The best way to store Champagne is in a cool, dark place with a stable temperature of around 50–55°F (10–13°C). While it’s perfectly fine to chill a bottle in the refrigerator before serving, a standard household fridge isn’t the ideal place for long-term storage because it’s colder and drier than Champagne likes.
Good storage protects the bubbles, preserves the wine’s delicate aromas and ensures every bottle is ready when it’s time to celebrate. After all, at Champagne Hunters, we believe you don’t have to earn a reason to celebrate. You already are one.
Table of contents
- How to store Champagne
- Champagne storage temperature
- Should Champagne be stored upright or on its side?
- Can you keep Champagne in the fridge long term?
- Does Champagne freeze?
- Storage and serving temperature comparison
- Frequently asked questions
- Celebrate with confidence
- Continue your Champagne journey
How to store Champagne
Champagne is more delicate than many people realise.
For the best results, store bottles in a place that is:
- Cool
- Dark
- Free from direct sunlight
- Away from vibrations
- Consistently cool throughout the year
Large swings in temperature can cause Champagne to age more quickly and may affect its freshness over time.
If you have a wine cellar or a wine fridge, that’s ideal. Otherwise, a cool cupboard or basement usually works much better than a warm kitchen shelf.
Champagne storage temperature
One of the most common questions is about Champagne storage temperature.
The ideal long-term storage temperature is approximately 50–55°F (10–13°C). At this temperature, Champagne ages slowly and develops as the producer intended.
Serving temperature is different. Most non-vintage Champagnes show their best character when served at around 43–46°F (6–8°C), while vintage Champagnes and prestige cuvées are often slightly better at 46–50°F (8–10°C), allowing more aromas to open in the glass.
Many people serve Champagne too cold, which can hide its complexity.
Should Champagne be stored upright or on its side?
Unlike still wines, there’s some debate about this.
For bottles you’ll enjoy within the next few months, storing Champagne upright is perfectly acceptable and is how many Champagne houses keep bottles before shipping.
For long-term storage measured in years, many collectors prefer storing bottles on their side. This helps keep the cork slightly moist, although modern Champagne corks are generally very reliable.
Either way, maintaining a stable temperature is far more important than whether the bottle is upright or horizontal.
Can you keep Champagne in the fridge long term?
You can keep Champagne in the fridge for a short period, especially if you’re planning to enjoy it within a few days or weeks.
However, a household refrigerator isn’t designed for long-term wine storage.
Most refrigerators are:
- Too cold
- Too dry
- Subject to frequent temperature changes every time the door opens
Over several months, these conditions can slowly affect the cork and the overall quality of the wine.
If possible, store Champagne elsewhere and chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Does Champagne freeze?
Yes.
If Champagne is left in a freezer for too long or stored below freezing temperatures, it will freeze.
Because wine expands as it freezes, several things can happen:
- The cork may be forced out of the bottle.
- The pressure inside the bottle increases.
- The bottle may crack in extreme cases.
- Once thawed, the Champagne can lose some of its bubbles and freshness.
If you’ve accidentally left a bottle in the freezer, move it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw slowly rather than warming it quickly at room temperature.
Storage and serving temperature comparison
| Purpose | Approximate temperature |
|---|---|
| Long-term storage | 50–55°F (10–13°C) |
| Non-vintage Champagne | 43–46°F (6–8°C) |
| Vintage Champagne | 46–50°F (8–10°C) |
| Freezing point | Around 23–26°F (-5 to -3°C), depending on alcohol and sugar content |
Temperatures are approximate and vary slightly between different styles of Champagne.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Champagne can freeze if exposed to sufficiently low temperatures. As it freezes, the liquid expands, which may push the cork out or, in rare cases, crack the bottle.
Yes. A standard household freezer is cold enough to freeze Champagne if it’s left inside for long enough. It’s best to avoid using the freezer except for a very short emergency chill, and even then it’s wise to set a timer.
Yes, but only for the short term. A refrigerator is ideal for chilling Champagne before serving, but it’s not recommended for storing bottles over several months.
It’s possible, but not ideal. The cold, dry environment inside a household refrigerator isn’t the best place to preserve Champagne for extended periods.
The ideal Champagne storage temperature is approximately 50–55°F (10–13°C) in a cool, dark location with minimal temperature fluctuations.
Celebrate with confidence
Proper storage helps every bottle show its best, whether you’re saving it for a milestone or opening it on an ordinary evening.
Store Champagne somewhere cool and dark, chill it before serving, and avoid letting it freeze. When the cork finally pops, you’ll know the bottle has been given every chance to shine.
Because the best celebrations aren’t always the biggest ones. Sometimes they’re simply the ones you decide to enjoy today.
Continue your Champagne journey
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