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Aging/Storage


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Aging/Storage

How do I properly store my wine?

After you’ve had all the fun of making, you want to be sure your wine remains in stellar condition by storing it properly. Not all of us are lucky enough to have a wine cellar, so these tips can be helpful when planning where to store and age your wine:

Keep it chill - Keep your bottles in a cool environment, ideally with a steady temperature close to 13°C (55 °F ). Fluctuations in temperature can negatively impact your wine and encourage the formation of tartrate crystals.

Heart of darkness - Place your bottles somewhere with as little UV (sun and fluorescent) light exposure as possible.

Something on the side - Store bottles horizontally to keep the cork from drying out and letting oxygen in.

Bad vibrations - Vibration and frequent movement should be avoided – keep them out from under the staircase and away from high-traffic areas in your home.

What’s that smell? - Odours from strong smelling chemicals like paint thinner and cleaning products can impact the flavor and aromas in your wine, so make sure the storage area is as scent-free as possible.

“Damp” it! - Keep the bottles in a place with around 70% humidity for ideal aging – this will prevent the corks from drying out, but not be enough to encourage the growth of mold.

How long do I have to wait to drink my wine and how long can I keep my wine?

Part of the fun of being your own winemaker is deciding when your wine is ready to be enjoyed. Some wines are delicious right away and others appreciate a little sit-time. Click here for suggested aging guidelines.