Tips for Storing Wine During Hot Summer Temperatures

Summer heat can be one of the biggest challenges for wine collectors. Without proper climate control, you can compromise your entire wine storage.

Wine Folly points out that “Temperatures over 70 degrees for a significant amount of time can permanently taint the flavor of the wine. Above 80 degrees or so and you are literally starting to cook the wine.”

Yikes!

So, how do you protect your Chardonnays and Merlots during scorching temperatures? Keep reading for our best tips on storing wine in hot climates. Whether you have a sophisticated wine cellar or merely looking to protect your kitchen Rosé this summer, we’ve got you covered.

 

 

5 Tips for Storing Wine in Hot Climates

1. Keep wine away from light

Light is an enemy of wine as it tends to generate heat. Light, especially sunlight, can pose potential problems for long-term storage. The sun’s UV rays are known to prematurely age wine and disrupt its chemical properties.

The glass used for wine bottles is usually tinted to deflect light, but it’s best to keep wine away from windows. Opt for storing in darker or shadier spots around the house. Note, light from household bulbs probably won’t cause damage to the wine itself but can fade your labels over time.

 

2. Don’t buy wine that’s already warm

Whether you are buying from a store or a winery, pay attention to where and how the wine is being stored and displayed. Are the bottles in direct sunlight? Does the location feel warm and muggy inside? Only see a fan instead of an AC unit? If the store floor is warm, chances are the stockroom is even warmer.

The way liquor stores receive their wine stock is important too. Some places receive packed pallets of wine then leave them outside in the sun before being able to take the boxes in. So, during extreme temperatures, try to shop from stores that have protected receiving docks. Also, try to avoid buying wine online. If you do, don’t cheap out on ground shipping.

 

3. Keep temperatures cool, but not too cool

The ideal temperature range for storing wine is between 45° F and 65° F. But, don’t panic if your storage runs a couple degrees warmer. As long as you’re opening the bottles within a few years from their release, a consistent temperature slightly above 65° F won’t destroy your collection.

Keeping wine in your refrigerator is fine, but not for more than three months. The average fridge temp falls below 45° F, and the lack of moisture could eventually dry out corks. While heat is hazardous for wine, you don’t want to store wine somewhere it could freeze either. If the liquid starts turning to ice, it could expand enough to push the cork out.

 

4. Don’t store wine on top of the fridge

It might seem like a good idea, especially if you are short on space. However, many wine experts strongly suggest you avoid using the top of your fridge as storage space, and not just during the summer months—don’t store wine here period!

See, we keep a gap between the refrigerator and the wall for a reason. The heat from those coils rises, making the fridge-top one of the hottest possible places in your home to store bottles of wine. As a result, you risk cooking the bottles over time.

 

5. Use the right storage unit

Lastly, while location is key when it comes to storing wine, the storage unit can also play a big part in regulating temperature. We recommend wire rack shelving. Open wire construction provides perfect air circulation and temperature consistency.

We at Omega hope these hot weather wine storage tips help keep your collection in top shape. If you need assistance shopping any of our fine wire rack solutions, please feel free to call us at 1-800-8665 or contact us via Live Chat at the bottom right of the screen.

Cheers!