What Happens When You Leave Wine in a Car Overnight in the Winter?
How Long Can You Leave Wine in a Cold Car in Winter?
Are you a wine drinker? Do you love a great bottle of red or white on special occasions? Have you ever forgotten a bottle of wine in your 2022 Toyota Camry? Not a problem in most cases – but in the winter months, when temperatures drop below zero, it can be a problem. If you love a bottle of wine and have forgotten a bottle in your car from time to time, you may want to know – how long can you leave wine in a cold car in winter? Take a closer look at Downeast Toyota in Brewer, ME!
Is it Ok to Leave Wine in a Cold Car Overnight?
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and many of you will be buying a bottle of wine for you and your significant other – but what happens if you leave that bottle in your car overnight? You are in luck – wine will withstand cold temperatures pretty well and even if it freezes, you can generally thaw it out without a major impact on the taste and flavors of the wine. In most cases, your wine will be OK in a cold car overnight, but in extreme temperatures, your wine may freeze and the bottle can explode.
How Long Does it Take Wine to Freeze?
How cold does it have to be for a bottle of wine to freeze in your car? Wine will freeze when it reaches temperatures from 15° – 18° Fahrenheit – which will vary based on the alcohol content. The higher the alcohol content in your wine, the lower the freezing point will be. Even with the insulation provided by your vehicle, a bottle of wine left in your car overnight this winter will start to freeze when temperatures dip below 20°. When the temperature dips below the 5° mark – you can expect to find a frozen bottle of wine in your car within just 5 hours. Bottles left in your vehicle for extended periods will freeze and can break the seal or shatter under extreme temperatures.
How To Thaw a Frozen Bottle of Wine?
Did you forget a bottle of wine in your car, only to have it freeze? You may be worried that your bottle of wine is ruined. Do not worry – in most cases, your wine will be fine and will retain its flavors, color and body – unless the seal has been broken. To thaw a frozen bottle of wine, all you need to do is let the bottle sit at room temperature for 2 – 3 hours. Do not use heat to thaw your bottle of wine – heat will change the flavors of the wine and can cause more damage to the cold glass bottle.
READ MORE: Where Are the Best Breweries and Wineries in the Bangor Area?
Did you leave a bottle of wine in a cold car this holiday season? You may have asked – how long can you leave a wine in a cold car in winter? We have got you covered at Downeast Toyota. Learn more about what to do with a frozen bottle of wine this winter with this quick overview. Contact the Downeast Toyota team today to schedule a test drive in a brand-new Toyota car, truck or SUV this winter!