How to store wine in Indian weather: Should you refrigerate it?

Wine lovers in India know the struggle—our warm and humid climate is not exactly ideal for keeping a bottle in top condition. Unlike the cool cellars of Europe, Indian homes deal with soaring temperatures and unpredictable humidity, which can ruin a good bottle before you even get to uncork it. But don’t worry, with a few simple tricks, you can store your wine properly and enjoy every sip just as the winemaker intended.

1. Keep it cool, but not too cold
Wine hates heat. Anything above 21°C can speed up ageing and cook the flavours, leaving you with a flat, dull taste. Ideally, red wine should be stored at around 12-18°C, while white and sparkling wines do better between 8-12°C. Since most Indian homes do not have a wine cellar, a wine fridge is the best option. If that is not possible, find the coolest, darkest spot in your house—perhaps a cupboard away from direct sunlight.

2. Say no to sunlight
Direct sunlight is wine’s worst enemy. UV rays can break down the delicate compounds in wine, causing it to age prematurely. That beautiful bottle on your windowsill? Move it now. Instead, store wine in a dark place, like inside a cupboard, a cabinet, or even wrapped in a cloth in a box.

3. Keep the humidity in check
Too much humidity can lead to mouldy corks, while too little can dry them out, letting air seep in and spoil the wine. A humidity level of 50-70% is ideal. If your home is too humid, use silica gel packets in your storage area to absorb excess moisture. If it is too dry, placing a bowl of water nearby can help.

4. Store bottles horizontally
If your wine has a cork, always store the bottle on its side. This keeps the cork moist and prevents it from drying out and letting air in. However, if you are storing wine with a screw cap, you can keep the bottle upright.

5. Avoid temperature swings
Frequent temperature changes can cause wine to expand and contract, pushing the cork in and out, which lets in air and spoils the wine. Try to keep the temperature as stable as possible. Do not store wine near the kitchen stove, fridge, or any place that gets hot during the day and cool at night.

6. Refrigerate opened bottles
Once opened, wine starts to oxidize, meaning its flavours will change. Red wine can last 3-5 days in the fridge if you reseal it tightly. White and sparkling wines should also be stored in the fridge, but sparkling wines may lose their fizz faster. Use a wine stopper or vacuum pump to slow down oxidation.

7. Do not store wine in the regular fridge for too long
While your fridge is fine for short-term storage, long-term exposure to its cold and dry environment can dry out corks and flatten flavours. If you are storing wine for more than a few weeks, a dedicated wine fridge or a cool, dark cupboard is a better choice.

8. Choose the right wines for Indian weather
If you are storing wine in Indian weather without special cooling, opt for wines that handle heat better. Fortified wines like port or sherry and bold reds like Shiraz or Malbec tend to be more forgiving. Lighter reds and delicate whites, on the other hand, need extra care.

When to refrigerate wine

1. After opening the bottle
Once opened, wine starts to oxidize, which can alter its flavours. Refrigeration slows this process.

Red wine: Store it in the fridge with the cork in place; let it warm up slightly before drinking. It stays good for 3-5 days.

White and rosé wine: Always keep these chilled after opening. They last 5-7 days.

Sparkling wine: Keep it tightly sealed with a champagne stopper. It loses fizz fast, so drink within 1-3 days.

2. For short-term storage (a few weeks to a couple of months)

If you do not have a wine fridge and the room temperature is too high (above 20°C), keeping wine in the regular fridge is better than letting it overheat. However, the dry air in a fridge can dry out corks over time, allowing air to seep in and spoil the wine.

When NOT to refrigerate wine

1. For long-term storage
A regular fridge is too cold (usually below 5°C) for long-term wine storage. This temperature can flatten flavours, and the lack of humidity can dry out corks. Instead, find a cool, dark cupboard or invest in a wine fridge set to 12-18°C.

2. If you’re serving full-bodied red wines
Refrigerating bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz can mute their flavours. If they are too warm, a quick 15-minute chill before serving is fine, but do not store them in the fridge long-term.

With the right storage methods, you can enjoy your wine at its best, even in Indian weather. Whether you are saving a bottle for a special occasion or just keeping your everyday favourite fresh, a little attention goes a long way in preserving those delicious flavours.