The Wine Tower Tips

At De Wijntoren, we don't like complicated stories. Wine should be delicious, and the timing has to be just right. Whether you're at the packing table in Groningen or enjoying the sunset from your campervan, a few simple tricks will make your wine taste just that little bit better.

Below, we've compiled the most frequently asked questions for you. No thick books, just practical tips on storage, the right temperature, and helpful tips for on the go. This way, you'll always get the most out of your bottle, from grape to glass.

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  • "How long does an opened bottle of wine last?"
    Usually about 2 to 5 days. You can easily stretch that with a good vacuum pump. Does the wine smell of vinegar or does the color look dull? Then it's time to empty the bottle or cook with it .

  • "Should opened red wine be refrigerated?"
    Definitely. Cold slows down the process by which oxygen affects the wine. Do take the bottle out of the refrigerator half an hour before pouring, so the aromas can return to room temperature.

  • "How do you know if wine has expired?"
    Wine doesn't have a strict expiration date, but your nose is your best guide. When that fresh, fruity aroma is gone and replaced by a musty or vinegary smell, it's past its prime.

  • "Can you store wine lying down if the cork is already removed?"
    "We advise against this. Once the bottle is open (even with a stopper), you want to minimize the surface area where the wine touches the air. So just store it upright in the refrigerator door."

Temperature & Taste

  • How long should white wine be refrigerated before drinking?
    "Allow about 2.5 to 3 hours for the ideal temperature to reach. In a hurry? A bucket of ice, water, and a generous amount of salt will do the trick in 15 minutes. Tip: Check our product pages; the ideal temperature is listed for each wine."

  • "What is the best temperature for rosé?"
    Drink it nice and cold, usually between 6 and 8 degrees Celsius. Especially with our Le Perlé or Bacche di Ametista, the fresh notes really shine at that temperature. You'll always find the specific temperature in the wine's details.

  • "Should you let red wine breathe?"
    Most young wines benefit enormously from this. A quick decanter or a large glass can work wonders. However, you need to be careful with very old wines; they can quickly lose their strength due to too much oxygen.

Quantities & Occasion

  • "How many glasses do you get from a bottle of wine?"
    For a standard glass, we calculate 5 to 6 glasses per bottle. If you're pouring generously or using large glasses, then count on about 4 glasses. It's handy to know when planning your evening.

  • "Which wine goes well with a fish stew or a drinks platter?"
    With a fish stew, it's best to choose a wine with some body, like our hearty rosé. With a drinks platter, it naturally depends on the cheese, but a crisp, dry white wine is almost always a good choice. We also provide a few suggestions for what pairs well with each wine on the website.

  • "How much wine should you buy for a party?"
    On average, a guest drinks half a bottle per evening. If you have thirsty friends or a long meeting, get some extra just in case. Any leftovers are perfectly fine to save for later, especially if you use our vacuum sealers.

Practical & On the go

  • "Taking wine in the camper: tips for vibration and heat?"
    Heat is the biggest enemy of a good bottle. Store your supplies in the coolest spot in the campervan, often low to the ground. An old towel works well to prevent rattling and shaking, but a sturdy wine bag will truly keep everything securely in place.

  • "Which wine glasses are indestructible for camping?"
    Truly indestructible glass has yet to be invented, but we recommend crystal glass with a shorter stem and a sturdy base. This is much more stable on a folding table and can withstand a knock or two while washing dishes in the camper.

  • "How do you keep wine cool without a refrigerator?"
    An active cooler is your best friend. You slide it over the bottle and within five minutes your wine is cold, without the need for ice cubes. Ideal for a warm evening outside in front of the camper.

How long can you keep wine after opening?

A common question at the packing table: how long does a bottle of wine last once the cork is removed? While oxygen initially helps release the aromas, too much air eventually leads to flavor loss. With the right tools, like a vacuum pump, you can easily extend the shelf life of your red or white wine to five days. Without any tools, we recommend drinking the bottle within two days. This way, you'll always enjoy the quality the winemaker intended.

The ideal serving temperature: down-to-earth advice

There's nothing more shameful than drinking a beautiful wine at the wrong temperature. A white wine that's too cold loses its aroma; a red wine that's too warm (for example, in a hot campervan) only tastes of alcohol. We recommend serving white wines between 6 and 10 degrees Celsius (44 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit) and red wines around 16 degrees Celsius (61 degrees Fahrenheit). Tip from De Wijntoren: feel free to put that bottle of red in the fridge for half an hour on a warm day for a fresher experience.

Wine for on the road and with the camper

Drinking wine while traveling requires a practical approach. At De Wijntoren, we not only select wines that can withstand a few knocks, but we also consider the right equipment. Think indestructible glassware and active coolers that keep your wine at the right temperature without needing a large wine cellar. Our tips will help you pour the down-to-earth Groningen quality anywhere in the world, from grape to glass.