Wine storage is different for each type of wine and depends on when you plan to drink the bottle. Most recommended serving temperatures fall between 7 and 18°C (45 and 64°F).
Should White, Rosé and Sparkling Wine Go in the Fridge?
Yes. White, rosé and sparkling wines generally taste fresher when chilled.
Light-bodied whites such as Pinot Grigio usually benefit from a colder serving temperature. Full-bodied whites such as oaked Chardonnay need only light chilling. Sparkling wine should be well chilled before serving.
| Wine Type | Approximate Serving Temperature | Fridge Use |
|---|---|---|
| Sparkling wine | Around 7 to 9°C / 45 to 48°F | Chill well before serving |
| Light white wine | Around 7 to 10°C / 45 to 50°F | Keep in the fridge |
| Full-bodied white wine | Around 10 to 13°C / 50 to 55°F | Chill, then let it warm slightly |
| Rosé wine | Around 8 to 11°C / 46 to 52°F | Chill before serving |
| Light-bodied red wine | Around 13 to 16°C / 55 to 61°F | A short spell in the fridge can help |
| Medium or full-bodied red wine | Around 16 to 18°C / 61 to 64°F | Serve cool, not refrigerator-cold |
Over-chilling wine can mute its aroma and flavor. White, rosé and sparkling wines may taste flat when served below approximately 6°C / 43°F.
Should Red Wine Go in the Fridge?
Most red wine should not stay in the fridge as a routine storage choice, but many reds taste better slightly cool than at room temperature.
Light-bodied reds such as Beaujolais, Pinot Noir and some Valpolicella can be lightly chilled. Fuller reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Syrah are usually better at approximately 16 to 18°C / 61 to 64°F than at typical refrigerator temperature.
WSET gives a general red wine serving range of approximately 13 to 18°C / 55 to 64°F.
If your home is warm, put red wine in the fridge briefly before serving. Remove it before it becomes refrigerator-cold and let it warm slightly.
Should You Put Opened Wine in the Fridge?
Yes. Refrigerate an opened bottle after resealing it.
Cold temperatures slow oxidation, which helps preserve the wine. WSET says a reclosed bottle of red or white wine can remain relatively fresh for up to five days in the fridge. Decanter gives approximately two to three days for opened white or rosé wine. The actual time depends on the wine, how much remains in the bottle and how securely it is sealed.
For best results:
- Replace the cork or screwcap immediately.
- Store the bottle upright.
- Use a proper sparkling wine stopper for sparkling wine.
- Let red wine warm slightly before drinking.
Can You Store Unopened Wine in a Regular Fridge?
A regular fridge is fine for short-term chilling, but it is not suitable for long-term storage or aging.
A domestic fridge is useful for keeping white, rosé and sparkling wine ready to drink. Wine stored in a fridge for too long can be exposed to very cold conditions, low humidity and food odours. WSET also warns that prolonged refrigerator storage can cause corks to lose elasticity. Wine intended for aging needs stable, suitable conditions.
For wine you plan to keep for months or years, use a temperature-controlled wine fridge or a cool, dark and stable storage area.
The Simple Rule
Use the fridge to chill wine before drinking and to slow the deterioration of an opened bottle. Do not use a regular kitchen fridge to age unopened wine.