Why People Store Wine in Their Kitchens and Why It's Not Ideal
It is a common misconception that wine should always be stored in the kitchen. This practice can lead to poor wine quality and is far from ideal. In this article, we will explore four primary reasons why people keep wine in their kitchens and why this is not the best storage solution.
Convenience
The first and most compelling reason for keeping wine in the kitchen is convenience. Wine is usually served with food, prepared in the kitchen, and most often opened with a cellar or a corkscrew - tools that are typically found in the kitchen. This proximity makes it convenient to quickly access the wine, especially when hosting or cooking. However, convenience does not outweigh the importance of proper wine storage conditions.
Tradition and Cultural Belief
A longstanding belief is that wine is a food product, and thus, should be stored with other food items in the kitchen. This cultural assumption, while somewhat practical for immediate access, overlooks the specific environmental requirements that wine needs. Wine needs a cool, dark, and stable environment to preserve its flavor and aroma, which are often not provided by kitchen conditions.
Kitchen Design and Storage Cubbies
Kitchen designers sometimes perpetuate the idea of storing wine in kitchen cubbies, particularly in high areas where heat accumulates. This design consideration seems logical in appearance but is far from ideal. Heat, humidity, and light exposure can all negatively impact wine quality, making these elevated and often exposed areas unsuitable for optimal storage. A built-in wine storage cubby in a dark, cool, and stable environment, such as a pantry or cellar, is far superior to these kitchen storage solutions.
Lack of Wine Education
A significant factor in the widespread misuse of kitchen storage for wine is a lack of education on proper wine storage practices. Many people, unless absolutely necessary, do not seek out additional information beyond what they need for basic life functions. A brief understanding of wine storage, however, can reveal the critical importance of temperature stability, light protection, and humidity control. The kitchen, being generally warm, unstable, and exposed to light and vibrations, is the worst place to store wine, even more so than an attic, where temperature fluctuations may be more predictable and less extreme.
Those who have stored wine in their kitchens or other unsuitable areas for extended periods without any intervention should consider the impact on the wine's quality. The wine may not be as enjoyable or as flavorful as intended. While heat can initially cause the wine to spoil, it can also lead to an off-flavor known as "heat-induced cork taint," a term for changes in wine caused by heat exposure.
Though the answer is simple, many people are unaware of this. Proper wine storage requires a cool, dark, and humid-free environment, ideally not exceeding 65°F (18°C) and kept consistently throughout the year. Indoor cellars, wine cabinets, or pantries are excellent alternatives to the kitchen for wine storage, where the environment can be carefully controlled.
In conclusion, while the kitchen may seem like a convenient place to store wine, the reality is that it is far from ideal for preserving the quality of your wine. Storage conditions play a crucial role in maintaining the flavor and aroma of wine, which is why proper wine storage solutions are essential for any wine enthusiast or collector.