Topic
Temperatures and storage
Serving and storage temperatures in °C, humidity, light and how to load bottles so wine keeps well.
- Long-term storage
- Around 12 °C
- Full-bodied reds
- 15 to 18 °C to serve
Common guidance puts long-term storage for all styles around 12 °C (often quoted as 10 to 14 °C), steady, dark and with bottles lying down so the cork stays moist.
Serving temperatures differ by style: sparkling coldest, full-bodied reds warmest. The serving temperature guide shows each range in °C and °F.
Guides on this topic
- Wooden vs metal wine fridge shelvesWooden vs metal wine fridge shelves compared: grip, vibration, capacity, sliding drawers and cleaning, plus which shelf type suits your bottles.Comparison
- Wine fridge vs wine chiller: what is the difference?Wine fridge vs wine chiller compared: storage cabinets against electric bottle chillers, chiller sticks and sleeves for speed, capacity and everyday use.Comparison
- Wine fridge vs wine cabinet or rackWine fridge vs wine cabinet, rack or cellar compared: when a passive rack in a cool spot is enough for UK homes and when temperature control pays off.Comparison
- Wine fridge vs normal fridge for storing wineWine fridge vs normal fridge compared on temperature range, humidity, vibration and light, and why a kitchen fridge is too cold and dry for months of storage.Comparison
- What temperature should a wine fridge be?Wine fridge temperature settings in °C: the common storage figure of about 12 °C, serving ranges by wine style, °F conversions and dual-zone tips.Guide
- Does a wine fridge need humidity control?Wine fridge humidity explained: the range usually suggested for corks and labels, why most fridges do not need active control, and simple ways to raise it.Guide
- What is a wine cooler? The name explainedWhat is a wine cooler? In UK shops it usually means a wine fridge, but it can also mean a bucket, sleeve or an American drink. The terms explained clearly.Guide
- Is a wine fridge worth it?Is a wine fridge worth it? Who gains from one, such as collectors, people with warm flats or those who want bottles ready to serve, and who can use a cool cupboard.Guide
- How to store wine in a wine fridgeHow to store wine in a wine fridge: lying bottles flat, a steady temperature, UV glass, low vibration and a loading order for daily drinking and keeping.How-to
- How many bottles does a wine fridge really hold?Wine fridge capacity is quoted in 75 cl Bordeaux bottles. How Burgundy, Champagne and magnum bottles reduce the real count, and how to size a fridge.Guide
- How long does it take to chill wine and beer?How long to chill wine and beer: rough times in a fridge, freezer, ice bucket and wine cooler, and why bottle size and starting temperature change them.How-to
- How long does opened wine last in a wine fridge?How long opened sparkling, white, rosé and red wine keeps with a stopper in a wine fridge or kitchen fridge, and why cooler storage slows oxidation.Guide
- Glass door vs solid door wine fridgeGlass door vs solid door wine fridges compared: UV and light, insulation, condensation, display and when a solid or tinted door is the better choice.Comparison
- Fridge freezer with wine cooler vs a separate wine fridgeFridge freezer with a built-in wine cooler or wine rack vs a separate wine fridge: temperature, capacity, space and which suits your kitchen and your wine.Comparison
- Can you use a wine fridge for food?Can you use a wine fridge for food? Why wine fridge temperatures sit above food fridge guidance, and which items such as drinks and hard cheese can go in.Guide
- Can red wine go in a wine fridge?Yes, red wine can go in a wine fridge. How to store reds at cellar temperature, serve them slightly below room temperature and set zones for reds.Guide