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Ever wondered if your prized bottles are safe on that decorative wine rack? This episode of Everyday Sommelier reveals the biggest wine storage mistakes most collectors make (hint: that gorgeous spot on top of your fridge is a disaster for your wine) and gives you the wine storage strategy you need—no cellar required. Kristi Mayfield breaks down how to choose the best wine storage solutions for every type of bottle, from everyday drinkers to legacy investments, so you can stop stressing and start sipping.

Learn how to avoid the worst enemies of wine—heat, fluctuating temperatures, light, and vibration—and discover practical, step-by-step wine storage tips to keep your collection tasting its best. Whether you have a handful of special occasion bottles or dream of building a full wine cellar, you’ll walk away with the tools to confidently protect your wines at home. Plus, find out if you really need to store wine on its side, when a wine fridge is a must, and how to sort your collection for maximum flavor.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• How to triage your wine collection into “daily drinkables,” “memory makers,” and “legacy labels” for optimal storage
• The four key enemies that destroy wine flavor and value—and simple ways to defeat them
• When a wine fridge or professional storage facility is actually worth the investment
• Pro hacks for storing wine at home—even without a dedicated cellar or expensive equipment
• The truth about wine bottle orientation (sideways or upright?) for cork and screw cap closures

Timestamps:

00:00:42 – Are You Storing Wine the Wrong Way?
Find out why that beautiful wine display might be setting you up for heartbreak—and what most collectors do wrong.

00:03:26 – Stop Wasting Good Wine: The 3-Bucket Storage Strategy
Learn how to sort your collection for maximum taste and value with Kristi’s simple triage plan.

00:08:06 – The Silent Killers of Your Wine Collection
Uncover the four hidden dangers that destroy wine at home (and how to instantly protect your bottles).

00:10:43 – Wine Fridge vs. Closet: Which Wines Deserve an Upgrade?
Get the facts on when to invest in a wine refrigerator, and how to choose the right solution for your needs.

00:12:19 – Bottles on Their Side or Standing Up? The Real Science of Storage
Separate myth from reality about bottle orientation, corks, and why it matters for long-term aging.

00:13:29 – Kitchen Fridge Dangers: When Cold Storage Goes Wrong
Learn why your kitchen refrigerator is the worst place for long-term wine storage—and what to do instead.

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