Guide for storing winebottles, alcohol and glasses

Guide for storing winebottles, alcohol and glasses

How to Store Alcohol, Glassware & Bar Tools

Proper storage helps preserve flavour, quality and appearance. Follow these simple guidelines to keep your bottles, glassware and bar tools in perfect condition.

Light & Alcohol

Direct sunlight is harmful to almost all types of alcohol.

Extra light-sensitive

  • Wine (especially white, rosé and sparkling)
  • Champagne / Prosecco
  • Liqueurs with colour, herbs or sugar
    (e.g. Amaro, Limoncello)
  • Beer
    (especially light lager – risk of “light-struck” or skunky flavour)

More light-resistant (but still avoid sunlight)

  • Whisky
  • Rum
  • Cognac / Armagnac
  • Vodka
  • Gin

Rule of thumb:

 

  • Spirits tolerate normal indoor light, but not direct sun
  • Wine should always be stored in the dark

Temperature

A stable temperature is more important than an exact one.

Recommended

  • Ideal range: 12–20 °C (54–68 °F)
  • A constant 20 °C is better than temperatures fluctuating between 10–25 °C

 

Avoid

  • Sun-heated windows
  • Uninsulated garages
  • Areas near stoves, ovens or radiators

Wine & sparkling wine (long-term storage)

  • Preferably 10–14 °C (50–57 °F)

Spirits

  • Room temperature is perfectly fine

Bottle Position: Upright or Lying Down

Wine

  • Natural cork:
    Store lying down to keep the cork moist
  • Screw cap:
    Upright or lying down – no difference

Spirits & liqueurs

  • Always store upright
    (high alcohol can damage the cork if the bottle is stored on its side)

Good to know:

Oxidation is the main enemy of alcohol – not bacteria.

Glassware Storage

Key principles

  • Clean, dry and dust-free
  • Avoid grease and detergent residue (they ruin clarity and foam)

Best practices

  • Store glasses upright
    (do not store upside down unless the shelf is perfectly clean)
  • Avoid tight cabinets where glasses may touch and chip
  • For fine wine glasses:
    • Use a hanging glass rack or
    • Store in the original box for long-term storage

Extra tips

  • Rinse with hot water before serving for better brilliance
  • Polish with a microfiber cloth, not a kitchen towel

Stainless Steel Bar Tools

Examples: shaker, jigger, bar spoon, strainer

Storage

  • Keep completely dry (very important)
  • Store in a drawer or bar station
  • Avoid airtight storage unless tools are fully dry

Care & maintenance

  • Wash and dry immediately after use
  • Avoid:
    • Dishwasher detergents that are too aggressive
    • Prolonged contact with citrus or salt

Note:

Stainless steel does not rust, but improper care can cause stains and discoloration.