# Should Wine Be Refrigerated? *By James Hills — Updated September 2020* Like anything involving wine, there are nuances to questions that I get asked. For example, the question, "Should wine be refrigerated". The simple answer is "maybe" but the best condition for storing wine is generally not at 40 degrees Fahrenheit. While a wine chiller might be considered a refrigerator by some, it is not the same as simply storing your bottles in a standard refrigerator like you might have in your kitchen right now. Let's take a deeper look at this question though and examine the important role that temperature takes in storing wine. Countless wine drinkers still live by the old rule of drinking reds at room temperature, and whites, rosés, and[bubbles have to be chilled.](food-and-drink/there-s-more-than-just-champagne-when-it-comes-to-bubbles.html) However, sometimes you’ll drink a red that’s colder or a warmer white and realize that it tastes better. This throws the idea of the ‘correct’ temperature right out the window. If you know what we’re talking about, you’ve probably also wondered if the rules are wrong. Wonder no longer, because we’re going to explore the ifs and whys of bunging a bottle of vino in the fridge or freezer before serving it. ### Ten Reasons Why Guys Love a Viking River Cruises Rhine Getaway ManTripping: Men's Travel and Lifestyle Blog for busy men who love to travel. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/YyjlU-1eoC2k1kaGe3Kz7A.1476) ### Things We Loved About Virgin Voyages That You Won't Find On Other Cruises A look at what makes Virgin Voyages different, from inventive dining to a fun, inclusive vibe, for travelers seeking a fresh cruise experience. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/YyjlU-1eoC2k1kaGe3Kz7A.502) ### Private Multi Day All Inclusive Tour in Thailand Private all inclusive multi day Thailand tour covering Bangkok, temples, islands and hill villages, ideal for travelers wanting a guided trip. Viator (affiliate) [See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/YyjlU-1eoC2k1kaGe3Kz7A.544) ### Cruise Ship Wi-Fi Explained for First-Time Cruisers First-time cruiser connectivity made simple: ship Wi-Fi versus cellular day passes, which cruise lines include internet, security considerations for banking, and practical strategies to match your usage without overspending. CruiseWestCoast [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/YyjlU-1eoC2k1kaGe3Kz7A.379) Promoted by FlowAds ## Yes, Temperature Matters When Storing and Serving Wine The temperature that you serve (and drink) wine matters. So, the answer to how wine should be stored is that *some* wines should be refrigerated. Temperature can affect the aromas and flavors of wine, so when you serve it at its optimal temperature, you get to experience it at its best. That said, wine shouldn’t be kept in the refrigerator for more than two to three weeks. It makes sense that not all wines should be served at the same temperature; it all comes down to their chemical composition. ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one. [Check The Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/CU7fJ3QE7DISxMQz_gbOuQ.2144) [August's Pick LiberNovo Maxis Electric Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair, Graphite 52cm $1,466.00](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/CU7fJ3QE7DISxMQz_gbOuQ.2350) [July's Pick Powerful Propane Torch Gun, Adjustable Flame Thrower Gun, Kitchen Torch with Detachable Design, Flamethrower Blow Torch for BBQ, Searing Steak, Welding, Camping Charcoal Lighter(Tank Not Included) $41.99](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/CU7fJ3QE7DISxMQz_gbOuQ.2397) [June's Pick OYASUMI Funny BBQ Man Hot Dog Holders, 4 PCS Reusable Stainless Steel Sausage Stands, Portable Hot Dog Roasters, Barbecue Grill Accessories for Camping & Party Gifts $14.98](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/CU7fJ3QE7DISxMQz_gbOuQ.2396) Promoted by FlowAds Bubbly contains carbon dioxide, while white wine is noted for its acidity. The amount of residual sugar differs from one dessert wine to another, and reds are structured by their tannins. How temperature affects the wine’s various components is what causes some characteristics to be highlighted or muted. ## Refrigerators Are Not The Same As Wine Chillers Now that we know the answer to the question, ‘Should wine be chilled,’ we need to look at some of the issues of cooling it in a regular refrigerator. According to [certified sommelier Tina Morey](https://drinksfeed.com/when-should-you-put-wine-in-your-refrigerator/), regular refrigerators are not designed for wine. This means there are a few things we need to keep in mind when using them to chill wine. For starters, regular fridges are usually much colder than refrigerators designed for wine, and they typically don’t have any humidity. Special wine fridges create a near-perfect environment for wine, including the best average temperature and approximately 57% humidity. Some