- Perfect drinking temperature for Red Wines: 12˚C < 18˚C, White Wine: 8˚C < 12˚C, Champagne / Dessert Wine: 5˚C and 7˚C.
- Red Wine should be uncorked and decanted at least 30/60 minutes before serving.
- White wine is best served cold; keep it chilled when serving if possible.
The two most important aspects of wine are storing it and serving it. Wineware has created a 'Wine Storage Temperature Guide' to help you store your wine bottles safely and correctly. This 'Perfect Drinking Temperature for Wine' guide will advise you on which temperature to serve your wine (red/white/sparkling) for maximum enjoyment without compromising the flavour or aroma.
Why is the temperature of the wine serving important?
The serving temperature of a wine is often overlooked. However, unlocking a wine's full flavour and aromas is critical. It is important to remember that each wine has an ideal serving temperature, and one temperature is not suitable for all. Our guide shows the temperatures (˚F and ˚C) that we feel are ideal for serving various wines.
Wineware tip: As a general rule, red wine should be uncorked for at least half an hour to an hour, while white wine is best served cold. This is only a rough guide that differs from one bottle to another. For instance, you can enjoy a slightly chilled dry red wine, while sweet white wine benefits from being served slightly warm.
What temperature should I serve wine?
We have produced this table to help you know the best temperature to serve your wine:
| Wine | Type | Temperature (˚F) | Temperature (˚C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vintage Port | Fortified Wine | 66˚F | 19˚C |
| Bordeaux, Shiraz | Red Wine | 64˚F | 18˚C |
| Red Burgundy, Cabernet | Red Wine | 63˚F | 17˚C |
| Rioja, Pinot Noir | Red Wine | 61˚F | 16˚C |
| Chianti, Zinfandel | Red Wine | 59˚F | 15˚C |
| Tawny/NV Port | Fortified Wine | 57˚F | 14˚C |
| Beaujolais, Rosé | White Wine / Rosé | 54˚F | 12˚C |
| Viognier, Sauternes | White Wine | 52˚F | 11˚C |
| Chardonnay | White Wine | 48˚F | 9˚C |
| Riesling | White Wine | 47˚F | 8˚C |
|
Champagne, Sparkling Wine, Dessert Wine |
Sparkling Wine |
45˚F | 7˚C |
| Ice Wines | Dessert Wine | 43˚F | 6˚C |
| Asti Spumanti | Sparkling Wine | 41˚F | 5˚C |
If you are still unsure about the serving temperature for your particular wine bottle, please get in touch with Wineware. We will always be happy to help you and can add the information to our table featured above. Please browse our range of wine-serving accessories here.
Download and Print
Download Wineware's PDF version - Suggested Wine Drinking Temperatures. From now on, enjoy drinking your wine at the perfect temperature.
General wine serving tips
- If you are ever in doubt, serve the wine a few degrees cooler than room temperature. This will release rich and powerful aromas as the wine warms to room temperature.
- Decanting wine will also bring it to room temperature, allowing it to breathe.
- Still, it would be best to always pour wines towards the centre of the glass.
- It would be best to always pour sparkling wines against the side of the glass to preserve the bubbles.
- No wine should ever be served over 20˚C (68˚F).
- The shape of the wine glass is essential. Wineware has a 'What Are Wine Tasting Glasses' guide to advise you on the appropriate glassware for your wine.
- If you are hosting a dinner party, it is always important to remember to serve wine in the correct order. It would be best to try serving lighter wines before full-bodied and chilled wines before those at room temperature.
- If you do not finish a bottle of wine, there are numerous ways to preserve it, such as bottle stoppers, pumps, and argon gas. These preservation methods are cost-effective and ensure the wine does not get wasted.
- Use a high-quality, reliable corkscrew like a Laguiole en Aubrac or a Pulltap Waiters Friend Double Lever Corkscrew.
- Always have an extra corkscrew!
Wineware is always here to answer any questions, so please get in touch with us if you require further information or advice.
