The Importance of Properly Storing Your Wine in Summer

The Importance of Properly Storing Your Wine in Summer

As summer arrives with its warm and sunny days, many wine enthusiasts eagerly turn to their wine, excited to savor the fruits of their labor. However, amidst the summer heat and fluctuating temperatures, it becomes crucial to pay attention to the proper storage of your precious homemade wine. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of storing your home brew wine correctly, especially during the summer months, to ensure its quality, flavor, and longevity.

Temperature Control: Maintaining an optimal temperature is vital for preserving the integrity of your homemade wine. Heat can accelerate the aging process and cause undesirable changes in taste, aroma, and color. The summer months often bring high temperatures, making it essential to store your wine in a cool and consistent environment. Aim for a storage temperature between 55°F (12°C) and 65°F (18°C) to ensure the wine ages gracefully and retains its intended characteristics.

Avoiding Temperature Fluctuations: Temperature fluctuations can wreak havoc on your home brew wine, leading to premature oxidation, spoilage, and the formation of sediment. In the summer, it’s common for temperatures to fluctuate between day and night. To combat this, select a storage location away from direct sunlight, drafty areas, or heat-emitting appliances. A dark, cool, and well-insulated spot such as a cellar, basement, or wine fridge is ideal.

Controlling Humidity Levels: While temperature control is crucial, humidity levels also play a role in proper wine storage. Low humidity can dry out corks, causing them to shrink and allowing unwanted air to enter the bottle. On the other hand, excessive humidity may lead to mold or label damage. Aim for a humidity level around 70% to 80% to keep the corks moist and prevent air from compromising your wine’s quality.

Shielding from Light: Ultraviolet (UV) light is a silent enemy of wine, as it can degrade flavors, prematurely age the wine, and cause unpleasant aromas. During the summer, when sunlight is more intense, protect your homemade wine by storing it in dark or opaque bottles and keeping them away from direct light exposure. This simple step will help maintain the wine’s character and prevent any potential “light strike.”

Securing Proper Bottle Position: While storing wine bottles upright may seem intuitive, it’s essential to store your homemade wine horizontally or at a slight angle. This position ensures the wine remains in contact with the cork, preventing it from drying out and allowing oxygen to seep into the bottle. Proper cork moisture retention is crucial for maintaining a reliable seal and preserving the wine’s taste and aromas

By controlling temperature, avoiding fluctuations, managing humidity levels, shielding from light, and storing bottles correctly, you can preserve the integrity of your home brew and allow it to reach its full potential. Remember, proper storage not only protects your investment of time and effort but also enhances the pleasure you’ll derive from every sip of your meticulously crafted wine. So, take the necessary precautions and enjoy your home brew wine at its finest all summer long!

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Cork It Wine Making

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1427 Crown Street
North Vancouver, BC V7J 1G4
(604) 986-7475

Hours:
Tuesday 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Wednesday 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Thursday 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday Closed
Monday Closed

Closed Long Weekends