humidity is important, especially when storing wine with real corks, as it prevents the corks from drying, shrinking, and letting air into the wine. Additionally, while the position you store the wine in might not be important for a bottle you plan to drink immediately, storing bottles upright in a refrigerator can dry the cork and lead to other issues as well. Unfortunately, many of us lack the means, space, or desire for a dedicated wine refrigerator, which means we end up using the one in the kitchen. According to Morey, that’s OK if we stick to a few guidelines: - Wine shouldn’t be kept in the fridge for more than a month. - Keep the bottle away from the area near the motor to decrease the intensity of the vibrations. These tiny movements can affect the quality of the wine. - Keep bottles with natural corks lying down. The cork should always be in contact with the wine. - When closing a bottle of wine, whether it’s to remain on the counter or it’s going back into the fridge, ensure it's sealed as tightly as possible. Do this by reinserting the cork or by using a snugly fitting wine stopper. ## Understanding Proper Temperature Ranges For Serving Wine Whether you’re one of those folks who chooses to open a bottle shortly after arriving home with it, or you’re happy to wait for a while first, you might be wondering how wine should be served. The ideal serving temperature for wine differs from the standard storage temperature - 55 degrees. Instead, the serving temperature is designed to help maximize your ability to enjoy the flavor and complexity of different types of wine. For instance, red wines are generally better served warmer than white and sparkling wines. ### Ideal Temperature for Serving Red Wines Syrah, Zinfandel, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon - 60-60 degrees F Cabernet Franc - 60 degrees F ### Ideal Temperature for Serving White Wines Chardonnay, viognier, and white Bordeaux Blends - 50 degrees F Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvingon Blanc - 45-50 degrees F ### Champagne and Sparkling Wines are Best Served Even Colder Champagne and sparkling wines should be served at about 40 degrees F Over time, you may find that the optimal temperature is [different for every bottle of wine](https://www.amazingclubs.com/wine.html). However, but not everyone has the supplies or the time for experiments to find that sweet spot. The good news is that these guidelines are pretty easy to follow. ## Should Red Wine Be Refrigerated? Most red wines are at their best when served at a temperature between 55°F and 65°F. Loire Valley Cabernet Franc and other light-bodied, high-acid reds prefer the lower end of that range. Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends that are full-bodied and high in tannins prefer the higher end, so don’t refrigerate them for longer than 45 minutes. The [old rule of serving reds at room temperature](https://www.theguardian.com/food/2019/jul/14/when-should-a-wine-be-chilled-reds-in-the-frdge) is based on European climates, which are decidedly different from those in North America and elsewhere. ## Should Red Wine Be Refrigerated After Opening? According to Morey, [if you don’t finish drinking a bottle](food-and-drink/how-to-keep-wine-fresh.html) of red and you want to keep it, make sure it is sealed tightly, then store it in the fridge. The cold temperatures will slow down the oxidizing of the wine. Remove the bottle from the fridge half an hour before serving it again. The trick to chilling white and rosés is not to let them get too cold. Chilling these wines lifts their acidity and aromas. However, when they get too cold, the temperature has the opposite effect on the flavors, muting instead of highlighting them. ## Should White Wine Be Refrigerated? Fruity, light whites such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are great when served at a temperature between 45°F and 50°F. Full-bodied whites such as Californian and Burgundian Chardonnays are fabulous when done between 50°F and 60°F, which is also a good temperature range for dessert wines Sauternes. If you plan to keep a bottle of white wine in the refrigerator for a longer period rather than a shorter one, choose a bottle with a synthetic cork or a screw-cap. ## Should Champaign and Sparkling Wine Be Refrigerated? Champagne, champagne-method, and sparkling wines should be chilled to a temperature between 40°F and 50°F before drinking. Colder liquids trap carbon dioxide better than warmer liquids. If you’re serving a prestige cuvée or vintage champagne, serve it at the higher end of that temperature range to unlock their complex flavors and aromas. If you’re serving a bottle of Prosecco or [another fruity, light-bodied sparkling wine](food-and-drink/how-to-discover-a-new-favorite-wine-beer-or-spirit.html), make sure the temperature is at the lower end of that range. You might be tempted to keep a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine in the fridge just in case you need to pop the cork for an