The festive season is upon us; a time for gatherings, toasts, and the perfect opportunity to uncork something truly special. As wine enthusiasts know, proper storage is essential for preserving the flavour, aroma, and elegance of fine wine. But creating the perfect home for your bottles doesn’t have to involve a traditional wine cellar. 

At Bradbourne Property, we’re passionate about helping you find beautiful and functional homes, so we’re thrilled to have partnered with the experts at Hattingley Valley Wines for this blog. With their insider tips, you’ll learn how to store your wine like a connoisseur, even if your “cellar” is just a cozy corner in your kitchen.

A big thank you to Hattingley Valley Wines for sharing their expertise. Let’s raise a glass to keeping your wine – and your celebrations – at their best!

When saving that special bottle for the right occasion, there are a few things to consider. 

Timing

Firstly, when is the perfect moment to crack it open? Don’t leave it too late and risk the wine going past its best; just embrace any occasion deemed just “a little bit special” and make it extraordinarily special!

I remember one Tuesday evening; I popped the cork of a vintage bottle of Hattingley’s prestige Kings Cuvée over a Zoom call with friends from University – sometimes it’s the everyday environment that allows you to appreciate the aromas and flavours of wine rather than a special occasion where adrenaline is running high. I believe the on-trend advice is “you do you”!

 

Storage

Most importantly, you will need to ensure that the wine is stored correctly to preserve it and prevent spoilage. Not everyone will have the luxury of a wine cellar or wine fridge, but there are plenty of opportunities around most homes, such as an enclosed, insulated garage or pantry.

The main aspects to consider are:

1. Choose a location with a consistent and cool temperature throughout the year: Ideally around 15 degrees (note that temperature fluctuations can spoil the wine).

2. Select a dark location: Away from natural light to prevent light strikes, damaging the wine through the bottle; clear glass is the worst culprit.

3. Lay the bottles flat: Especially if enclosed with a [natural/Diam] cork, so the cork is in constant contact with the liquid (wine). If a cork dries out, it will shrink and cause oxygen to contaminate the wine, leading to its spoiling. Over the years, I’ve seen some disasters with limited edition wines that should have tantalised tastebuds but had become oxidised to the point of being completely undrinkable – a sacrilege to good wine and a sorrowful time for all involved!

4. Keep an eye on “best before” guidance: To ensure you drink the wine at its best. Some wine producers will advise on their back labels or website, and other wines can be looked up online.

A Handy Resource for fellow wine lovers

I’ve used this website for years and find it helpful for anything wine-related. You will find guidance on vintages and where to buy wine in multiple countries. Most wines will generally give you an approximate drinking window. 

Finally – what wine can I recommend to you from our Hattingley Valley Range?

If you’re buying a gift…

The Hattingley Valley Luxury Celebration Set

Not only does it come with a choice of our exquisite wines, but you also get to enjoy sipping from our wonderful flutes too. Check it out here.

If you want to create a special celebratory moment with loved ones…

The Classic Reserve NV

This is the perfect aperitif or celebration drink; enjoyed with any canapé. It’s a crowd pleaser and one of our most loved wines. Find out more about it here.

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A big thank you to Hattingley Valley Wines for sharing their expertise. Let’s raise a glass to keeping your wine—and your celebrations—at their best!