There’s nothing quite like popping open a nice bottle of wine after a long day. Part of what makes the experience so special is the delicate balance of flavours and aromas in each bottle. To preserve these flavours, however, you need to store the wine properly. This is where wine coolers come in. 

Wine coolers are perfect for keeping wine in good condition, thanks to a bevy of carefully designed features. Now, if you’re a budding wine enthusiast then you may not be all too familiar with wine coolers. To get you up to speed, we’ve prepared a thorough guide to wine coolers for enthusiasts.

What are Wine Coolers?

Before anything else, we first need to talk about what wine coolers are. Wine coolers, which are also called wine chillers, are designed to store wine in their optimal environment. They do so by regulating the temperature and humidity in order to create an environment that is conducive to the bottles. Fluctuating temperatures can change the flavours of the wine. Improper humidity levels can cause mould to form on the cork of the bottles, which can lead to impurities contaminating the wine. Below are a few important factors to keep in mind when choosing a wine cooler to purchase:

Temperature Control

Temperature can drastically affect the flavour of a bottle of wine. Storing wine in temperatures that are too warm can flatten the complex aromas and flavours. 

For the best results, wine usually needs to be stored in temperatures ranging from 7-18°C. With that being all wine is different and needs to be handled as such. Reds, for instance, often fare better towards the warmer end of the spectrum, while whites are better suited for cooler temperatures. 

Sometimes a regular wine cooler just isn’t enough to cater to your diverse collection. Dual-zone wine coolers are perfect for cases like this. These units offer separate compartments with their own temperature controls. This allows you to tweak the temperature as you see fit in order to keep your wine in the best possible condition.

The Mayer MMWC94GM Wine Chiller is a perfect fit for those with a collection of different wines. It offers dual-zone technology with temperatures between 5 to 20°C. Couple this with its 94 bottle capacity and you’ve got the perfect wine cooler to help keep your collection at optimal temperatures.

Make sure to look for a wine cooler that allows for precise temperature control. This will allow you to store your wine without having to worry about your bottles getting ruined.

Humidity Levels

Aside from temperature, you’ll also want to be mindful of humidity. Ensuring that your wine is kept within 50-70% humidity is key to keeping your wine in good condition. Failing to do this exposes you to the risk of the corks drying out. Dry corks leave your wine exposed to the elements and could potentially ruin a perfectly good bottle. 

Light Exposure

Light, especially harsh sunlight, can negatively affect the flavour of a bottle of wine. This is why wine usually comes in coloured glass bottles, as they help shield the wine from the sun’s harsh UV rays. To keep your collection in pristine condition, it’s best to look for a wine cooler that comes with UV protected glass or solid doors.

Capacity 

Outside of protecting your wine from the elements, you’ll also want to make sure the wine cooler can accommodate your collection. Wine coolers come in a range of sizes. From petite units housing a select few, to expansive coolers capable of housing over one hundred bottles, there are a number of great options available. 

For those of you who are looking for a wine cooler that, although sleek and compact, doesn’t sacrifice capacity, then the Mayer MMWC46GM might just be what you need. The MMWC46GM can store up to 46 bottles of wine, all while giving you the option to have a built-in or freestanding installation.

46 bottles might not be enough, especially for enthusiasts with larger collections. The Mayer MMWC165GM is the perfect chiller for such enthusiasts as it is capable of holding up to 165 wine bottles. You won’t have to worry about keeping them in good condition, as the chiller’s dual zone capabilities allow you to tweak the temperature as you see fit.

Noise Level

Make sure to choose a wine cooler that operates quietly. This is especially true if you’re planning to keep your wine cooler in the same area you entertain guests. A loud wine cooler could ruin the ambiance of your space, detracting from the overall experience. 

Other Considerations

Aside from everything we’ve mentioned above, some wine coolers also come with unique features that set them apart. Touch temperature controls, such as found in the Mayer MMWC28MAG, provide precision in maintaining the desired climate for your wines, while telescoping racks make it easier to store your wines. Some models like the MMWC165GM feature security locks, offering an extra layer of protection for your prized collection. Determine which features align with your preferences and choose accordingly.

You’ll also want to choose between freestanding and built-in wine coolers. Now, this choice usually boils down to the amount of space you have available and aesthetic preferences. Freestanding models, such as the Mayer MMWC99MAG Freestanding wine chiller, are best for larger spaces as they tend to take up more room. Built-in models, on the other hand, are space efficient and can be seamlessly integrated into just about any space.

Conclusion

Wine coolers can completely redefine the way you experience wine. By ensuring that your wine is kept in optimal conditions, you’re allowing yourself to experience the bottle the right way. At the end of the day, investing in a wine cooler isn’t just about convenience — it’s a commitment to preserving the unique flavours in each bottle in your collection.