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Expert Guide: How Cold Should A Wine Fridge Be Set?
How cold should a wine fridge be set? A wine fridge should typically be set to 55°F (13°C) for long-term storage of all types of wine. This is the recommended wine fridge temperature for keeping your wine safe over time. However, the ideal wine serving temperature is different for red, white, and sparkling wines, so you might change the temperature depending on when you plan to drink the wine, or use a fridge with different temperature zones.
Why Temperature Matters for Wine
Temperature is very important for wine. It affects how wine tastes and smells. Think of wine as something alive; it changes over time. The right temperature helps it change slowly and correctly.
If wine gets too hot, it can cook. The flavors can become flat or taste burnt. High heat can also push the cork out, letting air in. This air can spoil the wine.
If wine gets too cold, it can harm the wine too. Very low temperatures can stop the aging process. They can also make some things in the wine drop out, making it look cloudy. For red wines, being too cold makes them taste harsh and less fruity.
Keeping wine at a steady temperature is also key. Big temperature swings are bad. They can make the wine expand and contract, which can push the cork out a little. This lets air in and can spoil the wine. A good wine fridge keeps the temperature steady.
The Best Temperature for Aging Wine
The best temperature for aging wine is a steady cool temperature. Most experts agree that around 55°F (13°C) is the perfect spot. This temperature is cool enough to let wine age slowly and softly. It lets the flavors develop over many years.
This best temperature for aging wine is a bit cooler than room temperature in most homes. Room temperature often goes up and down and is usually too warm for aging wine well. Aging wine means letting it sit for months or years to become better. This cool temperature helps the wine develop complex flavors and smells.
Aging wine needs more than just temperature. It also needs steady humidity, low light, and no vibration. But temperature is perhaps the most important thing for long term wine storage temperature. If the temperature is too high, aging happens too fast. The wine can lose its fresh fruit flavors and become tired too quickly. If it is too low, aging might not happen much at all. The wine just sits there, not changing much.
So, for keeping wine to drink years later, aim for that steady 55°F (13°C). This is the core of the wine storage temperature range that experts suggest.
Why 55°F (13°C) is Key
Why is 55°F (13°C) the magic number for long-term storage?
* It slows down the aging process. Wine ages best slowly.
* It keeps wine from oxidizing (spoiling from air).
* It is a good temperature for both red and white wines when storing for a long time.
* It helps the cork stay sealed, keeping air out.
This temperature allows the wine to develop slowly. The sharp parts of the wine soften. New flavors come out. This is why old wines can taste so good. They have had time to change in a safe place. A recommended wine fridge temperature for storing any wine type is around 55°F (13°C).
Ideal Wine Serving Temperature
Serving wine at the right temperature is just as important as storing it right. The right serving temperature makes the wine taste its best when you drink it. Serving temperatures are different for different types of wine. They are also warmer than storage temperatures.
Imagine a red wine served too cold. It tastes tight, less fruity, and the harsh parts feel stronger. Imagine a white wine served too warm. It tastes flat, heavy, and less fresh. Getting the temperature right unlocks the wine’s full flavor and smell. This is about finding the ideal wine serving temperature.
Here are general wine temperature guidelines for serving:
| Wine Type | Serving Temperature Range | What it Feels Like |
|---|---|---|
| Sparkling Wine | 40–45°F (4–7°C) | Very cold, icy |
| Light White Wine | 45–50°F (7–10°C) | Cold |
| Full-Bodied White Wine | 50–55°F (10–13°C) | Cool |
| Light Red Wine | 55–60°F (13–16°C) | Cool basement temperature |
| Full-Bodied Red Wine | 60–65°F (16–18°C) | Just below room temp |
You can see the wine storage temperature range (around 55°F / 13°C) sits in the middle of the serving ranges. This means a wine fridge set for storage is often too cool for serving reds and sometimes too warm for serving whites and sparkling wines. This difference is why some people use a dual-zone wine cooler.
Serving Red Wine Correctly
Red wine storage temperature is the same as other wines for long-term keeping (55°F / 13°C). But red wine serving temperature is warmer. Serving red wine too cold hides its fruit and makes it taste harsh. Serving it too warm makes it taste flabby and overly alcoholic.
Most red wines are best served between 55°F and 65°F (13°C and 18°C).
