It’s a common question, in cold climates, when storing bottles outdoors in winter or in a freezer to cool them down quickly: can wine freeze? The short answer is yes.
At what temperature does wine freeze?
Most wines freeze between -5°C and -9°C (23–15°F), depending on the alcohol level. The higher the alcohol content, the lower the freezing point.
What happens when it freezes?
When wine freezes, the water content expands into ice crystals. This can:
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Push the cork out, break the bottle (creating a dangerous mess!)
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Alter balance and texture.
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Most importantly, destroy delicate aromas and flavours, leaving the wine flat.
Can you drink frozen wine after it has been warmed up?
Technically, yes — it’s not harmful. But the sensory quality is compromised, so a wine that has been frozen will rarely taste as intended.
The bottom line
Wine can freeze, and while it may not become unsafe, it does lose much of its aromatic complexity. Wine is a delicate product, highly sensitive to changes in temperature, light, and humidity. Proper storage is essential to preserve its quality. The best temperature for storing wine is between 10°C and 14°C (50–57°F).
