We’re always happy to welcome you to our workshops! Of course, you’re also welcome to visit us in person. Just send an e-mail to [email protected].
We’ll get back to you to arrange your visit!

Yes, you can visit Idle Cellars for a unique wine tasting experience. We offer the “Vine-to-Wine Journey,” where you can enjoy a guided tour and tasting session with our master winemaker in Sonoma Valley. This immersive experience includes exploring our winemaking process and sampling a selection of our wines in a scenic cave setting.

For more details and to book your wine tasting experience, please visit our Wine Tasting Reservation Page.

Proper wine storage is crucial to maintain its quality and flavor over time. The key elements to consider are temperature, light, humidity, and stability.

Temperature: Wine should be stored at a consistent temperature, ideally between 45-65°F, with 55°F being the optimal temperature for most wines. Temperature fluctuations can cause the wine to expand and contract, potentially damaging the cork and allowing air to enter the bottle, which can spoil the wine. Therefore, avoid storing wine in places like the kitchen or near appliances that generate heat.

Light: Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or fluorescent bulbs can degrade wine by causing it to age prematurely. This can lead to undesirable flavors. Therefore, it’s best to store wine in a dark place, such as a wine cellar, a dedicated wine refrigerator, or a dark closet. If you must store wine in a place with some light exposure, consider using UV-filtering glass or a solid door to minimize light exposure.

Humidity: Maintaining the right level of humidity is important to keep the cork moist, which prevents it from shrinking and allowing air into the bottle. The ideal humidity level for wine storage is between 65-75%. If the environment is too dry, the cork can dry out and lead to oxidation. Conversely, too much humidity can promote mold growth. Wine refrigerators often come with humidity controls to maintain these levels.

Stability: Vibration can disturb the sediment in wine bottles, especially red wines, which can affect the aging process and the wine’s overall stability. It’s best to store wine in a place free from constant movement and vibrations. Avoid storing wine on top of the refrigerator or near heavy machinery.

Position: Wine bottles should be stored on their side to keep the liquid in contact with the cork. This keeps the cork moist and prevents it from drying out and shrinking, which can let air into the bottle and spoil the wine. Wines with screw caps or synthetic corks do not require horizontal storage, but it is still a good practice to store them this way for uniformity​​.

The shelf life of an opened bottle of wine depends on the type of wine and how it is stored after opening. Here’s a detailed look at the longevity of different types of wine once they’ve been opened:

Red Wine: Typically, an opened bottle of red wine can last 3-5 days. To maximize its shelf life, recork the bottle and store it in a cool, dark place, ideally in a wine refrigerator set to about 55°F. Red wines, especially those with higher tannin levels, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, tend to last longer once opened.

White Wine and Rosé: These wines can last 5-7 days when stored in the refrigerator. They are more susceptible to oxidation than red wines, so it’s crucial to minimize their exposure to air. Using a vacuum pump to remove air from the bottle can help preserve their freshness longer.

Sparkling Wine: Once opened, sparkling wines, including Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava, are best consumed within 1-3 days. The carbonation begins to dissipate once the bottle is opened. To preserve the bubbles as long as possible, use a sparkling wine stopper designed to maintain the pressure in the bottle.

Fortified Wine: Fortified wines like Port, Sherry, and Madeira can last several weeks to months once opened due to their higher alcohol content, which acts as a preservative. Store them in a cool, dark place and use a stopper to limit air exposure.

For all types of wine, consider using tools like vacuum pumps or inert gas wine preservers. These devices help remove or replace the air in the bottle, significantly slowing the oxidation process and extending the wine’s drinkable life

The longevity of an unopened bottle of wine largely depends on the type of wine and storage conditions. Here’s a breakdown of how long different types of wine can be stored:

Everyday Wines: Most white, rosé, and red wines that are intended for everyday consumption are best enjoyed within 1-3 years of their release. These wines are not typically designed for long-term aging and are at their best within this time frame.

Fine Wines: Certain high-quality red wines, such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, and some Italian reds (like Barolo or Brunello di Montalcino), can benefit from aging and can be stored for 10-20 years or more if stored properly. These wines develop more complex flavors and aromas as they age.

