What’s the best way to keep a bottle of wine cold once it’s open?
The best methods for keeping a bottle cold, from ice buckets to freezer tricks
Hello there! I'm Dr. Vinifera, but you can call me Vinny. Ask me your toughest wine questions, from the fine points of etiquette to the science of winemaking. And don't worry, I'm no wine snob—you can also ask me those "dumb questions" you're too embarrased to ask your wine geek friends! I hope you find my answers educational, empowering and even amusing. And don't forget to check out my most asked questions and my full archives for all my Q&A classics.
Dear Dr. Vinny,
What’s the best way to keep a bottle of wine cold once it’s open?
—Marny, Birmingham, Ala.
Dear Marny,
There’s nothing like a crisp cold wine during the summer, but once you pop the cork, what’s the best way to keep your bottle chilled?
Just like chilling down your bottle initially, an ice bucket partially filled with water, ice and a generous pinch of salt is the most effective way to keep a bottle cold. When you drink wine at restaurants, you can expect some version of an ice bucket to be provided. (And don’t be afraid to ask for an ice bucket for a bottle of red wine that’s been served a bit too warm!)
Look for insulated or double-walled buckets that limit condensation if you want to be a little fancy. I’ve also used a bowl, pitcher or even a vase in a pinch. You’ll probably want to have a towel or two on hand anyway to dry the bottle off before pouring.
I’ve also used marble wine coolers, which need to be pre-chilled in a refrigerator or freezer, but they tend to be less effective than the iced salt water method. (And they take up space in my freezer where ice cream can go!) The freezable gel pack cooler sleeves are less elegant, but they can be effective, as they really fit snugly against a wine bottle. I’ve had good luck with those in a situation where a bucket of water is impractical, like at the park. In those situations, a well-insulated cooler with an ice pack thrown in can also work wonders.
I have friends who will wrap the wine bottle in a damp paper towel and leave it in the freezer in between pours. While that’s not a very fast way to chill down a bottle of wine, it works OK for keeping an open bottle cool. Just be sure you don’t leave it for too long, or your wine will freeze. Of course, you can also just stick your bottle back in the fridge if you’re not too far and don’t mind running from the fridge to the table.
I’ve also been known to put a few ice cubes into a glass of wine. It might dilute the flavor a bit, but I’d prefer that over a wine that’s too warm and tastes flabby.
—Dr. Vinny
