1. You will need to store your wine horizontally, so that the wine itself is in contact with the cork. This will ensure that the cork remains moist and elastic. When corks dry out, they shrink, which breaks the tight seal of the bottle and may allow oxygen in. When oxygen starts mingling with wine, it will oxidize the liquid, converting it into an expensive vinegar.
2. Store wine in the dark. Light initiates chemical reactions that will make the wine go bad. This is why wine comes in dark colored bottles.
3. Keep your wine in an odorless area.
4. Avoid vibrations. We're not sure why, but these damage the wine.
5. A wine refrigerator is ideal, but not necessarily required. Basements serve very nicely.
SoYouWanna know more? Check out our full-length article SYW fake being a wine expert?
