HOW CAN I REPLACE WINE BOTTLES ON AN INVERTED WINE RACK WITHOUT SPILLAGE?

Wine Cellar with Epicureanist Bottle Bing Racking

First, you must understand that if you store your wine on an upside-down or inverted wine rack, the sediment inside the bottle will settle by the cork. If a bottle has been resting with the neck down for a long time, once you turn the bottle right side up to remove the cork and pour a glass, most sediment will disperse into the wine. You will want to use a filter to remove sediment unless you do not mind the taste. Next, since wine and sediment will both be applying pressure to the cork, you will want to check for potential leaks regularly. These rules do not apply if you store wine with a screw cap or for bottles you plan to drink soon. Lastly (and perhaps most obvious), do not store wine that has been uncorked on an inverted wine rack. The wine will most definitely spill. Inverted wine racks are primarily used for decorative purposes or to showcase just a few bottles. They are not necessarily designed for long term storage. The best way to store wine bottles long term is on its side.

Epicureanist Wall-Mounted Horizontal Display Rack

In general, it is better to store wine on its side since most winemakers have designed their wine to be matured horizontally with a controlled amount of oxygen leaking in through the cork and sediment settling away from the neck of the bottle. You will notice that most wine refrigerators and wine racks all have cubicles that hold wine horizontally. The horizontal position allows the cork to maintain its seal without added pressure from the liquid inside.

Aside from the wine bottle position, other conditions must be met to ensure wine will age gracefully.

• Cool temperature: The perfect wine storage temperature is between 45-65◦F, with 55◦F being ideal.
• Humidity: Humidity is important because it keeps the cork from drying out or cracking. The ideal humidity range is 70-90%.
• Stillness: Vibrations can kick up sediment inside the bottle, which may lead to premature aging.
• UV and Harsh Light: Prolonged exposure to sunlight or bright overhead light will negatively affect the wine's taste. Select a dark location for your wine racks.

If you have met the above conditions, your wine should age gracefully and taste as intended once it has been uncorked.

Whether you are placing a wine bottle on an inverted wine rack or one that holds the bottle horizontally, you should always handle each bottle with care to ensure you do not break the bottle or scrape the label. Questions on which wine rack is best for your space? Contact us with our Contact Form.