When starting a collection, it’s useful to remember that only a very small percentage of fine wines available to us will really benefit from long-term ageing. The vast majority of wines are best enjoyed within a few years. If you are serious about long term cellaring either for investment or personal enjoyment then an electronic wine storage unit with controlled temperature and humidity is a necessary purchase.

For everyone else who is just interested in laying down a wine for a year or 2, there are some basic guidelines that should be followed that will keep your wines safe until you are ready to drink them. Store wines on their side, so that the cork stays in constant contact with the wine. If the cork dries out it will shrink and let air get to your wine. Air is the greatest enemy to a good wine, as it turns wines into vinegar. It is not so important to store wines sealed with a screwcap, also known as a stelvin, enclosure on their side.

Store your wines in an environment that is cool with a constant temperature away from sunlight or UV exposure. Heat is an enemy to wine. It is best to store your wines between 12-18 degrees Celsius. Some will argue 12-15, and yes I think this is better, but realistically not too many people have a spot this cool within their home. Make sure the temperature is constant; fluctuations in temperature will help to prematurely age your wine. Also choose a spot that is more central within your home, as an outside wall will be more susceptible to temperature changes and vibration.