Why should wines be kept away from strong light?

Wines should be kept away from strong light primarily because exposure to light can heat the wine, which accelerates chemical reactions within the bottle. This can lead to the degradation of the wine, negatively affecting its flavor and aroma, ultimately making it taste stale. Prolonged exposure to strong UV light can also damage the wine's components, including its delicate balance of acids, tannins, and other flavor compounds.

While it’s true that strong light can potentially cause spoilage, the primary concern relates to its heating effect. Unlike other casual factors affecting wine, such as cork quality or alcohol content, light specifically interacts with the wine at a chemical level, which is why protecting wine from light is crucial for maintaining its integrity and quality.