It's Cold Outside – Take Care of Your Wines

Ever seen a chunk of ice worth more than 100,000 RMB? That's what happens when a bottle of Romanee-Conti 2007 meets freezing cold. The consolation would be making the world's most expensive slushie.

The best way, of course, is to store them in your stomach, especially as most wine is meant to be consumed within a few years rather than saved indefinitely. And if you do have age-worthy wines, then it might be best to invest in a wine fridge.

For a casual drinker, though, there are only a few things to consider.

One is extreme heat or cold, which can alternatively "cook" or literally turn your favorite juice into "ice wine." Try to keep your wine consistently around 15 to 18 degrees.

A second is extreme humidity or aridity, which can alternatively lead to mold or to drying out the cork. This shouldn't be an issue if storing wines for short periods.

And a third is sunlight, which is why bottles tend not be clear, but UV ray-reducing blue, green or brown.

(A side issue is pesky roommates or family members who like to open your wine and do a "taste test", but that's another story.)

In short, most of us simply need a spot that is dark and cool. Like the back of a closet.