It’s disappointing when a good bottle of wine spoils due to a preventable issue. Wine is a wonderful addition to any occasion, particularly during the holidays. However, most people are unaware of the proper ways to store their wine. Fortunately, Custom Wine Packaging is here to help! We want our customers to have valuable information about why wine spoils and how to store it correctly, both before and after opening. This way, you will have all the necessary knowledge to store wine so it lasts as long as possible.
Why Wine Goes Bad
The proper storage of wine can determine its success or failure, with the wine’s exposure to oxygen being the biggest factor. When a wine bottle is opened, oxygen will enhance the flavors and aromas of the wine. However, excessive oxygen will turn your wine into vinegar, which is used to make red and white wine vinegar. Other factors that affect the quality of your stored wine include light and temperature. Under good storage conditions, unopened red and white wine can last up to one year, while champagne can last up to six months.
How to Store Unopened Wine
If you want to store unopened wine properly, there are a few best practices to keep in mind:
- Lay the bottle sideways to keep the cork in constant contact with the wine. It is important that the cork stays moist and expanded to maintain an airtight seal to protect the wine from oxygen exposure.
- Store your wine in a dark location. This will help preserve its freshness as well as prevent premature aging caused by light exposure.
- Avoid exposing your wine to heat, as this can compromise its quality. The ideal temperature for wine is 45 degrees Fahrenheit for white wine and 55 degrees Fahrenheit for red wine. If you want to learn more about serving temperatures, check out our blog for all the information you need to know before opening your stored bottle.
How to Store Opened Wine
When you are finished with your wine, but still have some left, don’t let it go to waste! Re-cork your wine bottle right away to keep the wine fresh. Note to put the same end of the cork back in the bottle, as the other side has been exposed to germs and additional odors. You can also buy a reusable bottle stopper. Regardless of the wine, you want to refrigerate the bottle if you are storing it after opening. The wine will last longer when it’s chilled. The same rules apply: keep it out of light and below room temperature. Contrary to storing unopened bottles, you will want to store opened bottles upright rather than sideways. This helps slow the oxidation process which makes the wine last longer. White wines have more acidity that helps keep them fresh after opening for about three days. Red wines and champagnes, however, should be finished in a day or two.
Store Your Wine With a Custom Wine Package
Custom Wine Packaging has a wide array of packaging options. Whether you’re storing wine for the holidays, or packaging a gift for someone special, we want to make it special. Consider looking into our custom cardboard wine totes, specialty packaging and boxes, or gift packaging pages for more information. We hope you choose to collaborate with us and rest assured that we aim to surpass your expectations. Contact us today to get started!
