Wine Cellar Appliance Questions

Have questions about a Viking product? See our Frequently Asked Questions below for the answer you need. Still can't find the answer? Viking has a toll-free number, 1-888-VIKING1 (1-888-845-4641), which consumers may call to speak with a representative on specific product or service questions.

How do wine cellars protect my wines?

Viking Wine Cellars have Dual Pane argon filled glass doors, low intensity LED interior lighting, and vibration reducing coated wine shelves.

Does the glass door on Viking Wine Cellars offer protection against UV rays?

The standard glass used in wine cellars offers a 70% UV protections and the fluted glass offers 63%. The glass is the same type used in finer home window applications.


What temperatures are best for serving wine?

The temperature at which a wine is served has a significant effect on its taste. The appropriate temperature allows a good wine to express its depth and complexity of aromas. In general, red wines served at temperatures above 68 degrees will taste monolithic and have a warm, alcoholic aftertaste. They lose their balance and liveliness. White wines are often served too cold, suppressing the flavors and richness of the wines.

Since it is seldom possible to monitor or control a wine's temperature during a meal, we suggest serving it at a temperature somewhat cooler than its recommended range, allowing it to warm up and develop in the glass.

Wine Suggested Temperature
Beaujolais 54-59¿ F
Bordeaux - Red 62-67¿ F
Bordeaux - White 50-54¿ F
Cabernet Sauvignon 62-67¿ F
Champagne 40-44¿ F
Chardonnay 45-50¿ F
Chenin Blanc 43-48¿ F
Chianti 58-63¿ F
Dessert Wines 45-50¿ F
Gewurztraminer 45-50¿ F
Merlot 58-63¿ F
Pinot Gris 45-50¿ F
Pinot Noir 58-63¿ F
Rioja 59-68¿ F
Port - Tawny 50-55¿ F
Port - Vintage 62-67¿ F
Rose 40-44¿ F
Sauvignon Blanc 50-54¿ F
Sparkling Wines 45-50¿ F
Sparkling Wines - Inexpensive           40-44¿ F
Syrah 59-68¿ F
Zinfandel Red 62-67¿ F

Why are wine bottles stored horizontally?

Bottles are stored horizontally to keep corks moist and swollen. This prevents air from entering the bottle, thus avoiding oxidation.

What are the proper temperature and humidity settings for storage wine?

The general rule is that temperature should be approximately 55 degrees Fahrenheit (55-60 degrees Fahrenheit is adequate for red wines) and humidity between 60% and 75%. Sparkling wines and most white wines which generally develop at a faster rate than reds, can be stored at lower temperatures (45-55 degrees Fahrenheit) to slow the maturation and provide a longer "drinking window."

What type of wine should be cellared?

Every wine will benefit from proper storage conditions. The appropriate length of storage depends on the grape varietal and the quality of the wine.

How long should wine be cellared?

The evolution of a wine is fascinating and complex. Generalization regarding the time needed for a particular wine varietal to reach its peak of development are just that - a general guideline. Within a varietal, the vintage and the vintner's individual style of making the wine, along with other factors, will have a substantial influence on the ability of a particular wine to age well. Some of the better wine critics will include in wine's review a "drinking window", or range of years during which they predict the wine will be at its best. We recommend that you subscribe to one of these experts' newsletters to help you in a selecting wines to buy and in determining how long to age them.

Typically, dry white wines don't benefit much, if any, from aging (very find Burgundy, Riesling, and Champagne are prominent exceptions). Nevertheless, it is wise to store them in a cellar to protect them from heat and light damage. Red wines are a different story. A fine, well-balanced red wine from a good vintage will usually improve with some age. Most very fine Cabernet Sauvignons, Bordeaux, Syrahs, Burgundys, Barolos, and Riogjas are made with the expectation that they will be allowed to age in order to reach their full potential.

Set forth here is a table of very general guidelines for the aging of several red wines by varietal or region. Again, for an outstanding bottle of wine, it is worth doing a little research.

Wine Aging Guidelines
Barolo 5-15 years
Bordeaux 5-15 years (some much longer)
Burgundy 2-10 years
Cabernet Sauvignon 3-10 years
Chianti 0-5 years
Merlot 0-5 years
Pinot Noir (other than Burgundy)           1-6 years
Port - Vintage 10-30 years
Rioja 3-10 years
Syrah 5-10 years
Zinfandel Red 1-5 years

Do storage levels in the Viking Wine Cellar affect the temperature?

It is always better to have the cellar well stocked. More mass controls the temperature better, preventing the compressor from running too frequently due to having to cool an excess volume of space.

Is it okay to store champagne in the refrigerator?

You may store champagne in the refrigerator up to 24 hours. The temperatures are too cold and dry, plus odors from food may impart off-flavors.

How many bottles of wine can be stored in Viking Undercounter Wine Cellars?

The 15” wide model holds 24 bottles, and the 24” wide model holds 45.

How does high altitude affect the Viking Wine Cellar?

Extensive tests have shown that high altitudes have no effect on the wine cellar.