Keeping Wines Cool

As the hot days of summer begin approaching, it's time to talk about keeping wines chilled. Yes, even red wines need to be chilled somewhat. Reds are best served at around 60 degrees. Whites and roses should be served even cooler, around 45 degrees.So you need to be thinking how to keep those wines chilled properly while enjoying your outdoor time.

Of course, you indoor refrigerator works just great if you don't mind running back inside every time you want to refill a glass. Ice buckets are also a good option, especially for the whites and roses. But you probably don't want to set red wine bottles into an ice bucket.

There are other wonderful and easy options. If you have the space and electricity in your outdoor living area, you can add a small wine cooler. They come in many different sizes allowing you to keep your wine chilled when outdoors. There are also versions that have two zones. One that is set for chilling whites and roses and the other for chilling red wines.

If you don't have the space or electricity bottle chillers are ideal. They hold single bottles ready to keep them cooled at the right temperature. Bottle chillers are pretty inexpensive, so you can get several to keep more than one wine bottle ready for your drinking enjoyment. The beautiful marble bottle chiller pictured here is available at All About Wine.

So don't be afraid of enjoying wine this summer. Just be sure to keep them cool enough while serving at outdoor parties or just enjoying with your evening meal outside.