Wine is a living substance. This means it can be delicate and sensitive to light and temperature and requires proper storing to maintain its integrity, preserve its flavours, aromas, and overall quality for the enjoyment of future sips.  

As spring blooms and we embark on our annual ritual of spring cleaning, it's the perfect time to pay special attention to our beloved bottles. Like ensuring they're stored in a cool, dry, and dark place away from the harsh glare of sunlight. A wine fridge is ideal for regulating temperature and humidity, however, if you aren’t in the market for one, no worries! Simple adjustments can provide better conditions for safeguarding your favourite wines.  

Here are some dos and don’ts when it comes to storing your wine properly:  

DON’T: Leave corked wine bottles standing up for more than a week. Doing so risks drying out the cork, leading to oxidation and ultimately, unpleasant-tasting wine.  

DO: Aim to store your wines at 55 °F (which is around 13 °C) with 75 percent humidity. This optimal environment preserves the wine's quality and flavour. Investing in a wine fridge can help maintain these conditions effortlessly. 

DON’T: Make the mistake of keeping your wine in the kitchen as it’s too hot. The top of your fridge is an especially bad place as it gives off heat.  

DO: Store wine bottles with corks horizontally in a wine rack. This simple act keeps the cork moist, essential for long-term storage and aging.  

DON’T: Subject your white wines or sparking to the icy confines of the fridge for longer than a few days. Temperatures are too cold, the cork can absorb a fridge’s odour, and wine is sensitive to light.  

Tips for Caring for Your Wine Glasses

Just as wine requires finesse in storage, so too do its vessels! Give your wine glasses the TLC they deserve by handling them with care and storing them properly. By doing so, you help maintain the integrity of the wine's taste profile, preventing any leftover residues or odours from interfering with its aroma and flavour. Additionally, this practice extends the lifespan of your glasses, ultimately saving you money in the long run. 

Here are 5 essential tips on glass care: 

TIP #1: If you’re tired after a night of entertaining and intend to wash wine glasses the next day, it’s important to rinse any remaining red wine from your glasses. Go a step further by leaving a little water inside the glass to prevent staining.  

TIP #2: When washing glassware by hand, remember to clean every nook and cranny, from the exterior and around the rim to deep inside the glass. Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue. 

TIP #3: To avoid breakage due to excessive soaping, fill your sink with soapy water rather than applying soap directly to each glass. 

TIP #4: When hand-drying wine glasses, start from the stem and gently work your way upwards using a clean cloth or tea towel. 

TIP #5: Keep frequently used glasses within easy reach, with their bowls facing upwards for stability. If stored on open shelves, give them a quick wipe before use to remove any dust.  

Fill your Glass with Quality & Affordable Wines

Now that you're armed with the knowledge of proper wine care, it's time to fill your glass with quality and affordable wines. At Wine Rack, we offer the perfect blend of both! With over 160 locations across Ontario, we offer a wide selection of whites, reds, rosés, sparkling, and Icewines as well as ready-to-enjoy ciders and refreshments. You can shop online for added convenience and Same-Day Delivery* or visit us in-store for personalized recommendations and assistance. 

Whether you're seeking a bold Cabernet or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, we've got your wine list covered! And with amazing deals on some of Ontario’s best wines, you can also save money when you shop at Wine Rack. Here's to a well-stocked fridge and nurturing both our wines and our glassware, ensuring every sip is a delightful experience worth savouring. Cheers!

*Same-Day Delivery is available on certain online orders in select cities in Ontario through our delivery partners. Minimum order value must be $35 CAD. The Same-Day Delivery fee starts at $6.95 CAD.