It doesn't matter if you're a wine snob or just a wine novice, if you enjoy the taste of a good wine then you need to know how to store it. The price of the wine makes no difference, nor does the type of the wine. These 6 important tips on how to store wine apply whether you intend to consume your wine in 2 months or 2 years

For your optimal wine enjoyment you should apply all 6 of these to your fullest capabilities. Vary too far from any ones of these points and you may be disappointed when you go to open that bottle you've been saving for just the right time.

1. Bottle Positioning: Wine bottles should always to stored horizontally. It is recommended that the horizontal angle is no greater than 25 degrees. Proper bottle

placement during storage keeps the cork moist and prevents the bottle from being "corked".

There are several types of wine racks available that are made to properly position your bottles during their "resting" time so you should consider investing in one whether you're storing 4 bottles or 20 bottles.

2. Lighting: You should never store your wine in an area where there is too much direct sunlight or where it could be subject to any kind of ultraviolet lights. Wine should be stored in a darker area. Most of today's modern wine bottles are made with glass that filters

out the ultraviolet lights, however ultraviolet light can still penetrate this glass and affect the natural evolution of the wine.

3. Temperature: Wine should always be stored in an area that is cooler. It should also be an area that has a regular constant temperature as close to 55 degrees

Fahrenheit as possible. Large fluctuations in temperatures affect the aging process of the wine and in addition if the wine becomes too warm it will potentially take on a vinegar edge taste that ruins your wine. Don't ever put your wine in a rack that you keep on top of a refrigerator. The heat from the refrigerator can ruin your wine.

4. Humidity: It is important that you store your wine in an area of the home that is more humid. If the wine is stored in an area that is too dry then the natural evolution of the aging process will be destroyed. There are several inexpensive special wine refrigerators available that will maintain the humidity. These are a good investment in your wine, especially if you live in an locality that is very dry.

5. Vibrations: Something many people don't realize is that disturbing wine bottles with bumping and vibrations can completely change the taste of the wine. Your wine should always be stored in an area that is away from generators or water pumps or anything that will

disturb the natural aging process of the wine. In other words...not a good idea to store it in the kid's playroom or your central family gathering area where it can get bumped and knocked around a lot.

6. Odors: Do not store your wine in an area that other odor producing items are also stored. Wine has been known to take on the odors of other items it is near. Storing it in the pantry next to that big old bag of onions wouldn't be a very good idea.

Follow all 6 of these wine storage tips and you're sure to have a very flavorful and enjoyable wine experience the next time you go to "uncork" one of your favorites.