Eine Frau greift in den Kühlschrank nach einer Weinflasche

What to do if you don't have a wine cellar?

March 8, 2025

Alternatives to wine storage without a wine cellar

Anyone who collects wine attaches great importance to a wine cellar or a suitable alternative. Optimal storage is also important for enjoying wine. But where can wine collectors and wine lovers store their precious wine bottles if there is no wine cellar? In this blog post, we present you with various alternatives for storing your wine properly even without a special room.

1. The right temperature

No matter where you store your wine, temperature is crucial. Ideally, wine should be stored at a constant temperature between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. Temperature fluctuations can negatively affect the aging process and affect the taste of the wine. If you don't have a wine cellar, you should choose a cool room in your home that is not exposed to direct sunlight.

By the way: If you intend to drink your wine within two years, then the room temperature can be around 18 - 20 degrees. However, this temperature is not suitable for a wine collection.

2. The refrigerator as an alternative

While a regular refrigerator is not ideal for long-term wine storage, it can be a viable solution if you have nowhere else to go. Here are some tips for using your refrigerator:

Adjust the temperature: Make sure the refrigerator is not set too cold. A temperature of around 10 to 12 degrees Celsius is optimal for most wines.

Storage: Store the bottles lying down so that the cork stays moist and does not dry out.

Avoid vibrations: Avoid opening and closing the refrigerator frequently as this will create vibrations and cause the temperature to fluctuate.

3. Wine refrigerator

A woman reaches into the wine refrigerator, where several bottles of wine are lying.

If you are a regular wine drinker or would like to collect wine, it might be worth investing in a special refrigerator for wine bottles. These pieces of furniture are designed to provide optimal conditions for storage. Wine refrigerators are specifically designed for storing wine and often offer a controlled temperature and humidity.

4. The basement of a friend or neighbor

If you don't have a suitable space yourself, ask friends or neighbors if they have space in their basement. Often people are willing to share their basements with others - especially if they don't have a large collection themselves.

Many wine bottles lie on a wine rack in a wine cellar

5. The Garage

In many cases, garages can be suitable alternatives for storing wine – provided they are well insulated and temperature-controlled.

Make sure your garage is not exposed to extreme temperatures. It can get very hot in the summer and particularly cold in the winter.

6. Dark corners in the living room

If all other options are not available, look for dark corners in your living space, away from a heater.

Cabinets: A closed cabinet can be a good option; make sure it is cool enough.

Under the bed: This can be a creative solution; use flat boxes to store your wines and avoid unnecessary vibrations.

Also read: Storing wine in the kitchen?

7. Use of Styrofoam boxes

An easy way to insulate your wines is to use Styrofoam boxes:

Insulation: Styrofoam provides good insulation against temperature fluctuations.

Humidity: Make sure that the boxes are not hermetically sealed; some air circulation is important.

8. Mobile air conditioners

If your living space gets very warm or has strong temperature fluctuations, a portable air conditioner could help:

Cooling: These devices can help maintain a constant temperature range.

Flexibility: Mobile air conditioners can be used in different rooms as needed.

9. Professional storage services

Many wine bottles are stored in a large wine cellar

For serious collectors there are professional storage services:

Temperature-controlled warehouses: These facilities offer special storage spaces with controlled conditions.

Wine merchants: Some wine merchants also offer storage for your wines.

Also read: Guide: How long can you store white wine?

Conclusion

Proper storage of wine doesn't have to be complicated - even without your own wine cellar, there are numerous options! However, the options are limited if you have a serious wine collection. For short-term storage of wine (up to 2 years), the refrigerator, bedroom, garage or even dark corners in the apartment are all possible. The most important thing is to maintain a constant temperature and avoid light and vibrations.

Remember: If you collect valuable wines, you should use professional solutions or services. Expensive wine should not be stored carelessly under the bed or on the kitchen shelf!