5 Common Wine Storage Mistakes to Avoid

Preserve your wine’s potential by steering clear of these easy-to-make errors. A great bottle of wine can be ruined long before it’s opened — all because of poor storage. Whether you’re just starting a collection or already have a few dozen bottles at home, ensuring proper storage conditions is crucial to preserving both flavour and value, LeCavist wine fridge accessories could also be very helpful in storage of wine.
Here are five of the most common mistakes wine lovers make — and how to avoid them.

1. Storing wine at room temperature

Wine does not enjoy the same comfort level we do. Room temperature — especially in summer — is typically too warm.

Ideal storage temperature: 12–14°C (53–57°F).

Anything above 20°C accelerates aging and can “cook” the wine, dulling flavours and aromas.

2. Allowing temperature to fluctuate

A stable environment is more important than hitting the perfect number.

Sudden changes in temperature cause the wine to expand and contract, potentially pushing the cork out or drawing air in — both of which degrade the wine.
Consistency is key. A quality wine fridge cabinet maintains a stable climate year-round.

3. Ignoring humidity levels

Too dry, and corks shrink, letting oxygen in. Too damp, and mold may form on the labels or corks.
Ideal humidity: 60–70%.

A built-in wine fridge controls both temperature and humidity — something a standard fridge can’t do.

4. Exposing wine to light

UV rays are one of wine’s worst enemies. Light breaks down delicate compounds in wine, especially in whites and sparkling bottles, leading to premature aging.
Store wine in the dark — or choose a freestanding wine fridge with UV-protected glass doors.

5. Storing bottles upright for too long

For wines sealed with corks, the bottle should be laid on its side to keep the cork moist.

A dry cork shrinks and lets in air, which can oxidise the wine.
Capsule-sealed wines (like screw caps) are more forgiving, but horizontal storage is still space-efficient and elegant.

FAQ – Wine Storage Essentials

Q: Can I store wine in my kitchen?

A: Only if it’s cool, dark, and stable. Kitchens often have fluctuating temperatures from cooking — not ideal.

Q: Do I need a wine cellar to age wine properly?

A: No. A wine fridge recreates cellar conditions in any space — even an apartment.

Q: How long can wine be kept in a regular refrigerator?

A: A few days at most. Fridges are too cold and dry for long-term storage.

Q: Is light exposure really that damaging?

A: Yes. Especially for white, rosé, and sparkling wines. UV rays degrade wine’s structure over time.

Q: Are all wine fridges the same?

A: No. At LeCavist, we curate a selection of high-performance, design-forward fridges tailored to both casual and serious collectors.