* Lighter reds like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais are better slightly cooler, around 55-60°F (13-16°C). This helps their freshness.
* Fuller reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah like it a bit warmer, around 60-65°F (16-18°C). This helps their rich flavors show.
Serving red wine at “room temperature” is a common mistake. This idea came from old European homes that were much cooler than modern heated homes. Modern room temperature is often 70°F (21°C) or higher, which is too warm for almost all red wines. It makes them taste dull.
To get a red wine to its serving temperature from a 55°F (13°C) storage fridge, take it out about 20-30 minutes before you plan to drink it.
Serving White Wine Correctly
White wine serving temperature is colder than red wine serving temperature. White wines need coolness to show their fresh fruit, crispness, and bright acidity. Serving them too warm makes them heavy and less refreshing.
Most white wines are best served between 45°F and 55°F (7°C and 13°C).
* Lighter whites like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are best quite cold, around 45-50°F (7-10°C).
* Fuller whites like Chardonnay (especially oaked ones) can be a bit warmer, around 50-55°F (10-13°C). This lets their complex flavors come out.
If your white wine is in a 55°F (13°C) storage fridge, it is already close to the serving temperature for some fuller whites. For lighter or crisper whites, you’ll need to cool it down more. An hour or two in a regular fridge or 20 minutes in an ice bucket should do the trick.
Serving Sparkling Wine Correctly
Sparkling wine storage temperature is the same as other wines for long-term keeping (55°F / 13°C). But sparkling wine serving temperature is the coldest of all. Sparkling wines, like Champagne or Prosecco, need to be very cold. This helps them stay fizzy and taste crisp and fresh. Warm sparkling wine loses its bubbles fast and tastes heavy.
Sparkling wines are best served very cold, between 40°F and 45°F (4°C and 7°C). This is colder than a standard wine fridge set for storage. To get sparkling wine this cold from a 55°F (13°C) storage fridge, you need to chill it more. Put it in an ice bucket with half ice, half water for about 30 minutes, or put it in a regular fridge for 3-4 hours.
Serving sparkling wine this cold also makes it safer to open. The cork is less likely to shoot out unexpectedly if the wine is well-chilled.
Setting Temperatures in a Dual Zone Wine Cooler
Some wine fridges have two different temperature zones. These are called dual zone wine coolers. They are great because you can set each zone to a different temperature. This lets you store some wines at the perfect long-term temperature and keep others ready to serve at their ideal temperature.
A dual zone wine cooler temperature setting is very flexible. You can set the zones to suit your needs.
* One common way to use a dual zone cooler is to set one zone to the standard storage temperature, about 55°F (13°C). You keep all your wines here for long-term storage.
* You can set the other zone to a serving temperature. This zone is often set colder for white or sparkling wines (like 45-50°F / 7-10°C) or warmer for red wines (like 60-65°F / 16-18°C), depending on what you drink most often.
If you mostly drink white wine, you might set the lower zone (often the colder one) to 45°F (7°C) for serving whites and sparkling wines, and the upper zone (often the warmer one) to 55°F (13°C) for storing everything else and serving red wines.
If you mostly drink red wine, you might set the upper zone to 60-65°F (16-18°C) for serving reds, and the lower zone to 55°F (13°C) for storing everything.
Look at the specific model of your dual zone cooler. Some models have the colder zone on the bottom, others on the top. This is because cold air sinks and warm air rises, which can make keeping the zones stable easier for the fridge’s design. Always check your fridge’s manual for the best way to set its zones.
A dual zone cooler provides great flexibility for managing your wine storage temperature range and ideal wine serving temperature at the same time.
Different Temperatures for Different Wine Types
Let’s look at the temperature needs for different wines again, covering both storage and serving. These are helpful wine temperature guidelines.
Storing All Wines
- Red Wine Storage Temperature: 55°F (13°C)
- White Wine Storage Temperature: 55°F (13°C)
- Sparkling Wine Storage Temperature: 55°F (13°C)
Yes, it’s the same for all! For long term wine storage temperature, a steady 55°F (13°C) is the goal for red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines. This uniform temperature is perfect for the slow, graceful aging process for any wine meant to be kept for more than a few months. This is the main point of the recommended wine fridge temperature for storage.
Serving Different Wines
Serving temperatures vary greatly.
