What Is “Bottle Shock”🍷
And Why You Should Let Your Wine Rest 💤🍇
Ever opened a bottle right after buying it or getting it shipped … and it tasted flat, muted, or just off?
Don’t worry — the wine isn’t bad. It might just be suffering from something called bottle shock.
😵 What Is Bottle Shock?
Bottle shock (or bottle sickness) happens when wine has been jostled or shaken during travel, like shipping, moving, or even just a bumpy car ride.
The result?
Flavors get muddled
Aromas seem dull
Structure feels out of balance
It’s like wine jet lag. 🍷✈️
🕰️ How to Fix It
The solution is simple: let the wine rest.
✅ Wait 2–7 days after shipping or travel
✅ Store it upright (for whites) or on its side (for reds with corks)
✅ Keep it in a cool, dark place
Give it time to recover, and those rich flavors and aromas will come back to life.
🔍 How to Know It’s Bottle Shock (Not a Bad Bottle)
It’s a wine you’ve had before, but now it tastes “off” or weirdly flat
No signs of spoilage (no vinegar smell, no cooked aroma)
The bottle was recently in transit
If it just doesn’t taste right but smells clean and try it again in a few days.
Your Turn!
Have you ever opened a bottle that disappointed you and then found it tasted amazing a few days later?
That could’ve been bottle shock!
Share your stories or tips below, we love learning from the community🍷🛌⬇️
*** Another piece of content for your marketing ***
3
2 comments
Brett Hudson
5
What Is “Bottle Shock”🍷
Wine Ambassador Community
skool.com/wine-ambassador
Welcome to our Wine Ambassador Community – where we learn all about wine, wine skills, tips, knowledge, myths, wine pairings in just 5 min a day.
Leaderboard (30-day)
Powered by