Why You Should Not Store Cigars in a Wine Fridge
Why You Should Not Store Cigars in a Wine Fridge
Wine and cigars are often enjoyed together, but they should not be stored in the same cabinet.
The main concern is the cigar’s strong and persistent tobacco aroma. Even when unlit, cigars naturally release earthy, woody and fermented scents into the surrounding air. Inside an enclosed wine fridge, these aromas can build up and spread throughout the cabinet.
Over time, cigar smells may be absorbed by:
- Wine labels and cardboard boxes
- Wooden or plastic shelves
- Rubber door seals
- Bottle capsules
- Natural cork closures
- The wine fridge’s interior materials
Once the cabinet develops a strong tobacco smell, it may be difficult to remove completely.
Can Cigar Smell Get Into the Wine?
Glass does not absorb cigar aroma, so a properly sealed bottle will not immediately taste or smell like tobacco.
However, the bottle closure may create some risk. Natural cork can absorb and interact with surrounding aroma compounds, especially during long-term storage. Older bottles, damaged corks and imperfect closures may be more vulnerable.
This does not mean every sealed bottle stored beside cigars will become contaminated. However, valuable wine should not be unnecessarily exposed to strong odors, particularly when it is intended for long-term ageing.
Opened wine is at greater risk because it is directly exposed to the air inside the cabinet. If cigar aromas have accumulated in the wine fridge, they may enter a bottle that is open or not properly sealed.
The Wine Fridge Can Retain Tobacco Odors
Even when the liquid inside the wine bottle remains unaffected, the cabinet itself may absorb the smell.
Wine fridges contain plastic, rubber, wood and insulation materials that may retain strong aromas. Paper labels and cardboard packaging can also pick up tobacco smells.
For collectors, the condition of the label, packaging, cork and capsule may be important. A strong cigar smell can reduce the cleanliness and overall presentation of a wine collection.
Wine and Cigars Need Different Storage Conditions
Wine fridges are designed to keep wine at a cool and stable temperature. Cigars usually require a different balance of temperature and humidity to prevent the tobacco from becoming too dry or too moist.
Using one cabinet for both may result in unsuitable storage conditions for either the wine or the cigars.
A wine fridge should only be converted into cigar storage when it will be used exclusively as a humidor. After cigars have been stored inside for a long period, the tobacco smell may remain even after cleaning.
The Best Solution: Store Them Separately
Wine and cigars may be displayed or enjoyed together, but separate storage is the safer choice.
Keep wine in a clean and odour-free wine fridge. Store cigars in a dedicated humidor designed to maintain the correct conditions for tobacco.
This helps:
- Protect wine from unwanted odours
- Preserve labels and packaging
- Maintain suitable conditions for both collections
- Prevent tobacco smells from building up inside the wine fridge
The best rule is simple:
Enjoy wine and cigars together, but store them separately.
