April 14, 2025 - 5 comments
Can you age natural wine?
Yes you can!
It’s a myth we’ve heard many times, natural wines cannot age. Natural wine often gets sold as something to drink young—bright, energetic, fresh. And while many bottles are made for immediate enjoyment, that doesn’t mean they can’t be aged. In fact, certain natural wines can age beautifully, sometimes even more soulfully than their conventional counterparts.
The key? Structure. Wines with good acidity, tannins, and balance can develop complexity over time. Think old-vine reds, skin-contact whites with grip, or whites with strong tension.
But be careful, natural wines can be fragile. With little to no added preservatives, they’re more sensitive to light, heat, and oxygen. If you want to age a bottle, proper storage is essential. Keep it cool (ideally 10–14°C), dark, laying on it’s side to keep the cork moist, and undisturbed. A wine fridge or cellar goes a long way.
One thing to keep in mind: many small-scale natural winemakers simply don’t have the cellar space or cash flow to hold onto wines before release. That means bottles often hit the shelves before they’ve had a chance to settle or show their full potential.
So yes, you can absolutely age natural wine. But choose your bottles wisely, we recommend speaking to the staff at your local wine shop for advice. Then, with the right conditions, you just might get an amazing surprise
What’s the oldest natural wine you’ve ever drunk?
