Wine can feel a little intimidating if you're just getting into it. Whether you're swirling a glass of red at dinner or popping a bottle of bubbly for a celebration, it’s easy to wonder if you’re doing things “right.” The good news? There’s no need to overthink it. Wine is meant to be enjoyed, not overcomplicated. To help you feel more confident next time you pour yourself a glass, we’ve rounded up answers to five of the most common wine-related questions—no snobby jargon, just simple explanations. Let’s dive in!
1. What's the best temperature to serve wine?
For red wine, you want it a bit cooler than room temperature—around 15–18°C. Think cozy cellar vibes, not blazing summer heat. White wine is best chilled, but not icy—around 7–12°C . Just pop it in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving. Sparkling wines like Champagne? They love it cold, around 5–8°C. Basically, chill whites and bubbles, but keep reds a bit cooler than you might expect.
Some choose to use a wine fridge to store their wines at just under room temperature.
2. How do I store wine properly?
Wine likes it cool, dark, and steady. Store bottles lying down (especially if they have corks) in a spot with a stable temperature around 12–18°C. Keep them away from direct sunlight, heat, and heavy vibrations (so, not on top of the fridge). Oh, and once you open a bottle, try to finish it within a few days before it does go off - unless you’ve got a fancy wine stopper or pump to keep it fresh.
Room wine rack for storage
3. Do I really need to decant wine?
The short answer is no, but it can help! Decanting is just pouring wine from the bottle into another container (usually something wide at the bottom) before drinking. For younger reds, it helps them “breathe” and release their flavours. For older wines, it helps separate any sediment that’s built up. But honestly, if you just pour it into a glass and give it a swirl, you’re still doing it some good.
Bottle of Beresford Wine being poured in a glass decanter
4. Why do I get headaches from wine?
Wine headaches can come from a few things—mainly dehydration, tannins (found mostly in red wine), sulphites (used as preservatives), or just plain drinking too much. If you’re sensitive to sulphites, you’ll likely feel it more with white wines or sweet wines. The best fix? Drink water alongside your wine, try different types to see what works for you, and always enjoy in moderation.
5. What’s the deal with sulphites? Are they bad?
Sulphites are natural preservatives that help keep wine fresh and prevent it from spoiling. Most wines, especially whites and sweet wines, have added sulphites. They’re usually harmless unless you have a sensitivity to them (which is pretty rare). If you’re not sure, try organic or low-sulphite wines and see how you feel. But for most people, sulphites aren’t the villain—they’re just doing their job.
Sulphite comes from dried fruits such as grapes during the fermentation process.