Lay the bottles down somewhere dark and cool — 12–14°C is ideal, and a stable temperature matters more than the exact number. Stand glasses rim up, not upside down on a shelf, so they do not take on the smell of the wood. And keep wine away from the worktop next to the oven: that is where the temperature swings most in the whole house.
Last updated 4 September 2026 · Written by the Lindner & Co editorial team
Where should the wine go?
| Location | Temperature | Suitable? | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cellar or outhouse | 10–15°C | Best | Stable, dark, cool |
| Cupboard under the stairs | 15–18°C | Good | Stable, slightly warm |
| Bedroom wardrobe | 18–20°C | Workable | Too warm for long storage |
| Kitchen cupboard by the oven | 22–28°C | No | Big swings, worst of all |
| Fridge | 4–5°C | Short term only | Too cold and too dry over time |
| Wine cabinet | 12–14°C | Best, if you have one | Stable and humidity controlled |
| Windowsill | Varies | No | Light breaks the wine down |
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The rule is stability over perfection. A wine sitting at a steady 18°C is better off than one swinging between 12 and 24 across a day.
Why should the bottle lie down?
To keep the cork moist. A dry cork shrinks, lets air in and allows the wine to oxidise. Lying down, the wine rests against the cork and keeps it in shape.
This applies to natural cork. If the bottle has a screw cap or a synthetic cork, lying or standing makes no difference — it is purely a question of space.
What about the glasses?
Stand them rim up. Glasses stored upside down against a wooden shelf pick up the smell of the wood and of whatever else is in the cupboard, and you notice that smell in the wine.
If you have hanging stemware racks, that is the best solution: the glass hangs free, collects less dust and cannot sit in a stale pocket of air.
Wash them without leaving soap residue. Soap forms a film that kills the mousse in sparkling wine and dampens the aroma.
The three most common mistakes at home
Wine on top of the fridge. The top of a fridge is warm because the compressor gives off heat. It is one of the worst spots in the house.
Wine in the fridge for months. A fridge is dry, and the cork dries out. Fine for a few days, not for storage.
An opened bottle left standing out. An opened bottle at room temperature lasts a day. In the fridge it lasts three to five days.
Storage temperature is not serving temperature
They are two different numbers. A wine stored at 13°C often needs to be served cooler — the full table by wine type is here.
Once the bottle is out and needs to hold its temperature through a meal, a wine chiller stick at £29.99 does that job without ice and without diluting the wine.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature is best for storing wine?
12–14°C. But stability matters more than the number — a steady 18°C beats a swinging 12–24°C.
Do wine bottles have to lie down?
Only those with natural cork, to keep the cork moist. Screw caps and synthetic corks can stand.
Can I store wine in the fridge?
For a few days, yes. Over months the cork dries out because a fridge has low humidity.
How should wine glasses be stored?
Rim up, or hanging by the stem. Upside down on a wooden shelf gives the glass the smell of the cupboard.
Does light damage wine?
Yes. UV light breaks wine down and creates an unpleasant smell. That is why many bottles are made of dark glass.
How long can ordinary wine be kept at home?
Most everyday wines are made to be drunk within two to three years. Wine built for ageing is the exception, not the rule.