White Wines: While most white wines are best consumed within a few years, some varieties, such as high-quality Chardonnay, Riesling, and Chenin Blanc, can age well for 5-10 years. They develop richer, more nuanced profiles over time.

Sparkling Wines: Non-vintage Champagne and other sparkling wines should be consumed within 1-2 years of purchase. Vintage Champagne can be stored for up to 10 years or more, depending on the producer and storage conditions.

Fortified Wines: Fortified wines, such as Port, Sherry, and Madeira, have a much longer shelf life due to their higher alcohol content. These wines can be stored for several decades, with Madeira being particularly renowned for its ability to age for 50-100 years or more.

To ensure the longevity of unopened bottles, store them in a cool, dark, and stable environment with consistent temperatures, ideally around 55°F, and humidity levels between 65-75%. Keep bottles on their side to maintain cork integrity and prevent oxidation​.

Decanting wine serves two primary purposes: to aerate the wine, allowing it to breathe and release its aromas and flavors, and to separate the wine from any sediment that may have formed, particularly in older red wines. Here’s how to decant wine effectively:

1. Choose the Right Decanter: Decanters come in various shapes and sizes. For young, robust red wines, a wide-bottomed decanter that allows more surface area exposure to air is ideal. For older wines, a decanter with a narrower opening is better to limit excessive air exposure.
2. Let the Wine Stand Upright: If you suspect there is sediment in the bottle, stand it upright for several hours to let the sediment settle at the bottom before decanting.
3. Pour Gently: Open the bottle and pour the wine slowly into the decanter. Tilt the bottle and the decanter to minimize splashing and ensure a smooth flow. If the wine has sediment, stop pouring when you notice the sediment reaching the neck of the bottle.
4. Let It Breathe: Allow the wine to sit in the decanter for a period before serving. The amount of time depends on the type and age of the wine:
   • Young Red Wines: These can benefit from 1-2 hours of decanting to soften tannins and enhance flavors.
   • Older Red Wines: These usually require less time, around 30 minutes to 1 hour, as they are more delicate and can deteriorate if exposed to too much air.
   • White Wines and Rosé: These wines generally do not require decanting, but certain full-bodied whites, like oaked Chardonnay, can benefit from a short decanting to open up their aromas.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once decanted, pour the wine into glasses and enjoy. If there’s any wine left in the decanter, cover it to minimize air exposure.

Using these decanting techniques can enhance your wine-drinking experience by ensuring the wine’s optimal flavor and aroma are brought to the forefront

Refrigerating an opened bottle of red wine can help preserve its flavor and extend its drinkable life by slowing down the oxidation process. Here’s a detailed explanation:

Why Refrigerate Opened Red Wine: Once a bottle of red wine is opened, exposure to air begins the oxidation process, which can degrade the wine’s flavor over time. Refrigeration slows down this process, helping to keep the wine fresh for a few more days. While red wine is typically served at room temperature, storing it in the refrigerator can significantly extend its shelf life.

Storage Tips:

• Recork the Bottle: Always reseal the bottle with the original cork or a wine stopper. This minimizes the wine’s exposure to air.
• Use Wine Preservation Tools: Tools like vacuum pumps can remove excess air from the bottle, further slowing down oxidation. Alternatively, inert gas sprays can create a protective layer over the wine.
• Refrigerate: Place the recorked bottle in the refrigerator. This applies even to red wines, as the cooler temperature will slow down the oxidation process. When you’re ready to drink the wine, simply take it out and let it come to the ideal serving temperature of around 60-65°F. You can speed up this process by placing the bottle in a lukewarm water bath for a few minutes.

Duration: Opened red wine stored in the refrigerator can typically last 3-5 days. Some lighter red wines, like Pinot Noir, may last slightly longer, while more robust reds, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, may last closer to the lower end of this range.

Considerations: While refrigeration is effective, try to avoid frequent temperature changes by minimizing how often you take the bottle in and out of the fridge. If you regularly drink wine and have the space, consider investing in a wine fridge

At Idle Cellars, our vineyard selection process is guided by a commitment to quality and sustainability. We carefully choose vineyards that align with our standards for producing exceptional wines. For a comprehensive look at our vineyard selection criteria and the vineyards we partner with, please explore our Vineyard Selection Page.