How To Store White Wine (After Opening & Unopened Bottles)

by Philip Thompson
Updated on 27 June, 2024

There's a common misconception that white wines don't age that well, but the truth is that lots of white wines develop fantastically after a few years in the cellar.

So how should you store your white wine to get the most out of the bottle?

How To Store White Wine

White Wine Storage

Storing wine for long periods of time may seem daunting, but keep these factors in mind and you'll be storing your white wine like a pro in no time at all.

1. Bottle Orientation

Lay your bottles of white wine on their side.

Doing this will help to keep the corks from drying out, protecting your wine for years to come.

2. Stillness

Stillness and lack of disturbances are key to a white wine’s longevity, unnecessary movements can alter the taste of the wine over time.

This is why standard refrigerators are not the best idea for long term storage so try not to put your wine in a domestic fridge long term if you can.

3. Light Levels

White wine needs to be kept out of direct sunlight and other sources of light as this will help to reduce the chance of any faults developing over time.

Look for somewhere dim and dark instead.

4. Humidity

Wines like a little bit of humidity to help keep them fresh.

Long-term storage of white wine requires a humidity level between 50-85%, in order to keep the cork moist and not dry out over time.

5. Temperature

Store your bottles of white wine between 11 and 15 °C (52-59 °F).

Most wine cellars and specialised wine fridges should be set at this temperature range.

So, what are the best places for storing white wine that will cover all of the above?

How To Store Opened White Wine

Wine spoils over time because as soon as your wine has been opened oxygen is going to interact with it and slowly diminish the wine’s flavour and vitality.

White wine is no exception.

So to help keep the effects of oxygenation bay for as long as possible, put a stopper or cork in the wine bottle and keep it in the fridge.

Does this mean unopened white wine should go in the fridge too?

How To Store Unopened White Wine

The key to storing unopened bottles of white wine for as long as possible is to keep them cool and calm.

You don't want to panic the wine at any point.

So find somewhere with minimal exposure to light, that has cool and consistent temperatures and is also away from any disturbances caused from loud noises and vibrations.

This is why specialised wine fridges are great options for storage, they'll look after your wine so you don't have to!

But where else can you store your white wine?

Where Should You Store White Wine?

Wine Fridges

When you’re looking for places to store white wine it’s important to find somewhere that covers the criteria we mentioned above.

A wine cellar or a specialised wine fridge will be perfect for this, having been designed with your wine in mind.

If you don’t have either of those don’t panic, a garage, or food pantry will also work well here.

So once you've found the perfect storage spot, how should you place your bottles?

Should White Wine Be Stored Upright or Horizontally?

For best results, store your bottles of white wine horizontally, by laying them on their side.

Doing so will help to stop your cork from drying out and causing damage to your white wine over time.

So how long can you store white wine for?

How Long Can You Store Opened White Wine?

Most white wine can last about 3-4 days after opening, as long as you store the bottle with care.

Of course, the fresher the better when it comes to white wine, but isn’t it nice to know that there’s a glass or two left in the fridge for later on in the week, for when the occasion calls for it?

But what about unopened bottles?

How Long Can You Store White Wine Unopened?

As a general rule white wine can last for up to 5 years if unopened, although this will vary from bottle to bottle.

Some top quality whites, such as Burgundies made from Chardonnay, may have the potential to age for longer, which is why its important to make sure you are storing your wine with as much care as possible.

So does this mean that white wine can go bad over time?

Does White Wine Go Bad?

We’re sorry to say that yes, white wine can and will go bad, which is why it’s so important to store it well.

If you want further tips on how to store your wine please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at Expert Wine Storage.

So how do you know if a white wine has gone bad?

How Can You Tell if White Wine Has Gone Bad?

Bad White Wine Tests

Here are some things to look out for to tell if your wine has gone bad:

Does the wine look hazy or cloudy or a little bit brown? If it’s not clear and bright chances are there may be some faults at play.

How does the wine smell? If you’re smelling odd aromas then your white wine may have gone bad.

What does the wine taste like? If it’s resembling vinegar as opposed to delicious white wine then we’re sorry to say it may be too late for this particular bottle.

Can a fridge help to keep your white wine fresher for longer?

Do You Keep Opened White Wine In The Fridge?

White Wine Stored Correctly In Fridge

Yes, please! Opened white wine can be stored in the fridge.

Whether it’s a Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc, simply put a stopper in your bottle and keep it in the fridge and it should be good to drink for another 3-4 days.

Should unopened bottles of white wine go in the fridge, too?

Do You Keep Unopened White Wine In The Fridge?

Wine Fridge in Kitchen

The better you store your unopened bottles of white wine the longer they will last for.

Fridges may be great for keeping wine cold but they have quite dry conditions that aren’t always fantastic for storing wine in the long term.

So keep your unopened white wine somewhere cool and dark like a wine cellar or garage and, depending on the style, they should be able to keep for a good few years.

But will the wine keep forever?

Or does white wine have an expiry date?