- Red Wine Serving Temperature: Varies by body type.
- Light reds (Pinot Noir, Beaujolais): 55–60°F (13–16°C)
- Medium to Full reds (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon): 60–65°F (16–18°C)
- White Wine Serving Temperature: Varies by body type and style.
- Light/Crisp whites (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Vinho Verde): 45–50°F (7–10°C)
- Medium/Fuller whites (Oaked Chardonnay, Viognier, dry Riesling): 50–55°F (10–13°C)
- Sparkling Wine Serving Temperature: Always very cold.
- Champagne, Prosecco, Cava: 40–45°F (4–7°C)
Getting these serving temperatures right makes a big difference in how much you enjoy the wine. It helps release the right smells and balance the flavors.
Beyond Temperature: Other Storage Factors
While temperature is very important for wine, other things also affect how well wine stores, especially for the long term. These include humidity, light, and vibration. Good wine storage, like in a proper wine fridge or cellar, controls these factors along with temperature.
Humidity
Humidity is the amount of water in the air. For wine storage, especially when keeping wines with corks for years, humidity is key. The ideal humidity level is between 50% and 80%.
- If the air is too dry (low humidity), the cork can dry out. A dry cork shrinks. When it shrinks, it can let air into the bottle. Air ruins wine over time. A dry cork can also become brittle and break when you try to open the bottle.
- If the air is too wet (high humidity), it won’t hurt the wine inside the bottle. But it can damage the labels. Labels can peel, get moldy, or fall off. This doesn’t hurt the wine’s taste, but it makes the bottle look bad and can make it hard to know what the wine is later.
Most wine fridges help keep a good humidity level. Some have systems that add moisture if needed. Maintaining the right humidity alongside the correct wine storage temperature range is vital for cork health.
Light
Light, especially sunlight and fluorescent light, is bad for wine. UV rays from sunlight can damage the wine. It can make it age too quickly or develop bad smells, sometimes called “lightstruck.” Think of how sunlight fades colors; it can affect the chemicals in wine too.
This is why wine bottles are often made of dark green or brown glass. This colored glass helps block some light. Wine fridges usually have solid doors or glass doors with UV protection to keep light out. Store wine in a dark place if you don’t have a proper fridge or cellar.
Vibration
Wine should be stored without much movement or shaking. Vibration can stir up the stuff at the bottom of the bottle (sediment) in older wines. This sediment is natural but tastes bitter if mixed into the wine. Constant shaking might also slightly disturb the chemical processes happening as the wine ages.
This is why it’s best not to store wine on top of a washing machine or near loud speakers that shake the floor. Good wine fridges have special cooling systems that run quietly and cause little vibration.
Putting all these factors together – steady, correct temperature, right humidity, darkness, and no vibration – creates the perfect environment for wine to age beautifully. This ideal setting aligns with the long term wine storage temperature needs and the broader wine storage temperature range.
Setting Your Recommended Wine Fridge Temperature
Now that we know why temperature matters and the difference between storage and serving, how do you actually set your fridge?
Most wine fridges are designed primarily for storage. This means their ideal setting is often the universal recommended wine fridge temperature of 55°F (13°C).
- If you are using your wine fridge mainly to keep wines safe for months or years, set it to 55°F (13°C). This covers all types of wine – red, white, sparkling, rosé, dessert wine. This is the standard for long term wine storage temperature.
- If you have a single-zone fridge and want to keep some wines ready to drink sooner, you have to compromise or move bottles in and out. Setting a single-zone fridge to a serving temperature (like 50°F / 10°C for white wine) means red wines will be too cold for serving, and any wine meant for aging won’t be at the optimal aging temperature. Setting it warmer (like 60°F / 16°C for red wine) means whites and sparkling wines won’t be cold enough to serve.
This is where a dual zone wine cooler is helpful.
- With a dual zone cooler, you can set one zone for long-term storage (55°F / 13°C).
- You set the other zone for the type of wine you drink most often. If you love crisp whites, set the second zone to 45-50°F (7-10°C). If you prefer full-bodied reds, set the second zone to 60-65°F (16-18°C).
Check your fridge’s manual. It will tell you the temperature range each zone can handle and how to set it. Remember that the temperature inside the fridge can vary slightly depending on where the bottle is placed (usually cooler at the bottom). Don’t pack the fridge too full; let air flow so the temperature stays even.
