How do you dispense wine from a kegerator?

Answered by Robert Golston

Dispensing from a kegerator is a delightful experience that combines the convenience of a keg system with the elegance of wine. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of dispensing wine from a kegerator on numerous occasions, and I must say, it truly enhances the overall enjoyment of the wine-drinking experience.

To begin, the process starts with a kegerator, which is essentially a refrigerated unit specifically designed to store and dispense kegged beverages. The kegerator is equipped with a tap handle, which is connected to the keg valve through a series of food-safe plastic tubing. This tubing is crucial in maintaining the integrity and quality of the wine as it travels from the keg to the faucet.

When the tap handle is pulled, gas pressure is applied to the keg. This gas, typically carbon dioxide (CO2), creates a gentle force that pushes the wine out of the keg valve and through the plastic tubing. It is important to note that the use of food-safe plastic tubing ensures that there is no flavor transfer or contamination from the tubing material.

As the wine travels through the tubing, it makes its way to the faucet, where it is dispensed into a waiting glass. The faucet is designed to control the flow of wine, allowing for a smooth and controlled pour. This is especially important for wines, as their delicate flavors and aromas can be affected by a rough or aggressive pour.

One of the advantages of dispensing wine from a kegerator is the ability to serve it at the perfect temperature. Kegerators are equipped with temperature controls, allowing you to set the ideal serving temperature for your wine. This ensures that each glass of wine is enjoyed at its optimal flavor profile, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

Additionally, kegerators offer the benefit of preservation. By storing wine in a keg, you eliminate the risk of oxidation that can occur when opening a bottle. This means that each glass of wine poured from the kegerator will taste just as fresh and vibrant as the first. It also eliminates the need to discard unfinished bottles, reducing waste and ensuring that every drop of wine is savored.

In my personal experience, dispensing wine from a kegerator has been a game-changer. Not only does it add a touch of sophistication to any gathering or event, but it also simplifies the serving process. Gone are the days of struggling with corkscrews or worrying about broken corks. With a kegerator, the wine is always ready to be poured, ensuring that you can focus on enjoying the company and the wine itself.

Dispensing wine from a kegerator is a straightforward process that combines the convenience of a keg system with the elegance of wine. By applying gas pressure, the wine is pushed from the keg valve through food-safe plastic tubing to the faucet, where it is dispensed into a glass. The ability to control the temperature and preserve the wine's freshness make kegerators an excellent choice for wine enthusiasts. So, next time you have the opportunity to enjoy wine from a kegerator, savor the experience and raise a glass to the perfect pour.