How to Store Investment Wines to Protect Their Value
Best Practices for Storing Investment Wines to Maintain Their Value
Fine wine isn’t just a luxury, it’s an investment. Whether you’re building a collection for personal enjoyment or as part of a long-term investment strategy, proper storage is essential. Without the right conditions, even the most prestigious wines can lose their value and desirability. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors in storing investment wines correctly to ensure they maintain their quality and appreciate in value over time.
1. Maintain the Right Temperature for Storing Investment Wines
Temperature fluctuations can be disastrous for fine wine. The ideal storage temperature for investment wines is between 10-15°C (50-59°F). If wine is stored too warm, it can accelerate ageing and degrade its quality, leading to muted aromas and unpleasant oxidation. If wine is stored too cold, there is a risk of freezing, which can push the cork out, allowing oxygen to enter and spoil the wine. The key is consistency, fluctuating temperatures can be just as harmful as extreme heat or cold. This is why it is critical to store your investment wines in an environment with stable, optimal temperatures year-round.
Pro Tip:
If you don’t have a temperature-controlled wine cellar, consider a professional wine storage facility to ensure stable conditions.
2. Keep Humidity Levels Consistent for Wine Investment Storage
Humidity plays a vital role in preserving wine, particularly bottles sealed with natural corks. Aim for a humidity level of around 60-70% to prevent corks from drying out, which could lead to oxidation. If the cork dries out, it can shrink, allowing air to seep in and spoil the wine over time. On the other hand, excessive humidity—above 80%—can lead to mold growth on corks and labels, potentially damaging the bottle’s presentation and resale value. To avoid these issues, wine should be stored in a space where humidity is regulated and controlled. Additionally, using wooden racks instead of metal ones can help maintain a more stable humidity level, as wood naturally retains moisture.
Pro Tip:
Invest in a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels in your storage space. Some high-quality wine fridges come with built-in humidity controls, offering an excellent alternative for at-home collectors.
3. Store Wine Bottles Horizontally to Preserve Investment Value
Wine bottles should be stored on their sides to keep the cork moist, preventing air from entering the bottle. This is especially important for long-term storage, as dried-out corks can lead to premature oxidation and spoilage. Storing bottles horizontally also allows for more efficient use of space, making it easier to organize and access your collection. For collectors investing in multiple cases, horizontal stacking ensures even weight distribution and minimizes unnecessary movement, reducing the risk of label damage or cork displacement. Some high-value wines are bottled with screw caps instead of corks, and while these do not require horizontal storage, the practice remains beneficial for space optimization and organization.
Pro Tip:
Using horizontal racks maximises storage efficiency and maintains proper wine integrity. If you’re storing wine at home, ensure that the racks are stable and vibration-free to avoid disturbing the aging process.
4. Avoid Light Exposure to Protect Your Investment Wines
UV rays and bright artificial lights can degrade wine by prematurely ageing it. Always store wine in a dark environment, whether in a cellar, wine fridge, or professional storage facility.
Pro Tip:
If storing wine at home, opt for LED lighting instead of fluorescent bulbs to minimise UV exposure.
5. Minimise Vibration and Movement in Wine Storage
Frequent movement or vibrations can disturb the ageing process, preventing the wine from developing properly. Keep bottles in a stable environment away from household appliances, heavy foot traffic, or transport vibrations.
Pro Tip:
Avoid moving your collection unnecessarily, and if you must transport wines, ensure they are properly packed to prevent shaking.
6. Use Professional Wine Storage for High-Value Investment Wines
For serious investors, professional wine storage facilities offer optimal conditions, including temperature and humidity control, security, and insurance. This guarantees your wine remains in peak condition and is ready for resale when the time comes.
Pro Tip:
Look for a bonded warehouse to benefit from duty-free storage, which is advantageous if you plan to resell your wines internationally. WineCap’s Fine Wine Market Report provides insight into market trends and opportunities.
7. Keep Detailed Records
Tracking your wine collection is essential for investment purposes. Maintain records of:
Purchase dates
Storage location
Provenance
Expected drinking windows
Market values
Using a wine portfolio management system can help streamline record-keeping and valuation tracking.
Pro Tip:
When reselling, having clear documentation of provenance and storage conditions can significantly increase your wine’s market appeal.
Conclusion
Storing investment wines correctly isn’t just about preserving their quality, it’s about protecting your financial asset. By following these key storage principles, you ensure your wines maintain their value and are ready to deliver exceptional returns.
Looking for a hassle-free, professional storage solution? Our team offers expert wine storage and investment guidance to help you get the most from your collection. Get in touch today to safeguard your wines and maximise their future value.
