What is a wine cooler & how to choose the best one

What is a wine cooler? You may be a wine aficionado. Or, you may not be able to tell the difference between a Chardonnay and a Sauvignon Blanc—but you know you like both! Either way, a wine cooler can make a big impact on how enjoyable each bottle tastes. However, it can be difficult to choose which wine cooler is right for your home (or wine cellar). That’s why we wanted to create this guide to help you navigate each model to find the right wine cooler for your home.

Sure, a wine cooler will help your wine stay fresh and taste better, but is it really worth the spend? Here are a few additional benefits of a wine cooler.

• Constant Temperature

If you ask any wine expert, they’ll all agree. Keeping your wine at a consistent temperature will help it last longer. When subjected to heat, the aging process of wine speeds up and the flavor compounds break down. Inside most houses, the temperatures can fluctuate greatly, so having a wine cooler is the best solution to this dilemma.

• Proper Humidity Levels

Unlike a regular refrigerator, a wine cooler provides the optimal humidity levels to ensure that the cork in a wine bottle does not shrink (allowing air and bacteria to enter through the gaps).

• UV Protection

Wine needs protection from UVs? Yep! These rays cause chemical reactions that can result in discoloration and off-flavors. A good wine fridge will block out light as well as protect your wine from the heat. This is especially important for wines in clear bottles.

• Proper Serving

A wine cooler also guarantees that you’ll be serving your wine at its proper temperature. White wines are best served cold while red wines work best at room temperature. You can set your fridge temperature accordingly.

• Better Organization

If you’re a fan of many different types of wines or plan to host friends for a dinner party, you’ll most likely have more than a bottle or two. Leaving these out on counters or even on a buffet can quickly become overwhelming. Having a dedicated space for these bottles allows you to keep them tucked away neatly while allowing you to use counters and cabinets for other important kitchen items.

• Wine Savvy Style

A wine cooler is also a fun way to show how educated you are about the delicious beverages you’re serving guests. It shows that you’ve taken the time to invest in your home and your role as a host. Guests will appreciate this addition to your dining room, cellar, or kitchen.