As the days grow longer and the fresh scent of spring fills the air, many of us feel the urge to refresh and reorganize our spaces. While closets, kitchens, and garages often get the most attention, there’s one area that deserves a little spring cleaning of its own—your wine collection!

Whether you have a dedicated wine cellar, a small rack in your kitchen, or a few bottles tucked away for special occasions, spring is the perfect time to take inventory, reorganize, and refresh your wine stash. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to clean, organize, and replenish your collection so you’re ready for all your spring and summer sipping needs.

Step 1: Take Inventory of Your Wine

The first step in any good spring cleaning session is assessing what you already have. Here’s how to do it efficiently:

1. Gather All Your Bottles

If your wine is stored in multiple places—such as a wine fridge, pantry, or a rack—bring everything together in one spot so you can easily see what you have.

2. Check for Expired or Past-Prime Bottles

While many wines improve with age, not all are meant for long-term storage. Check each bottle for:

• Best by dates (for boxed or store-bought sangria)
• Signs of spoilage (leaking corks, off smells, or discolored wine)
• Wines you’ve had for years but never opened (maybe it’s time to enjoy them!)

In general, light white wines, rosé, and most everyday reds should be enjoyed within a few years, while aged reds, fortified wines, and some high-quality whites can last much, much longer.

3. Take Notes

Use a notebook or a wine-tracking app (like Vivino or CellarTracker) to record what you have, including:

• Name & vintage
• Grape variety
• Region
• Ideal drinking window

This will help you keep track of your collection and avoid forgotten bottles collecting dust.

Step 2: Organize Your Wine Storage

Once you’ve taken stock of what you have, it’s time to get your storage space in order.

1. Sort by Type & Drinking Priority

Arrange your bottles based on:

• Ready to Drink: Wines that should be consumed within the next 6-12 months.
• Age-Worthy: Bottles that will improve with time and should be set aside.
• Seasonal Wines: Spring and summer wines (Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio) should be placed up front for easy access.

2. Store Bottles Properly

To keep your wines in the best condition, follow these storage tips:
✅ Keep bottles lying on their sides to keep the cork moist.
✅ Store in a cool, dark place (ideally between 45-65°F).
✅ Avoid temperature fluctuations and direct sunlight (which can prematurely age wine).

If you don’t have a dedicated wine fridge, a temperature-stable cabinet or basement area can work just as well.

3. Label and Categorize

• Use wine tags or chalkboard labels on shelves to make it easy to find what you need.
• Separate everyday wines from special-occasion bottles to prevent accidentally opening a rare vintage on a casual Wednesday night.

Step 3: Refresh & Restock Your Collection

Now that your wine is organized, it’s time for the fun part—refreshing your stash with new wines for spring and summer!

1. Swap Out Winter Wines for Spring Selections

As the weather warms up, you’ll likely reach for lighter, fresher wines rather than the bold, heavy reds of winter. Consider stocking up on:
🌸 Crisp Whites – Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, Chenin Blanc
🌸 Refreshing Rosé – Dry Rosé from Provence, Spain, or California
🌸 Lighter Reds – Pinot Noir, Gamay, Grenache, Sangiovese
🌸 Bubbly Options – Prosecco, Brut Champagne, or Sparkling

2. Try Something New

Spring is the perfect time to experiment with different wine styles. If you usually drink Chardonnay, try a Viognier. Love Cabernet Sauvignon? Give a Spanish Tempranillo or an Italian Sangiovese a try.

3. Plan for Spring & Summer Entertaining

If you love hosting, make sure you have wines suited for:

• Brunch & Patio Sipping: Sparkling wine, light rosé, and fruity whites.
• BBQs & Grilled Foods: Zinfandel, Syrah, or bold Rosé.
• Picnics & Casual Get-Togethers: Canned wines, screw-top bottles, or boxed wines for easy portability.

Step 4: Get Creative with Leftover or Undrinkable Wine

If you’ve discovered old wine that’s past its prime or simply have extra bottles you don’t love, don’t toss them out just yet! Here are some creative ways to repurpose wine:

🍷 Make Sangria – Mix red or white wine with fruit, juice, and a splash of brandy for a refreshing cocktail.

🍷 Cook with It – Use leftover wine in pasta sauces, risottos, marinades, or slow-cooked meats – Try one of Ellena’s recipes!

🍷 Freeze for Future Use – Pour wine into ice cube trays and freeze for cooking or adding to spritzers.

🍷 Make Vinegar – Let wine naturally ferment into a homemade vinegar for salads and marinades.

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home—it’s the perfect opportunity to refresh and reorganize your wine collection, too! By taking inventory, optimizing storage, and restocking with seasonal favorites, you’ll be ready for all the warm-weather sipping ahead.

So, pour yourself a glass of your favorite spring wine, get organized, and toast to a well-curated collection that’s ready to enjoy. Cheers to a fresh start and delicious new discoveries!

Cheers,

Natalie