Short answer: most wine should be stored flat to protect the cork.
Wine bottle orientation matters because corks can dry out, allowing air in.
Understanding when flat storage matters — and when it doesn’t — helps keep wine tasting its best.
Read on to learn the rules, the exceptions, and modern myths.

Protecting the Natural Cork: The Threat of Oxidation

The Traditional View: Keeping the Cork Moist with Wine Contact

For wine enthusiasts, proper storage plays a vital role in quality and longevity.

Traditionally, wines sealed with natural corks are stored on their side so the cork remains in contact with the wine.

This contact helps prevent the cork from drying, which is especially important for long-term ageing. 

Wine bottles stored horizontally in a wooden rack

Why Cork Shrinkage Allows Air into the Bottle (Oxidation)

When a cork dries out, it can shrink slightly over time.

This creates tiny gaps that allow oxygen to seep into the bottle.

Oxidation dulls flavours, alters aromas, and can cause wine to spoil prematurely.

The Role of Humidity in Supporting the Cork's Seal

Bottle orientation works alongside humidity, not instead of it.

Moderate humidity helps corks stay elastic and maintain a proper seal.

Even a horizontally stored bottle can suffer if the surrounding air is too dry.

The Importance of Horizontal Storage for Aging

Settling Sediment and Minimizing Agitation (Vibration)

Lying bottles flat also supports controlled ageing.

Sediment settles evenly along the bottle, making later decanting easier.

Combined with stable conditions, horizontal storage reduces disturbance from vibration.

Is Angled Storage the Modern Compromise? (Slight Tilt)

Some modern wine cellars store bottles at a slight angle rather than fully flat.

This keeps the cork moist while allowing labels to remain visible.

While not essential, it reflects a practical storage compromise for organised collections.

Exceptions: When Upright Storage is Perfectly Fine or Preferred

Wines with Alternative Closures

Screw Caps, Synthetics, and Glass Stoppers (Orientation is Irrelevant)

Not all wines rely on natural corks.

Screw caps, synthetic corks, and glass stoppers do not dry out in the same way.

Because air exchange is controlled by the closure, bottle orientation is largely irrelevant.

Duration of Storage: The Short-Term Pass

Why Vertical Storage is Acceptable for Wine Consumed within Weeks or Months

Wine intended for short-term consumption does not require horizontal storage.

Bottles opened within weeks or a few months can safely be stored upright.

This is common in kitchens, dining rooms, and everyday wine racks.

Special Wine Types: Sparkling and Fortified

Why Sparkling Wines (Champagne, Prosecco) Often Prefer Upright Storage

Sparkling wines are often stored upright.

Internal bottle pressure helps keep the cork sealed and reduces drying risk.

Upright storage also limits prolonged contact between wine and cork.

Fortified Wines (Port, Sherry) and High Alcohol Content

Fortified wines contain higher alcohol levels, increasing their stability.

They are less vulnerable to oxidation caused by short-term upright storage.

Many are designed for consumption after opening, reducing long-term ageing concerns.

The Modern Counter-Argument for Vertical Storage

Debunking the Wet Cork Myth (Internal Bottle Humidity)

Some experts argue that constant liquid contact is not essential.

They suggest internal bottle humidity alone can prevent corks from drying.

This challenges the long-standing belief that every corked bottle must be stored flat.

The Risk of Over-Saturating the Cork in Long-Term Storage

Prolonged liquid contact may, in rare cases, weaken cork structure.

Over-saturation can contribute to breakdown or unwanted flavour transfer.

This highlights the importance of balanced humidity and stable storage conditions.