How can I make sure a bottle of wine has been stored properly before I buy it?
Hello there! I'm Dr. Vinifera, but you can call me Vinny. Ask me your toughest wine questions, from the fine points of etiquette to the science of winemaking. And don't worry, I'm no wine snob—you can also ask me those "dumb questions" you're too embarrased to ask your wine geek friends! I hope you find my answers educational, empowering and even amusing. And don't forget to check out my most asked questions and my full archives for all my Q&A classics.
Dear Dr. Vinny,
I’ve seen various recommendations about how long it’s OK to store wine at room temperature. I often wonder if I should take into consideration how long the wine may have already been stored at various temperatures before purchase—on shelves at wine shops, during shipping and beyond. How can I make sure a bottle of wine has been stored properly before I buy it?
—Thomas, Northampton, N.Y.
Dear Thomas,
There really isn’t any way to know how a bottle of wine has been stored before you purchase it, so it’s always a good idea to either purchase wines directly from a producer (if possible) or to find wine shops that do a brisk business. Wine shops and liquor stores that maintain a cool temperature are a plus, and you’ll want to avoid dusty bottles and wines that are showcased in sun-filled windows. Some of my favorite wine shops are dimly lit and sweater-cool. They also have an educated staff that not only sells a lot of wine, but can probably also ease your concerns about how the wine has been stored and how long it’s been in the shop.
You might also want to ask about the store’s return policy. Reputable wine shops will take back obviously flawed wines—say, if a wine is corked or “cooked”—if you have the receipt and can return the unfinished bottle.
And don’t forget that once you bring your wine home, proper storage is key, especially if you don’t plan on drinking your bottles for a while.
—Dr. Vinny
