How to Store Screw Cap Wine Bottles

Knowing how to store screw cap wine bottles comes down to two priorities: stable, cool temperatures and protection from light. Screw caps share temperature and light sensitivity considerations with cork-sealed wines. Concerns about humidity and oxidation are less pronounced. Most experts, including Jancis Robinson, recommend maintaining constant temperatures between 10 and 15°C (50 and 59°F). Tom Stevenson suggests 11°C (52°F) as potentially ideal. Karen MacNeil recommends around 13°C (55°F) for wines intended for aging. Store bottles in a dark environment to prevent light-induced faults, and minimize exposure to vibrations. Unlike corks, bottle orientation does not significantly impact screw cap wines. Screw caps became popular relatively recently, so there are fewer opportunities for research into their long-term aging potential compared to traditional closures.

Does bottle orientation matter for screw cap wines?

Bottle orientation does not significantly matter for screw cap wines, as the closure itself prevents oxygen ingress regardless of position. For a wooded Chardonnay and Riesling wine, bottle orientation (horizontal or upright) had little effect on chemical composition and sensory properties over a 60-month period. That finding comes from testing by Skouroumounis et al. (2005), as cited by the Australian Wine Research Institute. This contrasts with traditional advice for cork-sealed wines, where horizontal storage is often recommended to keep the cork moist and prevent it from drying out. A dry cork could allow oxygen to enter the bottle. Chanut et al. (2023) tested microagglomerated corks. They found that storage position (vertical or horizontal) did not significantly influence oxygen transfer through the bottleneck-cork system over a 24-month aging period at 20°C. For sparkling wines like Champagne, the Comité Champagne states bottles can be stored upright or on their sides. Champagne and other sparkling wines tend to age better if kept upright, because internal pressure provides humidity and oxygen protection. Whether you're cellaring a Burgundy or a Bordeaux, the principles of temperature and light remain paramount.

What is the ideal temperature for storing screw cap wines?

The ideal temperature for storing screw cap wines is cool and constant, generally between 10 and 15°C (50 and 59°F). That range allows for slow, complex development. Jancis Robinson recommends this range. Tom Stevenson speculates that 11°C (52°F) may be most ideal, and Karen MacNeil suggests around 13°C (55°F) for aging wines. Temperature control is a critical consideration in wine storage.

High temperatures can significantly harm wine quality. Marais (1986) observed faulty flavors and decreased overall quality after 12 months of wine storage at 30°C, according to the Australian Wine Research Institute. Temperatures exceeding 40°C can induce visual and sensory changes in a wine within days (Ough 1986). In general, any storage place where the temperature exceeds 25°C for long periods or 40°C for short periods can affect wine quality (Ough 1992), as stated by the Australian Wine Research Institute. The rate of chemical reactions in wine doubles with each 10°C (18°F) increase in temperature.

Temperature swings, such as repeatedly moving wine between a warm room and a cool refrigerator, can cause adverse chemical reactions leading to wine faults. While screw caps mitigate some risks associated with cork expansion and contraction, the wine itself remains susceptible to temperature fluctuations. For example, a study on microagglomerated corks by Chanut et al. (2023) showed that oxygen barrier properties remained unchanged over 24 months at 20°C. At 35°C, a significant increase in oxygen transfer at the glass-cork interface began after 9 months. At 50°C, this shift occurred within the first 3 months of storage (Chanut et al. 2023). This demonstrates the detrimental impact of elevated temperatures on wine closures and, by extension, the wine's aging process. You can track the optimal windows for your collection with our drink-window data for your cellar.

How does light exposure affect screw cap wines?

Light exposure can adversely affect wine quality, leading to undesirable flavors and aromas, regardless of closure type. This phenomenon, known as "lightstruck" flavor, is caused by the production of volatile sulfur compounds (Australian Wine Research Institute, Maujean and Seguin 1983). Light-bodied white wines are particularly vulnerable to light exposure.

Research by Dozon and Noble (1989) found that still and sparkling white wines in green glass developed a statistically significant lightstruck flavor after 31.1 hours and 18 hours of exposure to fluorescent lamps, respectively. The same wines in clear glass developed this off-flavor much faster, after only 3.3 hours and 3.4 hours, respectively (AWRI Technical Note TN09). Direct sunlight is significantly more intense, providing 4286 times the amount of UV-A radiation compared to fluorescent lamps (Gordon Watson, Gordon Watson and Associates, pers. comm., cited in AWRI Technical Note TN09).

