Wine will spoil in 'weeks' if you make this crucial storage mistake

As the festive season approaches, wine sales typically surge.

With Christmas parties, family gatherings and celebrations on the horizon, many people are already stocking up on bottles. If you're ahead of the game and have already purchased your wine, there's a crucial storage mistake you need to avoid.

Storing wine incorrectly can spoil it within weeks, but following proper storage methods will keep it fresh and flavourful until you're ready to enjoy it. If your wine bottles are standing upright, one expert warns you should change that straight away.

Rowland King, storage expert and Director at Quality Bottles said: "When a bottle stands upright for long periods, the cork starts to dry out. That allows small amounts of air into the bottle, causing oxidation, which dulls the flavour and aroma."

Many assume this deterioration takes months or years, but according to Rowland, it happens much quicker than expected, reports the Express.

He said: "Even if you're planning to drink it soon, storing wine upright for just a few weeks can start to damage it.

"Keeping bottles on their side ensures the cork stays slightly moist, which forms a natural airtight seal and protects the wine inside."

Whether red or white, all wines are susceptible to this storage error. Rowland also recommends keeping wine bottles in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight.

He advised: "A bottle of wine might not be cheap these days, so correct storage matters. A cool, dark place is ideal, away from direct sunlight, radiators, or warm cupboards. If you don't have a wine rack, even laying bottles on their side in a kitchen cupboard will do the trick."

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