Wine, just like many other products, is affected by certain factors over time and therefore compromises on its quality. Proper wine storage can ensure that these environmental factors do not affect the quality of a good wine. Temperature, air, light and variations are the factors that should be regulated for a wine to maintain its freshness. Air is known to spoil the quality of wine and it should therefore be stored in a way that air is kept away. This is because it oxidizes the wine and hence reduces the quality. This process makes the wine have a more vinegar taste as opposed to that of wine. Air cannot leak through glass bottles therefore the best way to ensure air does not get to the wine is using a good cork. The cork should be moist and also ensure that other than the air left in the bottle during packaging, no other air leaks into the wine.

The best way to store wine is in a horizontal position because the cork will not crack and therefore let air into the bottle. Humidity in a room is also known to cause corks moist and hence grow mildew or to dry up too much and therefore crack. Wine should also be stored in a bottle that is almost proportionate to the wine to ensure that as little air as possible is in the bottle. If a little wine is left in a bottle, it should be transferred to a smaller bottle until consumed. Wine bottles should also be kept in a place where there will be little or no movement that can cause vibrations. They should also not be moved too much until they are almost being served. The quality of wine reduces after too much movement and vibrations and should therefore be avoided.

Temperature is another factor that should be considered during wine storage. Temperatures ranging from 5 to18°C should be maintained to ensure the cork does not dry or shrink or let in air that will make the wine age faster than it should normally. A wine cellar can maintain these temperatures and that is why most people store their wines there. However, wine cabinets can also be used when the room temperature is regulated. Although the average temperature is 5 to18°C, the rate at which it fluctuates can cause the wine to lose its freshness. The amount of light that permeates the bottle should also be regulated. However, many wine makers today use ultra violet filters when making their bottles. Too much light makes the wine have a repugnant aroma.