Getting the temperature right is the most important step in using a wine fridge effectively. It protects your investment and makes sure your wine tastes great when you are ready to open it. Following these wine temperature guidelines makes a big difference.
How Temperature Affects Wine Chemistry
To grasp why temperature is so critical, it helps to know a little about what happens inside the bottle. Wine is a complex mix of water, alcohol, acids, sugars, and thousands of other chemical parts. These parts react with each other over time. This is aging.
Temperature speeds up or slows down these chemical reactions.
* Higher temperatures make reactions happen faster. If it’s too warm, the helpful aging reactions speed up too much, but so do harmful ones. The wine might get oxidized faster. Fresh fruit flavors can turn into dried fruit or stewed flavors quickly. Wine can lose its bright color.
* Lower temperatures slow down reactions. This is why storing wine at 55°F (13°C) is good for aging. It slows the process down to a gentle pace. This lets the good flavors develop slowly and softly. It also keeps harmful reactions from happening too fast.
Alcohol also changes how temperature feels in wine. When wine is warm, the alcohol smells and feels stronger. This can make the wine seem hot or unbalanced. When wine is cold, the alcohol feels less strong.
Sweetness and acidity also feel different at different temperatures. Cold makes sweetness seem less strong and acidity seem sharper. Warmth makes sweetness seem stronger and acidity softer. This is why sweet dessert wines are often served cooler than dry wines; the cold balances their sweetness.
Tannins in red wine (the part that makes your mouth feel dry) also change. When red wine is too cold, tannins feel harsher and more noticeable. When it’s warmer (but not too warm), tannins feel softer and smoother. This is a key reason for the difference in red wine serving temperature versus white wine serving temperature.
So, setting the right temperature isn’t just a guess. It’s based on how temperature changes the very chemistry and feeling of the wine in your glass. The goal is to find the temperature where all the parts of the wine are in their best balance for either aging or drinking.
Common Mistakes with Wine Temperature
Many people make simple mistakes when it comes to wine temperature. Knowing these can help you avoid them.
- Storing Wine in a Regular Fridge: A kitchen fridge is much too cold for storing wine long-term. It’s usually set around 35-40°F (2-4°C) to keep food safe. This stops wine aging and can dry out corks because the air is very dry. A regular fridge is fine for chilling a bottle quickly before serving, but not for storage.
- Storing Wine in Hot Places: The kitchen near the oven, a sunny windowsill, or a hot garage are terrible places for wine. Heat spoils wine quickly. The wine gets “cooked.”
- Serving All Wines at One Temperature: Often, people serve white wine too cold and red wine too warm. This stops you from tasting the wine as it should be. Remember the different ideal wine serving temperature ranges.
- Letting Temperature Change a Lot: Storing wine in a place where the temperature goes up and down a lot (like a shed or a room with no temperature control) is worse than keeping it at a steady, slightly wrong temperature. Big changes are bad for the cork and the wine.
- Trusting “Room Temperature” for Reds: As mentioned, modern room temperature is too warm for red wine.
Using a wine fridge set to the recommended wine fridge temperature of 55°F (13°C) for storage solves many of these problems. For serving, using a dual zone cooler or planning ahead to chill or warm bottles is needed.
Temperature and Wine Longevity
How long can wine last? This depends a lot on the wine itself (some are made to age, others are not) and how it is stored. Temperature plays a big role in wine longevity.
Storing wine correctly at 55°F (13°C) means it will age slowly and safely. Wines made for aging can develop complex flavors for many years, sometimes decades. This steady cool temperature is part of the long term wine storage temperature needed for wines to reach their full potential.
If wine is stored too warm, it ages faster. A wine that might have lasted 10 years at 55°F could be over the hill in just a year or two at 70°F (21°C). The extra heat speeds up all the chemical changes, using up the wine’s fresh qualities quickly.
This means if you want to keep wines for a long time, investing in good storage with controlled temperature (and humidity, light, vibration) is important. A proper wine fridge is the best way to do this in most homes. It provides the needed wine storage temperature range reliably.
Even wines not meant for long aging benefit from cool, steady storage. A simple white wine stored at 55°F (13°C) will stay fresh and good for a year or two, while the same wine stored in a warm place might be dull or spoiled in a few months.
