Wine in Winter-Why Do I Need a Wine Refrigerator?

We love this time of year. Longer nights make for cozy fall evenings by the fire, leafy hikes, slow cooking, and of course, the richer wines we turn to in cooler temps. Burgundy/Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Merlot, Cabernet all go hand in hand with this time of year. Holiday gatherings bring family and friends together, a perfect excuse to open that large format bottle we've been saving for a special occasion. 

Now is the time to enjoy cooking, planning in-home wine tastings paired with just the right cheese or a carefully planned meal.

As outside temperatures drop, indoor temperatures increase along with humidity from cooking. Storing those wines you acquired during your last trip to the wine country in a kitchen cupboard is a bad idea. Especially if you've taken the trouble to travel with them. (See our collection of  VinGardeValise wine luggage for proper transport solutions)

Wine is a living, breathing product and subjected to change in not only climate but moisture. (Yes, even in a sealed, corked bottle). And while we love the nouveau twist off screw cap bottles, those are even more susceptible). Consistency is key as the  constant change in temperature can really wreck havoc with that special bottle you've been saving in the back of your closet or pantry. Wine likes a constant, steady temp of between 45-65. Far too cold for our homes or basements. We recommend our Dual Zone Wine Refrigerators to keep your whites and reds at the optimum temperatures.

Our top rated wine refrigerators can add an air of luxury to entertaining at home and help how to store wine at optimal temperature before guests arrive.

The best wine refrigerators for collectors can store your wines for the long winter months,  while custom wine cabinets enhance your kitchen and entertaining areas.

Need to restock your cellar? We partner with some of the best vintners in Napa Valley and Sonoma County to fill your cellar. We focus on small, off the beaten path, premium wine makers doing interesting things that the larger companies cannot provide. Check back often on our Preferred Wine Partners List as we update regularly. Some of our favorites include:

Fortunati Vineyards- Husband and wife team Ellen and Gary are long time good friends, making some of the best Pinot Noir, Bordeaux Blend and Rose in the US. You can purchase wine and sign up for their private wine club here: Fortunati Vineyards. We highly recommend their 2021 Signature Cabernet which received a 94 pt. Gold medal at the Sunset Wine Competition. And, IF you can find it, their highly coveted 2019 RESERVE Cabernet (only 125 cases produced) .

Be Bubbly Napa- If you've been following Grand Cru Wine Coolers for any length of time, you know Champagne is important to us at any time of the year. In fact,  you can find our Founder and CEO, Lisa Koester, seated at the booth writing this blog or adding exciting new products if you pop in during a visit to Napa.  Champagne is near and dear to our us, and no one is better suited to expand your Champagne journey than proprietor, Erin Riley. If you can't swing by, shop online to order now for your holiday festivities. 

 Check back often to see your list of Preferred Wine Partners and wine tour companies.  Meanwhile, sit back, relax and enjoy the fruits of our vintners' labor this season. Chill. Pour. Exhale. In Vino Veritas!