Kitchen design
Storing Wine in the Kitchen: Racks, Fridges and the Places to Avoid
The spot next to the oven is the worst place for wine. Where to keep bottles for Christmas, and rack versus wine fridge.
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Kitchens are warm, bright and full of vibration, which are all things wine dislikes. For bottles you will drink within a few weeks, that hardly matters; for anything you want to keep, where you put it makes a difference.
Where to buy
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What wine likes
- Steady, cool temperature: sudden warm and cold swings are worse than a slightly warm but constant spot.
- Darkness: strong light can spoil wine, especially in clear bottles.
- Bottles lying down if they have natural corks, so the cork stays moist.
- Little vibration.
Places to avoid
| Spot | Why |
|---|---|
| Next to the oven or hob | Heat |
| On top of the fridge | Warm air and vibration |
| A sunny windowsill or open shelf in sun | Light and heat |
| Above the kettle | Steam and heat |
Options
| Option | Good for |
|---|---|
| Built-in rack in a unit | Everyday bottles, away from the oven |
| Wine fridge | Keeping wine at a steady temperature for longer |
| Under-stairs or cool cupboard | A small "cellar" for Christmas bottles |
Plan the cold drinks space in your fridge too.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to store wine in a kitchen?
A cool, dark cupboard or rack away from the oven, hob, fridge top and windows, ideally against an inside wall.
Should wine bottles be stored lying down?
Bottles with natural corks should be, so the cork stays moist. Screw-cap bottles can stand upright.
Is a wine fridge worth it?
If you keep wine for months or buy by the case, yes: it holds a steady temperature. For bottles drunk within weeks, a cool cupboard is fine.