Oops, I Forgot Wine in the Freezer! Is It Still Drinkable?

We’ve all been there—you stash a bottle of wine in the freezer to chill it quickly, then forget about it. A few days later, you find it frozen solid. Is it safe to drink? Will it taste the same? Let’s explore what happens when wine freezes, whether it’s still good, and better ways to cool wine quickly.

Understanding Wine Basics

Wine comes in four main types:

• White Wine: Made from light-colored grapes like chardonnay or sauvignon blanc, with skins removed early. Alcohol content averages 10% ABV.
• Red Wine: Uses dark grapes like cabernet sauvignon, with skins left in for color and flavor. Alcohol content averages 13.5% ABV.
• Sparkling Wine: Includes Champagne and prosecco, made with a second fermentation to trap bubbles. Alcohol content ranges from 11% to 14% ABV.
• Fruit Wine: Made from fruits like berries or flowers, with alcohol levels from 2% to 13.5% ABV.

While preferences vary—some like reds chilled, others don’t—there are safe and effective ways to cool wine without risking quality.

Does Wine Freeze in the Freezer?

Yes, wine freezes, but at a lower temperature than water due to its alcohol and sugar content. Water freezes at 32°F (0°C), but a typical wine with 12.5% ABV freezes around 22°F (-5.5°C). Since home freezers are set to 0°F (-18°C) or lower, wine left inside for five or more hours will freeze solid.

How Freezing Changes Wine

Freezing alters wine’s structure, flavor, and aroma. Here’s what happens:

• Texture Changes: Ice crystals form, separating water from alcohol, sugars, and acids. Solids like tartaric acid may stick to the bottle and won’t mix back in after thawing.
• Flavor and Aroma Loss: Concentrated flavor compounds remain as solids, making thawed wine taste less vibrant and possibly stale.
• Oxidation or Freezer Burn: Freezing can break the bottle’s seal, letting in air. This oxidizes the wine, potentially turning it vinegary or causing freezer burn.

Is Frozen Wine Safe to Drink?

If the bottle seal remains intact, thawed wine is safe to drink—though it may not taste great. If the seal broke, avoid it; oxidation could have spoiled the wine.

How to Thaw Frozen Wine Safely

Follow these methods to thaw wine without accidents:

• Room Temperature: Leave the bottle on a counter (use a towel for condensation).
• Lukewarm Water: Submerge the bottle in a bowl with a trickle of room-temperature water.
• Refrigerator: Place in the fridge for 8–12 hours.

Never use hot water, a microwave, or direct sunlight—these can shatter the glass.

Creative Uses for Thawed Wine

If drinking it straight isn’t appealing, try these ideas:

• Make Cocktails or Slushies: Blend with juice or fruit for sangria or frozen drinks.
• Turn It into Vinegar: Leave the wine open at room temperature for a month (cover with cheesecloth to keep bugs out). Add a vinegar mother for best results.

Better Ways to Chill Wine Quickly

Avoid the freezer mishap with these effective methods:

• Refrigerator: Chill for a few hours if time allows.
• Ice Bucket with Salt Water: Submerge and spin the bottle for 5–10 minutes.
• Set a Timer: If using the freezer, set an alarm to avoid forgetting.
• Wet Towel in Freezer: Wrap the bottle in a damp towel and freeze for 20 minutes (with a timer!).
• Cool by the Glass: Add ice cubes or frozen fruit to individual servings.

Note: Never freeze sparkling wine—pressure from carbonation can make bottles explode.

Key Takeaways

• Wine freezes in a standard home freezer after about five hours.
• Thawed wine is safe to drink if the bottle seal is intact, but flavor may be affected.
• Use quicker, safer chilling methods like an ice bath or refrigerator to preserve quality.