As temperatures drop for winter, wine lovers face a few unique challenges. How should you store your bottles in the cold months? And when it’s time to pour, how do you make sure your wine tastes its best?
Let’s dive into our winter-ready guide to storing and serving wine.
Wine Storage 101
Cooler weather may be ideal for sipping wine, but it’s not always friendly for storing it. The best wines are kept at a steady temperature (ideally around 55°F) and away from direct sunlight, vibrations, or temperature swings.
When bottles get too cold, the liquid inside can expand and push the cork out. And if temperatures fluctuate too much, your wine may age faster than you’d like. It also may be tempting to stash your wine in a basement, garage, or sunroom, but if those spaces dip far below freezing, don’t do it.
Instead, aim for consistency. A small wine fridge or a cool, insulated interior closet is perfect for maintaining steady conditions.
If your wine has been stored somewhere chilly, don’t panic. It likely just needs a little time to come back to serving temperature. Wine doesn’t actually freeze until it’s around 15–20°F, so it’s tougher than you might think.
Still, giving your bottles a stable, comfortable home will keep every pour tasting exactly as the winemaker intended.
Serving Wine at the Right Temperature
Serving wine at the proper temperature is one of the simplest ways to improve your wine experience, especially in winter. The goal is balance: not too warm, not too cold.
White wines and rosés shine when served cool, around 45–50°F. During winter, that might mean just a short chill in the fridge before serving. Over-chilling will mute delicate aromas, so let your glass warm slightly in your hand before taking a sip.
Red wines, on the other hand, should be served slightly below room temperature, around 60–65°F. If your home is toasty, pop your red in the fridge for about 15 minutes before serving.
Sparkling wines enjoy a brisk chill at 40–45°F to keep their bubbles crisp and lively.
If your bottle’s been sitting in a cold car, let it rest on the counter for 15–20 minutes before uncorking. Wine, much like people, appreciates a little time to adjust to its surroundings.
Serving Ideas for Winter Wine Nights
When the snow starts falling outside, there’s nothing better than gathering with friends or family for a simple, cozy evening of good company and good wine.
Host a cozy fireside tasting with a few Rove favorites. Try serving wines at different temperatures to see how their character changes, a fun way to appreciate the depth in each bottle. You might notice the Chardonnay opening with soft notes of vanilla and oak as it warms, while the Harvest Riesling reveals bright, crisp fruit when lightly chilled.
When it comes to food, think hearty and comforting. Merlot pairs beautifully with slow-cooked stews or roast beef, Riesling complements baked brie and creamy pastas, and Chardonnay enhances roasted winter vegetables and buttery sauces.
Feeling adventurous? Try a pot of homemade mulled wine. Start with a smooth, medium-bodied red like Rove’s Pinot Noir, add orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a touch of honey. Let it simmer gently until your kitchen fills with a cozy, spiced aroma. The Pinot’s bright berry notes and soft spice make it an elegant twist on a winter classic, perfect for sipping fireside on a snowy night.
For more winter wine celebration ideas, check out our other guides:
- Your Winter Wine and Food Pairing Guide
- How to Host the Perfect Wine and Cheese Party
- A Winter Solstice Celebration with Wines and Traditions
- Toast the Holidays with Rove Wines
- Wine and Cookies – Pairing Rove Wines with Holiday Treats
Savoring Wines All Winter Long
With a little care in how you store and serve it, every bottle of wine can deliver the same beauty and balance you’d find on a sunny day in the vineyard.
At Rove Winery, every bottle tells the story of this extraordinary place. Its soil, its seasons, and the people who bring it to life. So pour a glass, get comfortable, and let the taste of Leelanau warm your winter.
Visit Rove Winery on the Leelanau Peninsula, join our Wine Club, or shop online to bring a taste of Michigan home this winter!
