What is the Ideal Temperature for a Wine Cellar?
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Does temperature play a role in wine storage? You bet! And your best bet is to pay attention to two key details: the wine cellar temperature and the ideal temperature your wine needs. If you’re trying to store the wine for a long time, you must know what temperature is optimal for wine storage.
Ideal temperature for storing wine is between 55°F and 57°F (13°C and 14°C), with an average of 60% approximate humidity.
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Quality should be the top priority when choosing a wine cooling system.
In order to keep your wine’s finest flavor, be sure you’re getting the most out of it. We’ve done the research for you and created this helpful guide that has all the information you need on the best wine cellar temperature and how to maintain the ideal storage environment.
We’ll go over all there is to know about the ideal wine storage temperature, how these temperatures might vary based on the type of wine you have, and why temperature is so important in this guide.
We’ve also included a FAQ section to answer any queries you might have regarding your wine storage along with a handy temperature chart to keep things in order and some advice on how to store wine properly, including wine cellar temperature control, vibrations, wine cellar cooling, and wine storage humidity, and more. So let’s get started!
How Temperature and Environment Affect Wine
A bottle of wine suffers as the temperature changes. If the temperature continuously rises or falls by several degrees, your wines will deteriorate and possibly age prematurely. Contraction and expansion are the reason for these changes in quality. The pressure within a bottle increases as the temperature rises because the wine inside expands more than the glass does. The pressure will cause the aroma of the wine to slowly leak through the cork. Improper storage conditions can also pose a risk of burning, leading to disastrous incidents that could destroy valuable wine collections. On the other hand, when the bottle is cooled again, the reverse happens, drawing air back in through the cork. As a result, the pleasant aroma of wine is replaced with damaging air. Regular occurrence of this results in a detectable deterioration.
How Extreme Cold Affects Wine
Exposure to extreme cold between 15-20°F causes the wine to expand, putting pressure on the cork and the bottle. This could result in the cork popping or the bottle cracking, both of which would lead to oxidation and potentially destroyed wine.
To prevent this from happening, when buying a wine cellar cooling unit, you need to make sure that the condenser can beat the extreme temperature. Our group of wine experts recommended the 220V Condenser because it can operate in extreme climates.
In case you use 110V, make sure you have an exterior grill and condenser coil coating to protect your unit from the extreme weather.
Why is Cellar Temperature Important by Region?
Maintaining the ideal temperature in your wine cellar will help preserve the wine's quality overall while also extending its freshness and preventing it from being excessively warm or cold.
Different regions across the country have varying climates, influencing how wine should be stored to maintain its optimal flavor and aroma. In warmer environments where temperatures can soar, it becomes crucial to have a well-insulated wine cellar with a reliable cooling system to prevent the wine from overheating and losing its delicate balance. Conversely, in cooler regions, the challenge might be to ensure that the wine does not become too cold, which could lead to the formation of tartaric crystals or even freezing.
Moreover, the type of wine produced in a specific region can also dictate the ideal storage conditions. For example, wines from Mediterranean countries, known for their robust reds, might require slightly warmer storage temperatures compared to the crisp whites from cooler European regions. Understanding these regional differences is essential for wine enthusiasts and collectors to ensure that each bottle is stored in a way that honors its origin and enhances its unique characteristics.
Additionally, the environmental impact of maintaining a wine cellar at the correct temperature should not be overlooked. Energy-efficient cooling systems and sustainable practices can help minimize the carbon footprint of wine storage, contributing to a more environmentally-friendly approach to preserving these cherished beverages. By considering both the regional climate and the type of wine, you can create a tailored storage solution that not only protects your collection but also respects the environment. This approach ensures that the functionality of your storage meets the needs of your wine, while also being mindful of the broader impact on the environment.
Furthermore, the threat of fires in certain regions emphasizes the importance of safeguarding wine collections. In areas prone to wildfires, officials often advise homeowners to set up fire-resistant storage options to prevent their valuable wines from being destroyed. Losing a collection to flames can be devastating, both emotionally and financially, as people invest significant time and resources into curating their selections. By joining forces with experts in fire safety and wine storage, you can continue to enjoy your collection without the fear of it being lost to unforeseen disasters.
The easiest way to avoid these issues is to store your wine properly, by:
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Installing Wine Room Cooling Units.
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Keeping it at the right and consistent temperature.
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Keeping it at the right wine cellar humidity level.
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Getting proper insulation and ventilation.
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Storing it in a good wine cellar location.
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Using the appropriate Wine Racks.
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Avoiding vibrations.
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Keeping it away from sunlight and other harsh lights.
Everything you need to know about proper wine storage can be found in this blog: How To Build A Wine Cellar: Guide To Wine Storage
Tip: Keeping your wine at a consistent temperature will guarantee that it retains its best quality because even slight temperature changes may have an effect later.
Can you Store Different Types of Wine at the Same Temperature?
