There are a few things you need to keep in mind about red wine storage. Here are some simple tips to properly store your red wine.

• The storage temperature for your red wine is important. Make sure you store your red wine in a place that is around 50 to 60 F. Even if your wine is stored for a short time at or above 90 F, there is a high chance it will be damaged. You also want to ensure your wine is not stored in direct sunlight. The best location is in a cool, dark basement or cellar. The other option is to invest in a wine refrigerator that allows you more control over the temperature.

• Store your wine on a very study wine rack or storage unit. Wine that moves around a lot during storage can be damaged, even if it’s stored at the proper temperature.

• Always lay the wine on its side during storage. This ensures the cork doesn’t dry out during storage. Also, make sure you check that it’s not only on its side, but that the cork is facing down and the wine is keeping it from drying out.

• You can store your red wine for a few months or a few years. Red wines that are aged usually bring out more of the flavors in your wine. You will enjoy your wine even more. Check the storage time for the specific wines you are storing, since there is a slightly different recommendation on storage times for the different types. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah wine are two that can be stored for longer periods of time.

• It’s also important to understand how to store opened wine. If you store your opened wine properly, you can drink it for up to a week or more. Once you open the wine, make sure you store it in a cool place to slow down the aging process. If you drink less than half of the wine, move it over into a smaller bottle to reduce the amount of oxygen that is mixing with the wine during storage.

These are just a few quick tips on how you can preserve your precious red wine during storage, both before and after you’ve opened your wine.