10/08/2026
October is the perfect time to take stock of what’s in your w**e collection. Start by checking your space. As outdoor temperatures drop, make sure your cooling unit isn't running too cold or letting the air get bone-dry. Give your bottles a quick once-over, too—look for sticky corks, leaking seals, or low fill lines that mean a bottle needs to be opened sooner rather than later. It also helps to shuffle things around a bit: shift the crisp whites and pale rosés out of prime real estate to make room for the heavier reds, port, and aged bottles you'll want to reach for on the shorter and chillier evenings.
Once your space is sorted, take a few minutes to update your inventory so you know what you actually have on hand. It’s easy to forget about a great bottle tucked in a bottom corner, and the last thing you want is to let something slide past its prime. Take stock before the holiday rush hits so you can spot any obvious gaps—like missing a decent Pinot Noir or a hearty Syrah for fall dinners—and restock intentionally. Spending an hour or two now saves you from digging around in the dark when guests are over, making sure you’ve got the right bottle ready to pull the moment you pop a roast in the oven.
If you are looking to add bottles before year-end, look no further: Iron Gate’s final Fine W**e Auction is November 17-24 and you can register by clicking the link in our bio.