Here is a basic guideline that can help you determine the ideal wine room temperature for your wine.
To keep things easier, we made this Wine Cellar Temperature Guide with the best storage temperatures for each variety of wine, along with a few samples.
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Type of Wine |
Storage Temperature (°F) |
Storage Temperature (°C) |
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Red Wine |
55-65 |
12-19 |
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Full-bodied Reds (Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, Port, Malbec, Burgundy, Syrah or Shiraz, etc.) |
60-65 |
16-19 |
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Light and Medium Reds (Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sherry, Lambrusco, etc.) |
55-60 |
12-16 |
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Rosé Wine (Pinot Nero, Grenache, White Zinfandel, Syrah Rosé, etc.) |
50-55 |
10-12 |
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White Wine |
45-55 |
7-12 |
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Dry Whites (Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, etc.) |
50-55 |
10-12 |
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Sweet Whites (Moscato, Pinot Grigio, Sauternes, etc.) |
45-50 |
7-10 |
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Sparkling Wine (Champagne, Muscat Blanc, Riesling, Prosecco, etc.) |
40-45 |
5-7 |
Other FAQ on Wine Cellar Temperature
Q: What happens when wine is stored at home room temperature?
“Can you store wine at room temperature?” That’s one of the most frequently asked questions about wine storage by new wine collectors. The answer is NO.
Room temperature is not the warm, cozy temperature of centrally heated homes, but rather the temperature of a subterranean or underground wine cellar, which is crucial for maintaining the quality of wine distributed throughout the country. 55°F (13°C) is the ideal wine cellar temperature. Is the temperature in your home 55°F (13°C)? If not, you’re probably thinking, “Oh no! I already stored some wines there. How long can you store wine at room temperature?”. You haven’t completely ruined your wine yet, so there’s no need to worry! As long as proper wine storage conditions are met and it isn’t near your heater or in direct sunlight, wine can be kept at room temperature for around 6 months without suffering any significant damage.
Q: Can a wine cellar be too cold?
Wine’s biggest enemy is heat, but it can also suffer from being excessively chilled. We do not recommend storing wines in a standard refrigerator.
Wine is susceptible to “slow aging,” which indicates it doesn’t mature or develop over time. The formation of tartaric acid crystals in the wine might result from storing below the recommended wine storage temperature.
Additionally, the absence of moisture may eventually cause corks to dry out, which could cause air to leak into wine bottles and harm the wine. The liquid can also expand to the point of forcing the cork out if it begins to freeze.
We suggest keeping wine away from potential freezing areas when storing it, as you may be forced to adapt your storage conditions to prevent damage.
Q: How to maintain consistent wine cellar temperature?
Proper insulation is the key to maintaining consistent wine cellar temperature. Keeping the cellar water and air tight will keep the wine cellar temperature consistent and protect the bottles from damage. Learn more in this Step-by-Step Guide
For the longer term, invest in high-quality and reliable Wine Cellar Cooling Units that offer excellent functionality.
Q: How to choose a wine cellar cooling unit for optimal functionality?
Need help in choosing a cooling system for your wine cellar? You may reach out to our excellent customer care at +1-888-407-7770. Our team, much like officials who expertly manage critical situations, is here to provide expert advice and recommendations. You can also contact us by live chat or email at support@winecoolersempire.com for your wine refrigeration needs.
The Final Word
The way wine is stored affects how it will taste when it is served. You may have no control over the wine’s production process, but it is your duty to take care of the bottles in a way that will preserve their flavor and value after they have been bought.
Temperature has an impact on how long your wine will last, just like all the other factors of wine storage. Improper storage can lead to significant losses, where entire collections can be lost, affecting both emotional and financial investments. For you to enjoy wine to the fullest, different varieties have ideal serving temperatures. Additionally, you must always store your wine bottles in a wine cooler while they aren’t being consumed or before serving to preserve them more effectively.
What is the best wine cellar cooling unit? Wine Coolers Empire is your trusted dealer of the best wine cellar cooling units and wine racks from leading manufacturers such as Breezaire, CellarCool, Whisperkool and Wine Guardian!
If you’re looking for the quietest wine cellar cooling units, small wine cellar cooling units, commercial or residential wine cellar coolers, wine cabinet coolers for your wine cellar cabinet or wine closet, wine cooler units, large wine room coolers, portable wine cooler units, ducted wine cooling systems, ductless wine cellar cooling units, or even through the wall wine cooling units, we have everything for you.
Check out our collection of the best Wine Coolers with temperature controls that can be adjusted, and Wine Cellar Cooling Systems for complete environmental control.
Need advice on how to size a wine cellar cooling unit or how to determine the size of wine cellar cooling unit? Our experts are always ready to answer your queries
Please feel free to get in touch with us if you need assistance from our customer care and support team. Call us at or send us an email at support@winecoolersempire.com.