impromptu celebration. Like any other wine with a natural cork, you shouldn’t keep it in the fridge for more than three weeks as the cork will dry out. If you haven’t had a reason to celebrate after three weeks, celebrate life itself by enjoying it with dinner, and then replace it with another bottle. ## Sometimes A Cold Glass Of Red Wine Just Works! While there are the right answers to questions about should you refrigerate wine or not and then there are the practical realities. For instance, while visiting Loreto, Baja Mexico last year I discovered that the wine served at dinner, a Malbec - Pinot Noir blend served chilled was actually quite delicious and refreshing. Prior to that night, I would NEVER have considered anything but a slightly below room temperature glass of wine like that. However, it just simply worked in that environment on a hot evening in the open air as we enjoyed delicious food and conversation. Similarly, while the concept of putting ice in my wine is appalling to me, ... many people I know enjoy it that way.  When I've asked winemakers about things like this, generally the response is the same that I get from distillers. "Enjoy your wine. Drink it how you like it as long as you are drinking mine!" Serving wine at the best temperature may require a teeny bit more effort and possibly self-control than opening a bottle that is either too warm or too cold. Still, your palate and your guests will thank you for it. Top Picks Flow Voyages ### Book your next cruise with Heather at Flow Voyages Flow Voyages is a travel advisor specializing in cruises and resorts. [Contact Flow Voyages](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/brJAt2sNqUj8aMh6HZMAXA.617) Promoted by FlowAds Details Written by: James Hills Published: 15 September 2020 Last Updated: 15 September 2020 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? Aug 17, 2026 [Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River?](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amazon-river-cruise-planning-ship-options.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Products & Gift Ideas #### LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk Sep 10, 2026 [LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/libernovo-maxis-big-and-tall-office-chair-review.html) #### FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review Sep 09, 2026 [FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/fresko-4-in-1-immersion-hand-blender-review.html) #### UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer Aug 25, 2026 [UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/ugreen-air-chargers-power-banks-review.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### Ten Things Men Need To Do On A Torrance, California Guys Getaway Jul 15, 2016 [Ten Things Men Need To Do On A Torrance, California Guys Getaway](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/things-i-didn-t-expect-to-find-in-torrance.html) #### How To Have a Perfect Colorado Summer Guys Weekend Adventure May 10, 2022 [How To Have a Perfect Colorado Summer Guys Weekend Adventure](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/how-to-have-a-perfect-colorado-summer-guys-weekend-adventure.html) #### Awesome Port Cities for a Mancation Cruise That Aren't In Florida Oct 17, 2017 [Awesome Port Cities for a Mancation Cruise That Aren't In Florida](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/awesome-port-cities-for-a-mancation-cruise-that-aren-t-in-florida.html) ### Related Articles #### The Families Behind the Bottle: 13 Wines to Open With Dad This Father's Day [The Families Behind the Bottle: 13 Wines to Open With Dad This Father's Day](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/fathers-day-wine-roundup.html) #### Date Night Wines: 11 Bottles That Will Set the Mood for Valentine's Day [Date Night Wines: 11 Bottles That Will Set the Mood for Valentine's Day](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/valentines-day-wines-for-date-night.html) #### Vineyard Voyages: A Man's Guide to Australia's Premier Wine Regions [Vineyard Voyages: A Man's Guide to Australia's Premier Wine Regions](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/guide-to-australias-premier-wine-regions.html) #### From Champagne to Cava: A Man's Guide to Exploring Sparkling Wine [From Champagne to Cava: A Man's Guide to Exploring Sparkling Wine](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/from-champagne-to-cava-a-mans-guide-to-exploring-sparkling-wine.html) #### Mount Veeder Winery & High Camp Flask Set Review: Premium Wine Meets Adventure-Ready Design [Mount Veeder Winery & High Camp Flask Set Review: Premium Wine Meets Adventure-Ready Design](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/mount-veeder-high-camp-flask-wine-set-review.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- *Source: [Should Wine Be Refrigerated?](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/should-wine-be-refrigerated.html)* **Tags:** Wine, Wine Tips and Advice