So, setting your wine fridge to the correct temperature is not just about taste today; it’s about protecting your wine collection and ensuring bottles you save for special times are still good when you open them. Follow the wine temperature guidelines for both storage and serving to get the most from every bottle.
Temperature Stability vs. Just Temperature
It is important to know that a steady temperature is often better than a perfect temperature that changes a lot. For example, keeping wine at a steady 60°F (16°C) year-round is much better than keeping it at 55°F (13°C) in winter and 75°F (24°C) in summer.
Big temperature swings cause the wine inside the bottle to expand and contract. This movement can push the cork out a little bit, even just a tiny bit. This small gap lets air creep into the bottle over time. Oxygen is the enemy of stored wine. It causes oxidation, which makes the wine taste flat, like old applesauce or vinegar.
A good wine fridge works hard to keep the temperature inside very steady, no matter what the temperature is outside the fridge. This stability is a key feature that makes them better than just storing wine in a cool basement where the temperature might still go up and down with the seasons.
When looking at wine storage temperature range, aim for that ideal 55°F (13°C), but remember that keeping it steady is almost as important as hitting the exact number. A variation of a few degrees is usually okay, but big, sudden changes are harmful.
How to Measure Wine Temperature
Knowing the right temperatures is one thing, but how do you check if your wine or your fridge is at that temperature?
- For Your Wine Fridge: Most wine fridges have a digital display showing the temperature inside. Some older models might have a simple dial. It’s a good idea to put a simple, reliable thermometer inside the fridge, maybe in a glass of water (to measure liquid temperature better than air), to check if the fridge’s reading is accurate. Place the thermometer away from the cooling element.
- For Serving Wine: You can use a special wine thermometer that you place in the bottle. Some are probes you put into the liquid, others wrap around the bottle. A simple kitchen thermometer can also work if you pour a small amount into a glass to measure. Learning how a wine at the right temperature feels in your hand or tastes can also help you judge without a thermometer over time. For example, white wine served too cold feels almost numbingly cold, while red wine served too warm feels warm and perhaps sticky or heavy.
Being able to check temperatures helps you ensure your wine storage and serving are on point, following the wine temperature guidelines.
Summary of Key Temperatures
Let’s put the main numbers together in a simple way.
| Purpose | Wine Type | Temperature Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Storage | All (Red, White, Spark.) | 55°F (13°C) | Steady temperature is key. |
| Serving | Sparkling Wines | 40–45°F (4–7°C) | Very cold. Helps bubbles & freshness. |
| Serving | Light White Wines | 45–50°F (7–10°C) | Cold. Crispness. |
| Serving | Fuller White Wines | 50–55°F (10–13°C) | Cool. Flavor complexity. |
| Serving | Light Red Wines | 55–60°F (13–16°C) | Cool. Freshness & fruit. |
| Serving | Fuller Red Wines | 60–65°F (16–18°C) | Below room temp. Softens tannins. |
This table shows the difference between the recommended wine fridge temperature for storage and the ideal wine serving temperature for different types. Using a wine fridge set to 55°F (13°C) is perfect for the left side of the table (storage). You then need to adjust temperatures for serving (the right side).
Deciphering Wine Fridge Features
Many wine fridges have features beyond just temperature control. Knowing what they do helps you pick the right one and use it well.
- Single Zone vs. Dual Zone: As discussed, single zone has one temperature, dual zone has two. Dual zone offers more flexibility for serving vs. storage temperatures. The dual zone wine cooler temperature range for each zone will be listed in the product details.
- Compressor vs. Thermoelectric Cooling: Compressor coolers are like regular fridges. They cool well and can reach lower temperatures, good for larger fridges. Thermoelectric coolers use less energy and have less vibration, good for smaller fridges, but they are affected more by room temperature and might not get as cold.
- Shelving: Good shelves are sturdy and let you store bottles easily. Wooden shelves are often preferred as they are gentle on labels and can help with humidity. Make sure the shelves fit your bottle sizes.
- Glass Door vs. Solid Door: Glass doors look nice but must have UV protection to block light. Solid doors block all light.
- Temperature Stability: Look for reviews or specs that mention how well the fridge holds a steady temperature.
- Humidity Control: Some fridges have built-in humidity control or areas where you can add water.
