a cool area is a recommended practice to ensure that your wine stays safe for future enjoyment. We recommend keeping your bottles in a location where the temperature stays at a constant 45-65oF. These cooler, stable temperatures will inhibit unwanted chemical reactions while allowing your favorite Missouri varietal’s flavor to improve as it waits to be opened. When wine gets exposed to extreme temperatures, the tasting experience can be affected.

DON’T Rely on a Frigid Fridge – It may seem like a good idea to keep your wine in the refrigerator with other beverages, but avoid relying on this space as a long-term storage solution. The temperature inside your household fridge is perfect for keeping regular food items cold, but too cold and dry for properly storing wine long-term. Having wine stored in a chilly fridge for too long inhibits the flavor improving magic that happens in your bottle of wine, and can actually dry out your wine’s cork over time.

DO Store on Sides – Storing your wine bottles upright may save space and allow you to admire the beautiful label gracing your vino, however, this isn’t an ideal solution for long-term storage. Storing bottles upright doesn’t allow for wine to touch the cork and keep it moist, and dried out corks can cause potential issues when it comes time to enjoy your wine. Store wine bottles securely on their side so those corks can be “kissed” by the wine as they wait for their time to shine.

DON’T Tuck atop the Fridge – It may be tempting to squeeze a few wine bottles on top of your refrigerator for safekeeping, but this is not a good storage solution. You might be surprised to learn that the top of your fridge is actually quite warm and vibrates (it may be hard to notice during your normal fridge encounters). The heat and vibration can cause damage to your wine’s chemical components and impact your tasting experience.

DO Embrace the Dark Side – The best place to store your wine is in a dark, cool space. Your best bet is a dry, mild temperature basement or a cupboard under the stairs (as long as it stays at a fairly constant temperature). A dedicated wine chilling fridge or mini fridge is also a great solution for storing your wine bottles. Want to display your favorite wines in your home for guests to marvel? Take some time to find a space in your home to set up a wine rack – make sure it’s in a cool place away from direct sunlight.

DON’T Let the Sun Shine In – We’ll admit we love the Show-Me State sunlight and enjoying our favorite Missouri wines in the sunshine, but we recommend avoiding storing your wine in the sunlight. Keeping your unopened wine in direct sunlight or bright interior lights creates heat inside the bottle and affects your wine’s longevity.

Now that you have these wine storage do’s and don’ts at your disposal, you’ll be well-equipped to safely store your award-winning Missouri wine. Need to stock up on your favorite varietal or want to explore Missouri’s unique wine country? Check out our interactive map to find unbeatable wine near you!