The Best Way to Chill Wine in the Refrigerator and Freezer (Plus 5 Quick-Chill Hacks!)
Whether you're preparing for a cozy night in or hosting a last-minute gathering, knowing how to chill wine properly is essential. Trust me, I have messed this up plenty of times. Serving wine at the right temperature enhances its flavors and aromas, making every sip more enjoyable. While a wine fridge is ideal, most of us rely on a standard refrigerator, or honestly sometimes even the freezer, to get the job done. Here’s the best way to chill your wine efficiently, plus five quick hacks to speed up the process when you're short on time.
How to Chill Wine in the Refrigerator
For the best results, follow these general guidelines for chilling wine in a standard refrigerator:
Sparkling Wine & Champagne: 3-4 hours at 40-45°F (4-7°C)
White & Rosé Wines: 2-3 hours at 45-50°F (7-10°C)
Light-Bodied Red Wines (e.g., Gamay, Pinot Noir): 1-2 hours at 55-60°F (13-16°C)
Pro Tip: Store white and rosé wines in the fridge overnight to have them ready at the perfect temperature for next-day enjoyment.
How to Chill Wine in the Freezer (Safely!)
When you're in a rush, the freezer can be your best friend, but only if you use it properly to avoid frozen or cracked bottles. Here’s how:
Wrap the Bottle in a Damp Towel – This helps conduct cold air more quickly to the wine.
Lay It Horizontally – This increases surface area exposure for faster chilling.
Set a Timer for 30 Minutes – Never forget your bottle in the freezer!
Check for Readiness – A properly chilled bottle should feel cool to the touch but not icy.
Time Guidelines:
Sparkling Wine: 40-45 minutes
White & Rosé Wine: 30-40 minutes
Light Red Wine: 20-25 minutes
Warning: Never leave wine in the freezer for more than an hour. The liquid can expand and cause the bottle to crack or the cork to pop!
5 Quick Hacks to Chill Wine Faster
Salt & Ice Water Bath – Fill a bucket or large bowl with ice, water, and a handful of salt. Submerge the bottle, and it’ll be ready in 15 minutes.
Frozen Grapes – Drop a few frozen grapes into your glass to cool your wine without watering it down.
Wet Paper Towel Trick – Wrap the bottle in a damp paper towel before placing it in the freezer. This speeds up cooling to 20-25 minutes.
Metal Wine Chiller or Ice Pack – A stainless steel wine chiller sleeve or ice pack can cut chilling time in half.
Spin the Bottle in Ice Water – Gently rotating the bottle in an ice bath helps distribute the cold faster, cutting chilling time to 10-15 minutes.
How to Chill Wine Without a Wine Fridge
If you don’t have a dedicated wine fridge, don’t worry your regular refrigerator, freezer, and quick-chill hacks will work just fine. However, here are some additional tips:
Store white and sparkling wines in the fridge so they’re always at the right temperature when needed.
Keep an ice bucket handy when serving wine, especially outdoors.
Invest in a wine cooling stick that fits into the bottle and chills it from the inside.
Final Sip
Chilling wine the right way makes a huge difference in how it tastes. Whether you plan ahead with the refrigerator, use the freezer in a pinch, or try one of these quick hacks, you’ll always have the perfect pour. Just remember to set a timer when using the freezer—we’ve all been there with a forgotten, frozen-solid bottle!
Have a favorite wine-chilling hack? Drop it in the comments below!