- Size and Capacity: How many bottles do you need to store? Get a fridge slightly bigger than you need now, as collections tend to grow.
Choosing the right wine fridge helps ensure you can maintain the correct wine storage temperature range and other important conditions easily. The recommended wine fridge temperature of 55°F (13°C) is the standard setting for most storage-focused models.
Grasping Short-Term vs. Long-Term Storage
The temperature rules depend on how long you plan to keep the wine.
- Long-Term Storage: Keeping wine for more than 6-12 months requires a stable, cool environment. This is where 55°F (13°C) is the golden rule for long term wine storage temperature. A wine fridge, a proper cellar, or a professional storage unit is best. The focus is on slow, controlled aging.
- Short-Term Storage: Keeping wine for a few days or weeks is less strict but still important. Avoid direct sunlight and hot places. A closet or a cool spot in your home (away from heat sources) is usually fine for this short time. A regular fridge is okay for a few weeks for white or sparkling wine, but not ideal for reds or for protecting corks long-term. The main goal is to keep the wine safe from sudden harm like heat or light.
Using a wine fridge set to 55°F (13°C) works for both. It is the perfect wine storage temperature range for long-term aging and is also a safe, steady temperature for short-term keeping. You just need to adjust for serving.
The Final Word on Temperature Settings
Setting your wine fridge to the right temperature is the single most important step in caring for your wine. For most people using a wine fridge, the main goal is long-term storage. This means setting the temperature to 55°F (13°C). This is the widely recommended wine fridge temperature for keeping all types of wine safely for many years. This temperature fits within the optimal wine storage temperature range.
Remember that serving temperature is different. Use a dual zone cooler, or plan ahead to chill white and sparkling wines or slightly warm red wines before drinking them to enjoy them at their ideal wine serving temperature. Follow the specific wine temperature guidelines for each type of wine.
By paying attention to temperature, and also to humidity, light, and vibration, you ensure your wine collection stays in great condition. You protect your investment and get the best taste from every bottle, whether it’s a simple weeknight wine or a special bottle saved for a milestone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I store all types of wine at 55°F (13°C) in my fridge?
A: Yes. 55°F (13°C) is the widely accepted recommended wine fridge temperature for long term wine storage temperature for all types of wine – red, white, rosé, and sparkling. It’s the ideal temperature for slow aging.
Q: My regular fridge is colder than 55°F. Can I use it for wine storage?
A: A regular kitchen fridge is too cold for long term wine storage temperature. It also has very low humidity, which can dry out corks. It’s okay for chilling a bottle quickly before drinking, but not for keeping wine for more than a few weeks.
Q: What’s the difference between wine storage temperature and serving temperature?
A: Wine storage temperature range is usually around 55°F (13°C) to keep wine aging slowly. Ideal wine serving temperature varies by wine type and is usually warmer for reds and colder for whites and sparkling wines than storage temperature.
Q: How should I set the temperature on a dual zone wine cooler?
A: For a dual zone wine cooler temperature, set one zone to 55°F (13°C) for storing all wine types long-term. Set the other zone to a common serving temperature for the wine you drink most, such as 45-50°F (7-10°C) for whites or 60-65°F (16-18°C) for reds.
Q: Is 55°F (13°C) the best temperature for aging wine?
A: Yes, 55°F (13°C) is widely considered the optimal temperature for aging wine. It allows the complex chemical changes to happen slowly and gracefully over time, helping the wine develop its best flavors.
Q: What is the proper sparkling wine storage temperature?
A: The proper sparkling wine storage temperature for long-term keeping is the same as other wines: 55°F (13°C). For serving, however, it needs to be much colder, 40-45°F (4-7°C).
Q: Do wine temperature guidelines vary much by wine region?
A: The general wine temperature guidelines for storage (55°F / 13°C) and serving (ranges for red, white, sparkling) apply globally. The specific style of wine (light vs. full-bodied) is more important than the region it comes from when deciding serving temperature.
Q: My wine fridge temperature goes up and down by a few degrees. Is that bad?
A: Small temperature swings (a few degrees) are usually okay. Large or sudden swings (more than 5-10 degrees in a short time) are harmful because they cause the wine to expand and contract, potentially damaging the cork seal. Steady temperature is more important than hitting the exact number perfectly all the time.