How Long Can Wine Be Stored Upright

by Kelvin Teo | Last Updated: August 26, 2020

​If you ​go to the grocery store or supermarket and happen to look out for the wine section, you may have, at some point, wondered why wines are stored horizontally. Is it just for aesthetic reasons or is there more to it?

For winemakers and aficionados, it is definitely more than just aesthetics — a primary concern for wine storage is moisture. The process of sealing wine bottles with corks ​is in use since the time of the ancient Greeks — this is believed to help preserve the current condition of the wine. However, corks are prone to be damaged by moisture as well if they are not properly stored.

​How wine is stored, and the way it is placed does matter. In this article, we will talk about why it is important to store your wine correctly and provide you with some practical tips on how to do so. Trust me, you don’t need fancy wine cellars to accomplish this​, although you will need some form of wine storage — whether single or ​dual zone​, it is ​up to your preference.

How ​Wine is Made

​Before we begin discussing wine storage, it is imperative for us to talk about how wine is made first. Knowing how it originated will at least give us an understanding of how to store it well.

Wine consumption goes way back to the earliest civilizations. Evidence was found in places like the Stonehenge during the paleolithic era and from other ancient records. Perhaps the most well-known reference of wine is in the Biblical account of​ the wedding in Cana — where Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into it. In fact, this particular event has been a clich​é in many TV series and movies.

​Wine is produced through the fermentation of fruits such as grapes, apples and berries. In some countries, grain and vegetables are also fermented for alcoholic purposes.

​The winemaking process is relatively easy but tedious. The basic manufacturing process involves the following:

1. ​Fruit picking or harvesting.
2. Pressing of the fruits until a mushy-liquid consistency is obtained.
3. Adding ingredients that will stimulate fermentation​.
4. ​Aging the wine for a specific period — from six months to years.
5. Bottling the wine and finally storing them properly.

​Each winemaking process ​varies in technique, ageing and machinery depending on the region where the fruits are harvested.

Why ​is Wine Stored ​on its Side?

​Most winemakers and enthusiasts will tell you that the proper storage of wine is supposed to be on its side and not upright. And there’s a perfectly good reason for that — its sole purpose isn’t just to save space or for aesthetics. But the primary goal is to help preserve the fermentation state of the wine.

We’ve talked about the importance of preventing moist from entering the wine bottle. And one method of accomplishing this is through the use of corks. Although using corks will provide significant support, it may also cause wine spoilage if wine isn’t properly stored.

Winemakers and aficionados alike understand the essentialities of storing ​wine in a slanted position. For that, there are two main reasons. The first being to prevent the oxidation which causes the development of moisture in the cork. If the cork shrinks due to humidity or moisture, air will enter the bottle, resulting in spoilage.

​The second reason is that you can easily observe any sediments which form at the bottom of the bottle before wine consumption.

Whether you are a winemaker or an enthusiast, knowing how to store them properly is really a game-changer in terms of flavor, texture and even the aroma.

How Long Should a Wine Bottle Remain ​Upright?

​​The question of how long wine bottles can remain upright is dependent on the overall quality of the wine and brand. Cheaper brands tend to spoil faster as compared to their ​pricier counterparts.

The standard time frame, however,​​​ is that wine bottles should be stored in an upright position for about 2 to 7 days only. Anything more could significantly affect the overall quality of the wine — giving it a more vinegar-like quality instead of a pleasurable aromatic flavor.

​Also, placing them sideways will allow the cork to make contact with the wine. This prevents humidity from entering the cork, which eventually causes air bubbles.

For synthetic corks, you can allow them to sit upright for as long as you desire because they aren’t affected by moisture or the ​environment. Choosing the synthetic cork option can also benefit in that there will not be an issue of cork tainting or cork crumbling.

Other Considerations in the Proper Storage of Wine

​For wine lovers, storage is of extreme importance. There are actually two essential factors to consider when it comes to wine storage — temperature and cabinet storage. Wines are supposedly stored in a cool environment and a cabinet (or wine rack) that allows them to be positioned horizontally. Following such guidelines can extend the life of your wine.

If you own a wine cellar and wine cabinets, you don’t really have to worry about wine spoilage. ​

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Fortunately, ​you can still preserve the quality of your treasured wine at home if you don’t have the luxury of ​these facilities. Here’s how:

​How To Store Wine At Home

1) Choose The Coolest Part of Your Home

​If the environment is too warm, your wine will mature faster and this eventually leads to spoilage. Putting it in a cool environment ensures that you can enjoy your wine for a longer period of time. ​Do also take note that ​temperatures shouldn’t fluctuate.

​2) Block Out Light

​Have you wondered why winemakers store wines in a dark cellar? The reason is that UV rays from the sun, even in tiny amounts can also cause the temperature of the wine to increase. So, be sure to put curtains in your wine storage to block out any light particles.

​3) Maintain Air Circulation

​Although blocking out UV rays is essential in wine storage, it doesn’t mean that you need to block out airflow as well. On the contrary, ​you have to keep the room well-ventilated to prevent moisture development in the corks.

​As you’ve read, the proper storage of wine is important in preserving quality and ensuring that our good wine remains good for long.

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​Happy drinking!

Kelvin Teo founded Filled With Wine™ because one summer night, he noticed that his glass of wine tasted funny. It was only after he discovered that he stored his bottle wrongly that he realised the importance of proper wine storage. Since then, he has taken the art of wine drinking seriously and is now on a quest to help fellow wine lovers achieve the best drinking experience possible.