How to Store Champagne: An Expert Guide to Keeping Every Bottle at Its Best

There are few things more disappointing than opening a bottle of Champagne you’ve been saving, only to discover the bubbles have faded and the magic has gone. 

Proper storage isn’t complicated, but it is essential. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your bottles tasting exactly as their makers intended…

 

The Ideal Temperature for Storing Champagne

Temperature is the most important factor when it comes to Champagne storage. Because Champagne contains dissolved carbon dioxide under pressure, it’s far more sensitive than still wine.

The sweet spot is 10-12°C

• Below 7°C, the wine’s development slows too much
• Above 14°C, Champagne ages too quickly and loses finesse
• Frequent temperature changes can also cause the cork to expand and contract, weakening the seal

A common mistake: Storing Champagne long-term in a kitchen fridge. While fridges are fine for chilling before serving, they’re too cold and too dry for long-term storage. Over time, low humidity can dry out corks, letting oxygen in and bubbles out.

How to Position Your Champagne Bottles

• Short-term storage (under three months): Upright or horizontal is fine
• Long-term storage (three months or more): Always store bottles horizontally

Keeping the wine in contact with the cork helps it stay supple, maintaining a tight seal. This is exactly how bottles are stored during extended ageing in Champagne cellars, so it’s a practice worth copying at home.

Humidity, Light & Vibration: The Quiet Killers

Ideal humidity: 70–80%

Dry conditions are Champagne’s enemy. If corks begin to dry or you notice crystalline residue around the neck, humidity may be too low.

Keep bottles in the dark

The use of dark glass bottles is not just for aesthetics. Champagne is very sensitive to UV light which can cause 'lightstrike', producing unpleasant sulphurous aromas.

Avoid vibration

Vibration disturbs sediment and disrupts ageing. Keep Champagne away from washing machines, speakers, and high-traffic areas (another reason standard fridges aren’t ideal for long-term storage).

How Long Does Champagne Last in Storage?

Ageing potential varies widely depending on production technique, the climatic conditions of the vintage, and intended style the producer is looking to achieve. The below offers a rough guide to go by:

Champagne Style	Typical Storage Potential
Non-Vintage	3-5 years from purchase
Vintage (Millésimé)	10-20+ years
Prestige Cuvée	15-30+ years
Rosé	3-8 years

 

It’s also worth noting that many grower Champagnes are released with more bottle age than large commercial brands. When available, check disgorgement dates as they offer an insight into how long the wine has already rested.

Champagne Storage Solutions

Store with Sip
We offer bonded storage from just £7 per case per year. Stored with LCB Sawston, bottles are insured against damage or breakage and kept in optimum conditions to  ensure that your Champagne remains fresh.

Wine fridge (~£150-£500)
If you prefer to keep wines on hand, the best option for most homes is a wine fridge. Look for adjustable temperature, good humidity control and UV-protected glass.

Cellar or cool cupboard
If you're lucky enough to have a basement, this is a great option for larger volumes. Failing this, under-stairs cupboards or north-facing rooms can work well, provided temperatures stay stable.

No equipment or space?
Wrap bottles in dark cloth, store them horizontally in a box, and place them in the coolest, most consistent part of your home.

How Long Does Opened Champagne Last?

Once opened, Champagne immediately starts to lose pressure, but you can slow things down.

• With a Champagne stopper: 2-5 days in the fridge
• Without a stopper: around 24 hours

Unlike wine stoppers, proper Champagne stoppers maintain pressure and help preserve bubbles.

Tips for maximum freshness:

• Reseal immediately after pouring
• Store upright in the coldest part of the fridge
• Avoid shaking the bottle
• Use chilled glasses to minimise temperature loss
  

Final Thoughts...

Storing Champagne well doesn’t require a professional cellar, just stable temperatures, darkness, proper humidity and a little patience. Whether you’re laying down bottles for future milestones or simply want your next celebration to sparkle, these simple principles make all the difference.

Ready to build or expand your collection? Explore our selection of grower Champagnes from independent producers across the region.