Worth the Wait: A Guide to Aging Wine (Even Without a Cellar)

2025-10-12

Ever wonder why some wines get better with time while others fall flat? In this episode of Pour and Explore, certified sommelier and former winemaker Nick Elliott breaks down the art—and science—of aging wine. You’ll learn which bottles are worth saving, how to store them without a fancy cellar, and how to know when they’re ready to pop. Nick explains what’s actually happening inside the bottle as it ages, why acidity and tannin matter, and which wines (like Cabernet, Barolo, and Riesling) evolve beautifully over time. He also shares a few that are better...

Ever wonder why some wines get better with time while others fall flat? In this episode of Pour and Explore, certified sommelier and former winemaker Nick Elliott breaks down the art—and science—of aging wine. You’ll learn which bottles are worth saving, how to store them without a fancy cellar, and how to know when they’re ready to pop.

Nick explains what’s actually happening inside the bottle as it ages, why acidity and tannin matter, and which wines (like Cabernet, Barolo, and Riesling) evolve beautifully over time. He also shares a few that are better enjoyed young—looking at you, rosé—and how to store bottles properly in a closet, cabinet, or budget-friendly wine fridge.

You’ll even get tips for tasting aged wines, pairing them with food, and avoiding common storage mistakes. Whether you’re a collector or a casual sipper, this episode will help you age wine with confidence—and enjoy it when it’s just right.

In this episode: