Did you know that storing wine at the incorrect temperature can ruin a bottle before it has even been opened? To ensure a wine's rich colour and vibrant flavour remain balanced, your bottles must be stored at the optimum temperature. In failing to do so, your wine can age prematurely or be completely ruined, so it’s crucial to have a temperature and humidity-controlled environment for your wine collection. Here we will be discussing what temperature should a wine cooler be to preserve the quality of your wine, and how to ensure your appliance works efficiently.

What is a wine cooler?

Wine coolers or wine fridges are appliances dedicated to maintaining bottles of wine at the optimal temperature.

They provide a perfectly controlled environment to preserve the colour, flavour and vibrancy of your wine collection.

Available in a wide range of sizes and styles and with various features, wine coolers cater to the diverse needs of wine lovers whereever they are.

What temperature should a wine cooler be?

Each bottle of wine is different; therefore, the ideal temperature for a wine cooler will depend on the type of wine you're storing.

For most wines, including red, white and rosés, a consistent temperature of anywhere between 7°C to 18°C is ideal to ensure they are correctly preserved, which is why most wine coolers have a minimum ambient operating temperature of 0°C and a maximum of 10°C.

However, it’s important to note that specific wines may vary within this range; for example, red wine is typically best at anywhere between 10°C to 18°C, with fuller-bodied reds being best at the higher end of this range.

White wines, on the other hand, tend to fair best at a lower range of anywhere between 7°C to 13°C, with sweeter whites preferring the cooler end of this spectrum.

Can you change the temperature of a wine cooler?

Yes, wine coolers are built to adjust to the needs of your wine collection, which is why most models will offer adjustable temperature settings.

Whether you need a cooler setting for your sweet white Riesling or a warmer ambient temperature for your red merlot, you can easily adjust your wine cooler temperatures.

What can affect the temperature of a wine cooler?

Ensuring your wine fridge temperature stays consistent at all times is crucial, which is why it is important to be aware of factors that can influence the temperature stability of your appliance.

They include:

Ventilation

Like all kitchen appliances, wine fridges require adequate ventilation to expel heat. When installing your wine cooler, be sure that there is ample space around the unit for air to circulate, particularly if it’s built into your kitchen cabinets or surrounded by other appliances.

Location

Another key factor to consider is where you choose to house your wine cooler. Even with its UV-protected glass, the internal temperature is at risk of fluctuating if it is exposed to direct sunlight. Equally, placing it close to radiators or appliances that regularly heat up, such as ovens or dishwashers, can compromise the wine fridge temperature. Instead, choose a cool, shaded area of your home away from heat sources for optimal conditions.

Opening the door

Finally, it’s important to avoid opening the door of your wine cooler too frequently and leaving it open for extended periods, as this can cause the temperature and humidity to fluctuate inside.

Want to know more about wine coolers?

If you are interested in learning more about our selection of wine coolers or have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our team today on support@homefeeling.co.uk or give us a call on 01543 228622.