Room temperature is not what you think!

We Americans have been fooled for too long! We're told to serve our red wines "at room temperature," but we live in homes with heaters and air conditioners, meaning that most of us keeping our homes around 70-77 degrees. Did you know that the proper "room temperature" for most red wines is actually 65 degrees F?

So when you hear "room temperature," think of a drafty old castle cellar at 65 degrees. Because THAT'S what they mean!

Some other proper temperature guidelines:

65 Degrees for "big" reds (45 minutes in the fridge):

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Zinfandel
• Shiraz/Syrah
• Burgandy
• Barolo

60 Degrees for lighter, fruitier reds (1.5 hours in the fridge):

• Pinot Noir
• Dolcetto
• Chianti
• Valpolicella
• Rioja

55-60 Degrees for bold whites (1.5-2 hours in the fridge):

• White Burgundy
• Chardonnay
• Rieslings

50 Degrees for light, crisp whites (2 hours in the fridge):

• Pinot Gris
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Vintage Champagnes and sparkling wines
• Ice wines

45 Degrees for very few wines (2.5 hours in the fridge):

• Vinho Verde
• Non-vintage sparkling wines
• All lower quality sweet wines and rosés

Visit my Traveling Vineyard site at http://www.travelingvineyard.com/guide/morethanatasting to browse our great selection of offerings, start an exciting new career, or contact me to book a tasting in your home and try before you buy!