Known for its rich, sweet, and perfectly balanced flavours, ice wine is loved by wine fans, dessert lovers, and collectors. But many people wonder how to properly store and serve it. Does ice wine need to be chilled? Do you need to refrigerate it before serving?
This guide will explain everything you need to know, including how to store ice wine so it stays fresh and tastes its best. By the end, you’ll know all the basics of enjoying ice wine like a pro.
Should Ice Wine Be Refrigerated?
Yes, ice wine should be refrigerated—both for storage and serving. Its unique composition and high sugar content make it a dessert wine best enjoyed at cooler temperatures. Chilling enhances its refreshing flavour profile and allows the wine’s complex aromas and sweetness to shine without overwhelming your palate.
Read our full ice wine storing & preserving guide to learn more about optimal storage methods, serving tips, and how to ensure your ice wine remains in perfect condition for any occasion.
Typically, ice wine is served at a temperature between 4°C to 10°C (40°F to 50°F). Anything warmer may cause the wine to lose its crispness, while temperatures too cold could dull its intricate flavours.
Refrigerating ice wine ensures that it’s always at a proper serving temperature, whether you’re sharing a bottle at a dinner party or savouring it solo. For occasions where you want your ice wine perfectly chilled upon opening, popping it into the fridge a few hours prior is a good rule of thumb.
Do You Keep Ice Wine in the Fridge?
It’s not a good idea to store ice wine in the fridge for a long time. While refrigerators work well for short-term chilling (a few days or weeks), they aren’t suitable for keeping wine for months or years. Here’s why:
- Fridges Are Too Dry
Wine needs a humid environment to age properly, ideally around 70% humidity. Refrigerators, however, are usually too dry. This can cause the cork to dry out, letting air into the bottle and spoiling the wine.
- Fridge Vibration Affects Wine
Fridges create slight vibrations, which might seem harmless but can disturb the delicate particles in wine over time, affecting its taste and quality.
For short-term storage, it’s fine to keep ice wine in the fridge. If the bottle is unopened, the flavours will stay fresh for up to 1–2 months. Just make sure you store the bottle horizontally to keep the cork moist and reduce air exposure.
A Better Alternative for Long-Term Storage
To protect your investment, store ice wine like you would other fine wines—preferably in a cool, dark space away from direct sunlight. A wine fridge or cellar is the ideal choice, as it optimises temperature and humidity for long-term preservation. Keep the storage temperature around 10°C–12°C (50°F–55°F).
Does Ice Wine Need to Be Chilled? Best Refrigerator Storage Practices
If you do plan to keep your ice wine in the fridge for a short time, it’s essential to follow some best practices to maintain its quality:
👉 Store Bottles Horizontally
Keeping the bottle on its side ensures the cork remains moist, seals the bottle properly, and prevents unwanted air from seeping in.
👉 Avoid Refrigerating Open Bottles for Too Long
Once opened, ice wine should ideally be finished within 3–5 days. Its high sugar content makes it more susceptible to oxidation, even when sealed tightly. Use a wine stopper or vacuum pump to minimise air exposure.
👉 Don’t Store Near Strong Odours
Ice wine can absorb odours from nearby foods in the fridge, so avoid placing it near items with strong smells like garlic or onions. If possible, use a separate wine storage compartment or a sealed storage bag to preserve the wine’s natural aroma.
👉 Set the Right Temperature
If your fridge allows you to control individual compartments, assign the ice wine to a cooler section of about 4°C–6°C (40°F–43°F) until ready to serve.
👉 Avoid Shaking the Bottle
Try to position the ice wine so it won’t be bumped by opening and closing the fridge door constantly. Minimising movement helps preserve sediment and flavour.
Chilling ice wine the right way helps bring out its best flavours, highlighting the perfect mix of sweetness and acidity. If you’re storing it for a short time, keeping it in the fridge is fine. For long-term storage, though, it’s important to use a proper wine fridge or cellar to keep the wine at the right temperature.
While proper refrigeration ensures your ice wine is fresh and enjoyable, you might also wonder what is shelf life of ice wine and how long it can last under different storage conditions. Understanding this can help you plan when to enjoy your bottle at its peak.
