Many people in the UK are rethinking how they keep their favourite bottles after a social media discussion revealed a common wine storage mistake that could be ruining the drink's quality.
The Reddit debate that sparked confusion
It all began when a user posed a question to the Reddit 'Wine' community, asking fellow enthusiasts whether they store their wine sideways or upright. The user explained they had heard that storing a bottle on its side could oversaturate the cork, causing it to deteriorate into the wine.
This query prompted a flood of responses, with many insisting the original advice was incorrect. Numerous commenters advised that wine must be stored "lay down on the side so the cork remains moist." One person countered a concern about moisture loss by stating that while it does happen, the effect is minimal compared to the damage caused by a dried-out cork.
The expert's definitive guidance
To settle the debate, Rowland King, a storage expert and director at Quality Bottles, provided a clear explanation. He confirmed that storing wine upright is a significant error that can drastically diminish its quality, even over a short period.
"When a bottle stands upright for extended periods, the cork begins to dry out," King stated. "That permits small quantities of air into the bottle, leading to oxidation, which diminishes the flavour and aroma."
He emphasised that this damage can occur faster than most people realise, noting that "even if you're planning to drink it soon, storing wine upright for just a few weeks can start to damage it."
How to store your wine correctly
The proper method, according to the expert, is to keep bottles on their side. This ensures the cork stays slightly moist, forming a natural airtight seal that protects the wine inside. This advice applies to both red and white wines, regardless of whether they are budget or premium.
For those buying wine as gifts or storing bottles for Christmas and other special occasions, King suggests a simple approach. "A cool, dark place is ideal, away from direct sunlight, radiators, or warm cupboards," he advised. "If you don't have a wine rack, even laying bottles on their side in a kitchen cupboard will do the trick."
With the cost of living affecting household budgets, this small adjustment could make a big difference in ensuring your next glass of wine tastes exactly as intended.
