How to Store Sparkling Wine, the Bride Valley Way

At Bride Valley, we believe that great wine begins in the vineyard - but how it’s cared for at home can make all the difference in the glass.

Whether you’re saving a bottle for a special occasion or opening one “just because,” knowing how to store sparkling wine properly helps preserve its integrity, flavour and fizz. With decades of winemaking heritage behind us and a deep understanding of traditional method production, we’re sharing our expert tips on how to keep your bottles at their best - before and after the cork is popped.

Storing Sparkling Wine at Home: What You Really Need to Know

You don’t need a dedicated wine cellar or high-end equipment to store your wine well - just a little knowledge and care.

1. Bottle Orientation: Keep It Sideways

If your sparkling wine is sealed with a cork (as all our Bride Valley sparkling wines are), store it on its side. This keeps the cork moist and fully expanded, helping to maintain the seal and protect the wine’s precious bubbles.

Storing on its side also keeps the ullage (the small air pocket in the neck of the bottle) in the correct position, allowing the wine to age gently and gracefully.

2. Keep It Still

Sparkling wine doesn’t like to be disturbed. Avoid vibrations or frequent movement, which can subtly alter the balance of acidity and alcohol over time. For this reason, your kitchen fridge - with its constant door opening - isn’t ideal for long-term storage.

Instead, tuck bottles away somewhere quiet and undisturbed.

3. Store Away from Light

Light -  especially direct sunlight - can damage sparkling wine. UV rays react with compounds in the wine and can lead to unwanted sulphur notes (think cooked cabbage or wet cardboard). No thank you.

A cool, dark cupboard or wine rack away from windows is ideal.

4. Humidity Matters

For long-term storage, the cork needs a touch of humidity - ideally between 50% and 85%. Too dry and the cork shrinks. Too moist and mould can form.

Most home environments fall somewhere in the right range, but if you’re storing wine for several years, consider a wine fridge or cellar that offers some humidity control.

5. What’s the Ideal Temperature?

Temperature is key to keeping your wine tasting its best. Sparkling wine prefers to rest between 10–13°C (50–55°F). That’s a little warmer than your household fridge, but cooler than your average kitchen cupboard.

If you’re serious about long-term storage, a dedicated wine fridge or cellar is worth considering. Otherwise, a consistently cool, dark spot in the house will do nicely.

What About Screw Cap Sparkling Wines?

Screw-cap bottles don’t rely on corks, so they don’t need to be stored on their sides or in humid conditions. However, temperature and light still matter - keep them upright and in a cool, dark space.

How Long Can You Store Sparkling Wine?

That depends on how it was made. Traditional method sparkling wines (like ours at Bride Valley) are crafted to age beautifully, and can often be cellared for 3 to 5 years or more.

Fresher, tank-method wines are best enjoyed within a couple of years. Check the vintage or disgorgement date where available, and if in doubt - drink it while it’s lively.

Storing Sparkling Wine After Opening

Once opened, sparkling wine begins to lose its fizz. But with a little care, you can still enjoy it the next day.

• Seal it with a champagne stopper to retain bubbles

• Store it in the fridge immediately after pouring

• Drink within 24–48 hours for best flavour and fizz

• For entertaining, keep your open bottle chilled in an ice bucket between pours

Does Sparkling Wine Expire?

Yes - even unopened. But traditional method sparkling wines have remarkable longevity thanks to their acidity and the time spent ageing on lees during production.

Here’s how to tell if your bottle has gone past its best:

• Colour change: A dull or amber hue in a wine that was once bright could indicate oxidation

• Smell: If it smells vinegary, musty or medicinal, it may have spoiled

• Taste: A quick sip will tell you - flatness, sourness or sherry-like flavours mean it’s time to say goodbye

In Summary

Proper storage isn’t just for collectors - it’s for anyone who wants to enjoy their sparkling wine at its best.

At Bride Valley, we make our wines to reflect our land and our care. Store them well, and they’ll reward you with all the freshness, elegance and Dorset charm they were crafted to express.

Cheers!