Quick answer
- Store wine on its side in a dark, cool place at a steady 13 to 15 °C (55 to 59 °F).
- White wines often peak within a few months. Reds can improve for a year or more.
- Keep wine away from vibration, temperature swings and strong odours like paint.
Storing vs Aging
Storing means keeping wine while it still tastes good. Aging means letting it improve in the bottle. As wine ages, its taste becomes smoother and more refined. It reaches a peak, then slowly declines.
How Long to Age Kit Wine
Freshly bottled kit wine is drinkable, but it often tastes young and a little harsh, or “green”. Like a good soup or stew, it gets better as it sits.
- White wines often reach their best within a few months.
- Red wines may need several months, and bigger reds a year or more.
The best guide is to taste it regularly. If it is good, it is ready.
The Ideal Storage Conditions
- Temperature: cool and steady, ideally 13 to 15 °C (55 to 59 °F). Rapid swings are what harm wine. Gradual seasonal change is less of a problem.
- Darkness: light damages wine over time. Store it in a dark spot, and use coloured bottles for wine you plan to age.
- Humidity: wine likes a slightly humid place, which keeps corks from drying out.
- On its side: keeps the cork moist so it doesn’t shrink and let air in. A wine rack makes this easy.
- No vibration: keep bottles on a solid base, away from appliances.
- No strong odours: corks breathe, so fumes from paint, solvents or chemicals can taint the wine.
Where to Store Wine at Home
A basement is often a good choice. Avoid the laundry area: the dryer causes temperature swings and a lot of dust. Avoid spots near furnaces, water heaters or sunny windows.
Serving Tip
Many people serve red wine too warm. Try reds slightly cool, around cellar temperature. You may be surprised.
Label Everything
Label each bottle with the wine and the date bottled. After a few kits, it is easy to forget which batch was which, and you will want to know which bottle to brag about. See wine labels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homemade wine last?
Properly made and stored kit wine usually keeps well for 1 to 2 years. Many reds keep longer. Cork quality matters too.
Should I store homemade wine standing up?
Only for the first 3 to 5 days after corking. After that, store it on its side.
Can I store wine in the fridge?
For a few weeks, yes. For long-term storage, a fridge is too cold and dry, and corks can dry out.
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Need a hand with your batch? Call us toll-free at 1-877-668-6160 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern) or send us a message.
This guide is adapted from the ABC Crafted Series booklet Wine From Kits: What the Instructions Don’t Always Tell You. Always follow the instructions that come with your kit.