What temperatures should I set my dual-zone wine fridge at?
Hello there! I'm Dr. Vinifera, but you can call me Vinny. Ask me your toughest wine questions, from the fine points of etiquette to the science of winemaking. And don't worry, I'm no wine snob—you can also ask me those "dumb questions" you're too embarrased to ask your wine geek friends! I hope you find my answers educational, empowering and even amusing. And don't forget to check out my most asked questions and my full archives for all my Q&A classics.
Dear Dr. Vinny,
I just bought my first dual wine cooler. What temperatures are best to set it at for the “white” side and the “red” side?
—Patti, Henderson, Nevada
Dear Patti,
How someone uses a dual-zone wine cooler should depend on their drinking habits. But I would reserve at least one of the zones for long-term storage, at a standard 55° F. Keep in mind that that is the standard long-term storage guideline for both red and white wines. Luckily, I also find that 55° is pretty close to where I like to drink my red wines—I just need to pull a bottle out about 30 minutes ahead of time to get to my ideal, 60°-ish zone.
Most other folks—including me—would keep the other zone set for the serving temperature of white or sparkling wines, somewhere between 40° and 50° F (on the cooler side if you drink more bubbly than whites).
—Dr. Vinny
