What's the difference between a wine cellar and a wine cooler?
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,
What's the difference between a wine cellar and a wine cooler?
—David, New York
Dear David,
The way these terms are most often used, a wine cellar is a cabinet or an entire room that stores wine in optimal conditions: a consistent temperature (about 55° F) good for long-term aging, with humidity control and some way to keep the wine away from light and vibration. Coolers are designed only to maintain a consistent temperature—often just a consistent serving rather than storage temperature.
—Dr. Vinny
