History tells us that 80% of the wines we purchase are consumed within twenty-four hours; but some wines are for special occasions and others are purchased to build our “cellar.” Here are some tips on how to keep your wine in prime condition.

Wine does not like light, heat, temperature swings or vibration. If you intend to keep it for awhile don't put it next to the furnace, in the kitchen cabinet above the refrigerator (remember heat rises) or leave it in the trunk of your car. If you are planning on drinking the bottle immediately, or even in the next month don't worry. But if you want to keep it awhile you need to find a decent place for it. Put it on its side in a cool basement, or in a cooler part of the house that is usually dark, like a closet.

Though you may hear that ideal storage conditions are 55 degrees and about 70% humidity (to keep the cork moist and maintain the seal) the reality is that wine stored in a cool location, such as the basement should be just fine, especially for wines meant to be consumed within a year. Wild swings in temperature are much more damaging. So start collecting and build your own wine cellar!