What you need to know about storing wine
When storing fine wine, there are a few things you should know. You can keep your fine wine properly by using a separate wine refrigerator.
1. Store the bottles on their side
Maintain wine at the proper temperature
3. Maintain proper humidity
4. Limit your exposure to light
Avoid vibrations and movements
Check out our article for more information on wine storage and temperature ranges.
What makes a wine fridge different from a standard refrigerator?
It may seem unnecessary to invest in a separate cooler for your wine, but standard refrigerators are able to damage your wines when they’re stored. Wine cooler refrigerators, on the other hand, protect your collection of wine and allow it to mature at a proper rate.
Temperature
Wine refrigerators are more gentle in cooling bottles. Standard refrigerators can cool food and drinks down to 41 degrees Fahrenheit very quickly. Wine refrigerators can also be set to slightly higher temperatures, as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Humidity
Wine refrigerators are designed for proper humidity control so that bottle labels and corks don’t dry out. Wine refrigerators maintain an air humidity between 50 to 80 percent, while standard refrigerators have dry air.
Vibration
Wine can be damaged by too much movement. Standard refrigerators use refrigeration systems, which cause vibrations when the compressors are on and off. There are wine refrigerators with anti-vibration or thermoelectric cooling systems that eliminate this problem.
How to choose a wine refrigerator
Are you looking to add a wine refrigerator to your bar, restaurant, tasting room, or event space? It’s not difficult to find the perfect one. Ask yourself a few simple questions when you are shopping.
How much are you storing & for how long?
Your choice will be influenced by the amount of wine that you store. The amount of wine that can be stored in a refrigerator depends on the type and capacity of its shelving. The length of time that you plan to keep the wine will also affect what type of cooler is best for you. Consider building a wine cellar if you plan to store a large amount of wine for a long time or keep bottles of wine.
- Capacity of Bottles: Wine refrigerators come in capacities from a dozen to 300 bottles. Consider how many bottles you will need in the near future and leave room to expand your business over time.
- Types of Shelving Some wine coolers hold bottles horizontally, while others do not. If you plan to keep your bottles for a long time, they must be stored horizontally. This is less important if your favorite vintages have rubber or metal corks.
What types of wines are you storing?
Different types of wines require different temperatures for storage. You’ll need to ensure that the unit you purchase will be able to accommodate the kind of wine you serve.
Does wine not play a major role in your business? If your business only keeps a few bottles of wine on hand or you serve a limited selection of wines, 55 degrees Fahrenheit is a good temperature for most types of red and white wines.
- Zones: Determine whether you want the versatility of multiple zone units or the consistency that comes with a single-zone system.
- Temperature range: Make certain that the temperature range you choose will be suitable for your wine.
- Types of Cooling Systems: High-end wine chillers use thermoelectric cooling systems to cool the cabinet quietly and without vibration. The majority of units use a refrigeration unit with a compressor. You can choose a type based on your budget and how much noise you’re willing to tolerate.
What is the best place to store your wine?
As with any cooling unit, the wine fridge must be installed on a solid surface that is free of vibrations and heat. Your decision about whether you want to install your wine refrigerator in the front of your house or storage space will also affect what type of unit is needed.
- Built-In vs. Freestanding: Some of the models can be installed into counters to be used behind a bar. Others can stand alone in retail or bar spaces.
- Wine Displays: Want to display your favorite vintages or sell bottles of local wineries? Wine merchandisers allow customers to see your wine while keeping it cool and safe. These are great for areas that face customers, such as retail shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms.
- Styles of Doors: When choosing a unit that has glass doors, make sure to look for units with multiple panes. This will provide you with better insulation and filtering properties for light. This will protect your wine supply from UV radiation. You may also need to install door locks in order to protect your wine during off-hours or in areas where customers are present.
- LED Lights: Energy-efficient LED lights are a great addition to wine coolers. This is especially true if you want to display bottles near customers. LEDs are cool and bright and will not damage your wine bottles. Some models also come with blue lights to create a classy atmosphere.
- Aesthetics: Choose a cooler that looks good in your restaurant, bar, or tasting room if you plan to put it in front of the house. There are many styles with stylish door frames and finishes to match your decor.
Dual-Zone Wine Fridges
A dual-zone unit could be the perfect solution for you if you want to store different types of wine.
Do I need a dual-zone wine fridge?
Dual-zone wine coolers have two separate compartments, each of which can be controlled separately. You can adjust the temperature and humidity of each room independently. Store whites and reds separately. Dual-zone units are useful if your wine list includes a wide range of vintages, types, and quality of wines.
The Benefits of Single-Zone Wine Fridges
If you are only going to be storing a few bottles of wine or serving a specific type of wine, you may not require multiple zones. If it keeps a constant 55 degrees Fahrenheit, a single-zone fridge will often be able to accommodate different types of wines. Single-zone units can also be cheaper.
The Benefits of Draft Wine Dispensers
Draft Wine Dispensers and wine-on-tap dispensers look like beer dispensers, but they are modified to be used with wine. These dispensers use refrigeration systems that can maintain temperatures that are more suitable for wine. All line and tap components have been designed to handle wine’s acidity.
Wine dispensers are a great option if you need to serve large quantities of wine quickly and maintain high quality. These are perfect for large venues, such as stadiums or event venues. They can also be used for wine festivals and wineries.
Pros
- Faster service
- The wine in kegs will remain fresher for longer because it is protected against oxidation and temperature changes.
- Bottle service reduces waste.
- Pour any size glass, even a sample
You can also find out more about the Cons
- Costly systems
- Maintenance and cleaning requirements are increasing
- It can eliminate some of the experiences customers enjoy
How long does wine last in the fridge?
A bottle of wine can last anywhere from 2 to 5 working days after it has been opened. This depends on the type and how it is stored. A good stopper makes a huge difference.
It is important to remember that the primary purpose of a wine refrigerator is to preserve the quality of the wine. This includes preventing oxidation and exposure to light as well as rapid temperature changes. Use these accessories to help keep your wine fresher after you’ve opened the bottle.