To protect your wines, store them in dark conditions. Tinted bottles offer some protection. Rankine (1989) indicates that amber glass is most effective at excluding wavelengths below about 450 nm (AWRI Technical Note TN09). Wines packaged in clear, light green, and blue colored bottles are the most vulnerable and may require extra precautions. In a cellar, storing wines in corrugated boxes or wooden crates can protect them from direct light. Consider how light impacts the fine wine market index and the condition of bottles you might consider for fine wine investment.

Is humidity important for screw cap wines?

Humidity is less critical for screw cap wines than for those sealed with cork. Screw caps do not rely on moisture to maintain their seal. For alternative wine closures, humidity concerns are "not as pronounced." For cork-sealed wines, some humidity is required to prevent corks from drying out. A dried cork could allow oxygen to enter the bottle and cause spoilage, leading to increased wine ullage levels. Tom Stevenson specifically recommends against storing corked wine in a refrigerator because the dehumidifying process can quickly dry out corks.

However, excessive humidity can still pose a risk by damaging wine labels. Label damage could hinder identification or reduce potential resale value. Climate-controlled wine storage facilities typically maintain moderate humidity levels, between 55% and 75%, to prevent problems like label damage and assist in optimal wine development. Low humidity does not put the integrity of your screw cap at risk. Appropriate cellar conditions are still beneficial for the overall appearance of your collection. You can learn more about general storage principles in our guide on how to store wine.

Should you worry about vibration for screw cap wines?

You should minimize vibrations for screw cap wines, as research suggests they can negatively impact wine quality. Although anecdotal information exists, the area of vibration in wine storage has relatively little data. However, a study by Chung et al. (2008) found that vibrations of different frequencies had distinct effects on wine chemistry. The authors concluded that while vibration could accelerate aging, "in most cases, this may lead to negative effects on wine quality." Therefore, to store red wines with limited changes in physicochemical properties, "vibrations should be minimized".

The Australian Wine Research Institute's Technical Note TN09 mentions a belief that prolonged storage in a refrigerator could adversely affect wine quality due to compressor vibrations. The same note adds that the Institute has been unable to find any literature on this specific subject. Given the available research, store your screw cap wines in a stable environment, free from constant or excessive movement. That preserves their quality over time. This is a key consideration for any wine you plan to hold for future enjoyment or sale.

Storage Factor	Cork-Sealed Wines	Screw Cap Wines
Orientation	Traditionally horizontal to keep cork moist. Some studies show little effect (Skouroumounis et al. 2005, Chanut et al. 2023 for microagglomerated corks). Champagne often stored upright.	Little effect on chemical composition or sensory properties (Skouroumounis et al. 2005). Not critical for seal integrity.
Temperature	Critical: 10-15°C (50-59°F) constant. High temperatures (above 25°C long periods, 40°C short periods) cause rapid aging, faulty flavors (Marais 1986, Ough 1986, Ough 1992, AWRI). Swings cause adverse reactions.	Critical: 10-15°C (50-59°F) constant. High temperatures cause rapid aging, faulty flavors (Marais 1986, Ough 1986, Ough 1992, AWRI). Swings cause adverse reactions. Wine quality still susceptible.
Light	Critical: Causes "lightstruck" flavor (AWRI). Light-bodied whites most vulnerable. Clear glass offers less protection (Dozon and Noble 1989, AWRI TN09). Amber glass most effective (Rankine 1989, AWRI TN09).	Critical: Causes "lightstruck" flavor (AWRI). Light-bodied whites most vulnerable. Clear glass offers less protection (Dozon and Noble 1989, AWRI TN09). Amber glass most effective (Rankine 1989, AWRI TN09).
Humidity	Critical: 55-75% ideal. Low humidity can dry out corks, leading to oxygen ingress.	Less pronounced concern for seal integrity. Excessive humidity can damage labels.
Vibration	Minimize: Can accelerate aging with negative effects. Refrigerator vibrations a concern, but no literature found (AWRI TN09).	Minimize: Can accelerate aging with negative effects. Refrigerator vibrations a concern, but no literature found (AWRI TN09).
Oxidation	Controlled oxygen ingress through cork is part of aging (Chanut et al. 2023). Risk of spoilage if cork dries out.	Concerns about oxidation are less pronounced. Screw caps provide a consistent, low oxygen environment.

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