Quick answer Store wine at a steady 10–14 °C, in the dark, at 60–70% humidity and away from vibration. Keep cork-sealed bottles lying on their side so the cork stays moist.
Good storage is what lets a bottle reach its peak, and it matters even more for rare or collectible wines. Italian consumer organisation Altroconsumo sets out the conditions a wine cellar should meet; the guidance below follows its recommendations.
Key takeaways
- Temperature: keep it constant, between 10 and 14 °C.
- Humidity: a steady 60–70%, never above 75%.
- Darkness, stillness and a horizontal position protect the wine and the cork.
What is the ideal temperature to store wine?
Altroconsumo recommends a constant temperature between 10 and 14 °C. Below 10 °C ageing becomes too slow, while above 15 °C it can become too rapid. Seasonal swings should stay within about 4–5 °C above or below the ideal range, so a thermometer (or two, in a larger cellar) is worth having.
How humid should a wine cellar be?
Aim for a steady 60–70% relative humidity, with a ceiling of 75%. Higher humidity can cause mould and musty smells; lower humidity can dry out corks and let air in, which oxidises the wine. A simple hygrometer lets you check.
Should wine be stored lying down?
Yes, for bottles sealed with a cork. Lying them horizontally keeps the cork moist, elastic and airtight. Place labels facing up so you can read them without moving the bottles.
Does light and vibration affect wine?
- Light: store wine in a dark place away from direct sunlight; light can cause cloudiness and premature ageing.
- Vibration: keep wine still and away from heavy road or rail traffic and vibrating appliances. For long-ageing wines near busy areas, wooden shelves are preferable to metal ones.
- Smells: keep bottles away from chemicals and strong-smelling products, and ventilate the room without strong drafts.
Which wines should not be kept for a long time?
Altroconsumo advises against long storage for white wines, rosés and light reds, and suggests buying them in small batches. Long cellaring is best kept for structured wines that are made to age, such as the Bordeaux and Barolo bottles in our selection.
Wines for long-term cellaring
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should wine be stored at?
Between 10 and 14 °C, kept constant. Below 10 °C ageing is too slow and above 15 °C it may be too fast, according to Altroconsumo.
What humidity is best for storing wine?
A steady 60–70%, with a maximum of 75%. Too much humidity can cause mould and odours; too little can dry out the cork.
Should I store wine bottles on their side?
Yes, if they have a cork. Storing them horizontally keeps the cork moist, elastic and airtight.
Does light damage wine?
Light can cloud wine and age it prematurely, so store bottles in the dark, away from sunlight and direct light.
Can I keep white wine for a long time?
Altroconsumo advises against long storage of white wines, rosés and light reds; buy them in small batches and drink them younger.
Sources
- Altroconsumo — Cantina ideale: come conservare il vino — Italian consumer organisation; temperature, humidity, light, vibration and bottle position recommendations.
Last reviewed: October 2026.
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