What’s the Best Temperature for a Wine Refrigerator?

Vinotemp 18-Inch Panel-Ready Wine Cooler

A wine refrigerator is an appliance designed to replicate the temperature inside a wine cellar, which means you can give your collection a good home without having to worry about construction, selecting wine racks, cooling systems, or space. Read on to discover the best temperature for a wine cooler and more information on the proper storage conditions of wine.

Wine is a delicate substance and should be stored properly to maximize its flavors and aromas. Wine has four major enemies; temperature swings, prolonged exposure to bright lights and UV rays, lack of humidity, and vibration.

To maximize storage conditions, keep the following in mind when storing wine inside a wine cooler:

● Storage Temperature: Both red and white wine should be stored at a consistent 55℉.
● Serving Temperature: Each varietal has its ideal serving temperature. If your wine cooler has two independent temperature zones, you may choose to set one to storage temperature and the other to storing temperature.
● Wine Racking: Wine coolers feature horizontal racking that allows the wine bottle to lay on its side. The horizontal position keeps the cork moist, preventing oxidization. Wine should not be stored upright.
● Vibration: Once your wine is inside the wine cooler, let it rest until it is time to drink. If your wine cooler has a lock, lock it to prevent others in your household from accessing your wine unnecessarily.
● Location: Your wine cooler should be placed on a level surface that can withstand the unit’s weight when filled with wine. Ideally, this is a spot where it will not be exposed to direct sunlight or heat.
● Installation: Each wine refrigerator has its own set of clearance guidelines to ensure it operates properly and does not malfunction. If the unit has a front exhaust, it can be built into existing cabinetry. Rear exhaust means it should be freestanding and not placed under any surface or recessed into cabinetry.
● Indoor/Outdoor: Most wine coolers are designed for use in an insulated room that does not experience large temperature swings. Do not install a wine cooler in the basement, garage, or outdoors unless marked as safe for use in these spaces.

As we mentioned above, there is a difference between serving and storage temperatures. Wine’s serving temperature is the perfect temperature at which a wine should be served to ensure the flavors and aromas are at their peak. If you have a wine refrigerator with multiple zones, you can use one temperature zone for wine that will be uncorked soon, and the other for long-term storage. Here is a summary of different varietals and their ideal storage temperature. Please note that this chart serves as a guideline only. You may adjust serving temperatures based on your personal preference.

If you love wine, then a wine cooler is a must-have appliance. A wine cooler can keep your precious bottles at the ideal storage or serving temperatures. By storing your wine at the right storage temperature, it will taste its best once uncorked. If you have any questions about wine storage, please contact our cellar experts with our Contact Form.