Yes, wine can definitely go bad when exposed to sunlight.
How Sunlight Affects Wine Quality
Exposure to sunlight, especially direct sunlight, is detrimental to the quality and longevity of wine. According to experts, sunlight accelerates the expiry process of wine. This means that storing wine in a sunny spot will cause it to spoil much faster than if stored properly.
The Science Behind "Light Strike"
The primary reason sunlight harms wine is a phenomenon known as "light strike" or goût de lumière in French. High-energy wavelengths of light, particularly UV and blue light, react with compounds naturally present in wine, such as riboflavin (Vitamin B2) and pantothenic acid. These reactions produce sulfur compounds like dimethyl sulfide and disulfides, which can impart unpleasant aromas and flavors resembling cooked cabbage, sulfur, or burnt rubber.
Wines stored in clear or lightly tinted bottles are particularly susceptible to light strike because they offer less protection against light penetration. Green and brown bottles provide more protection, but even these can't entirely prevent damage from prolonged or intense sun exposure.
Protecting Your Wine from Sunlight
Proper storage is crucial to preserving the quality and intended flavors of your wine. Avoiding sunlight is one of the most important steps.
Ideal Wine Storage Conditions
To prevent sunlight damage and ensure your wine ages gracefully (or maintains its freshness if it's meant to be drunk young), follow these storage guidelines:
- Darkness: Sunlight accelerates the expiry process of wine. Find a dark space to store your bottles. While a dedicated wine cellar is ideal, a simple cupboard away from heat and light works well, too. Basements are often good options due to their stable temperature and lack of light.
- Temperature: Store wine at a cool, consistent temperature, ideally between 50°F and 55°F (10°C-13°C). Avoid significant temperature fluctuations.
- Humidity: Maintain moderate humidity (around 60-70%) to prevent corks from drying out.
- Stability: Store bottles horizontally (if sealed with a cork) to keep the cork moist, and avoid vibrations.
Best Practices for Wine Storage
Here's a quick summary of wine storage essentials to protect your bottles from harmful light:
| Storage Aspect | Best Practice | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Store in a dark place, away from direct or indirect sunlight. | Prevents "light strike" and accelerated spoilage. |
| Temperature | Store in a cool, stable environment (50-55°F). | Ensures proper aging and prevents heat damage. |
| Humidity | Maintain moderate humidity (60-70%). | Keeps cork moist, preventing oxidation. |
| Position | Store bottles horizontally (for corked wines). | Keeps cork in contact with wine, preventing drying. |
| Vibration | Store in a stable location, away from vibrating appliances. | Minimizes disruption to the wine's aging process. |
Storing wine away from light sources like sunlight, fluorescent bulbs, and even bright incandescent lights is a key factor in maintaining its quality over time.
