The Art of Cellaring Wine

For wine lovers, there’s something deeply satisfying about opening a bottle you’ve patiently cellared for years. With gratification so instantaneous nowadays, we feel this enjoyment more than ever.

There’s a well known saying - good things take time, and great wine is no different. When the right wines are chosen, they evolve over time - the flavours soften, textures deepen, and tertiary notes begin to emerge in ways that simply can’t be achieved quickly. 

For us, cellaring wine is less about collecting for ‘prestige’, and more about investing in future moments that we know will be worth savouring. Whether it’s a special anniversary, an anticipated milestone or a long overdue catch up with loved ones, having a thoughtfully aged bottle brings a sense of occasion that’s hard to match.

How to cellar?

If you’re wondering how to cellar wine properly, the good news is that you don’t need a grand underground cellar to begin. As with many things, consistency is key. Wine should ideally be stored in a cool, dark environment with a stable temperature and away from direct sunlight and vibration/movement. 

Most wines intended for long-term cellaring should be stored lying down, especially bottles with a traditional cork closure. Keeping the wine in contact with the cork helps prevent the cork from drying out, shrinking, and letting air into the bottle over time.

Wondering what to cellar? 

While structured red wines are often the first thing people think of, some of the world’s most age-worthy wines are actually whites and sparkling wines. Classic cellar candidates include premium Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Nebbiolo, alongside styles like Chardonnay and Semillon, which can develop incredible complexity, texture and savoury character over time.

And don’t overlook sparkling wines! High quality Champagne and premium traditional method sparkling wines can age beautifully, gaining depth, richness and wonderfully toasty complexity with patience. 

We also love to buy multiple bottles of the same wine. Ideally a 6 pack that you can slowly drink your way through over many years and see exactly how that wine evolves over time. 

Why cellar wines?

Building a personal wine cellar is an opportunity to buy more intentionally. It allows you to have a little more fun and experimentation with what you purchase to drink immediately, and to think a little deeper about what you’d like to invest in for cellaring. 

Other reasons people choose to cellar wines;

• Give wedding gifts with sentimental meaning - a beautifully chosen wine makes a thoughtful wedding gift, especially one intended to be opened on the couple’s 10th, 20th, or even 30th anniversary.
• For future dinners and special anniversaries - some wines deserve to be saved for the right meal, the right season, or the right anniversary.
• To experience how wine evolves - Cellaring allows you to watch a wine change over time, developing softer tannins, savoury notes, and greater complexity.
• To buy wines at release - Many premium wines are released while still young. Buying early gives you access to limited vintages before they become difficult to find.
• For family traditions - Some collectors will buy wine in the birth year of a child to open at an 18th or 21st birthday celebration.

We love curating wines that are drinking beautifully now, while also offering the structure and balance needed for incredible ageing over time. From collectible reds to age-worthy whites, our cellar selection is stocked for those who appreciate the pleasure of waiting for something truly special.

Explore Vera's Cellar for a curated collection of cellar-worthy wines chosen for longevity, character, and unforgettable future drinking. And please reach out via email or in store at any time if you’d like guidance in starting your own cellar collection.