Can You Store Wine in the Fridge? How Long Can It Last?

Wine has become a staple at many gatherings, so it’s no surprise that people like to stock up before hosting guests. But while buying wine is as easy as clicking “Place Order,” storing it properly can be a real challenge. Unless you plan to open the bottle immediately upon receiving it, proper storage is essential.

So, can you store wine in the fridge? And if so, how long will it last?Before answering that, let’s first look at the key factors that affect wine storage.

1. Factors That Affect Wine Storage

①Temperature
If you ask what the most critical factor in storing wine is, the answer is temperature. The ideal storage temperature for most wines—whether red, sparkling, fortified, or white—is around 55°F (13°C). If the temperature is too low, the water content in wine can saturate the cork, which may crack in a cold environment. On the other hand, prolonged exposure to high temperatures accelerates oxidation, turning the wine a brownish color and giving it a vinegar-like smell. Over time, you might lose a bottle of wine—but gain a bottle of vinegar!

②Humidity
Proper humidity is also key. The ideal humidity range for wine storage is 50%–80%. In overly dry environments, corks may shrink due to moisture loss, allowing air to enter the bottle and causing premature oxidation. If the humidity is too high, labels can mold and peel off, which affects appearance and resale value.

③.Keep Away from Strong Light
Avoiding long-term exposure to strong light is important for storing almost any product—whether food, medicine, or wine. This is why wine bottles are often made with dark glass: to block harmful UV rays. Prolonged UV exposure can destroy tannins—an essential component that prevents oxidation—leading to premature aging, loss of fresh fruit notes, and the development of off-flavors.

④Vibration
Wine prefers stillness. In a calm, stable environment, solid particles naturally settle at the bottom of the bottle. Frequent shaking or vibration disturbs these sediments, increasing their contact with the liquid, which can make the wine cloudy and trigger unwanted chemical reactions that affect flavor. Some researchers even suggest that vibrations increase a wine’s refractive index—leading to more propanol (which reduces aroma) and less tartaric acid, succinic acid, and aromatic esters, resulting in a sweeter but less interesting taste.

⑤Proper Positioning
How you store wine bottles matters. Wines sealed with corks should generally be stored horizontally or at a slight upward angle. This keeps the cork moist by ensuring constant contact with the wine, preventing shrinkage and unwanted air entry.

⑥Ventilation
A clean, well-ventilated environment helps suppress bacteria and mold growth, making it ideal for wine storage. It’s also important to keep wine away from strong odors, as these can seep through the cork and contaminate the wine.

2. How to Store Opened Wine

Once a wine bottle is opened, it will spoil quickly if not stored properly. Air entering the bottle accelerates oxidation, even if you push the cork back in. Here are two ways to extend the shelf life:

①Minimize air exposure – Once you pour wine into your glass, cork the bottle immediately to reduce contact with air.

②Use a vacuum pump – If available, use one to remove air from the bottle, helping keep the wine fresh.

3. Can You Store Wine in the Fridge? For How Long?

By now, you should have a better understanding of the factors that affect wine storage. Back to our main question: can you store wine in the fridge? And for how long?Yes, you can—but only in a specialized wine fridge.

Can a regular food fridge store wine? The answer is no. Standard refrigerators are designed to store perishable food at much lower temperatures. For example, my home fridge’s cooling compartment is set at about 3°C (37°F)—far too cold for wine. Plus, a food fridge holds all sorts of items—fruit, vegetables, dairy—which can give off odors that may compromise the wine’s quality.

So, are you ready to find the wine fridge that meets your needs?Explore Yeego’s range of wine coolers, designed for different households.Want to learn more about wine storage? Click here to discover more.