How Long Does Opened Wine Last? Signs of Spoilage & Storage Tips
Wine has become an essential part of many people’s dining tables, but one question often comes up:If a bottle isn’t finished in one sitting, how long can the remaining wine be kept? Will it spoil?
Quick Answer — How Long Does Opened Wine Last?
- Red Wine — 2 to 10 years (unopened, properly stored); 3 to 5 days (opened and refrigerated)
- White Wine — 1 to 3 years (unopened, properly stored); 3 to 5 days (opened and refrigerated)
- Sparkling Wine — 1 to 3 years (unopened, properly stored); 1 to 3 days (opened and refrigerated)
How long can an opened bottle of wine be stored?
In general, once a bottle is opened, the wine starts to change immediately at room temperature.Keeping it in a wine fridge can slow that process significantly.Most wines will fully deteriorate within about three days, while white wines last around two days.
After about one day, some wines may taste softer and smoother, but fresh, fruit-forward young wines usually show their best character right after opening.
By the second day, wines that were properly re-sealed the night before often taste more integrated, but much of the fruit aroma will begin to fade and acidity becomes more noticeable.
By the third day, many wines will be completely spoiled—the aromas disappear and the taste becomes sharply acidic.
If you want to extend the life of an opened bottle, re-seal it immediately after pouring. A bottle stopper can help slow down oxidation by reducing the amount of air that enters and mixes with the wine.
| Wine Type | Unopened | Opened(Refrigerated) |
| Red Wine (General) | 2-10 years | 3-5 days |
| Pinot Noir | 2-5 years | 2-3 days |
| Merlot | 3-7 years | 3-5 days |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | 5-10 years | 4-6 days |
| White Wine (General) | 1-3 years | 3-5 days |
| Sauvignon Blanc | 1-3 years | 3-5 days |
| Chardonnay | 3-5 years | 3-5 days |
| Riesling | 3-5 years | 5-7 days |
| Rosé Wine | 1-3 years | 3-5 days |
| Sparkling Wine | 1-3 years | 1-3 days |
| Fortified Wines | 10-50 years | 1-2 months |
How to Tell If a Wine Has Gone Bad
1. Check whether the wine has oxidized.
Wine can oxidize just like metal when exposed to too much oxygen. If you notice a sharp, vinegar-like smell and the taste has shifted from fresh to dry and somewhat bitter, the wine has likely been oxidized. In general, white wine oxidizes more quickly than red because the higher tannin content in red wine slows down the oxidation process.
2. See if the wine has cork taint.
If you detect aromas similar to damp cardboard or musty mushrooms, the wine may have cork taint. Taste it as well—if those same flavors remain and the wine feels unusually dry and flat, you can confirm that cork taint is present.
3. Smell for sulfur compounds.
When a wine contains excessive sulfur compounds, it may release odors reminiscent of burnt matches or rotten eggs. These smells can result from poor storage conditions or from too much sulfur dioxide being added during bottling.
4. Identify signs of heat damage (“cooked wine”).
If a wine has been stored in a warm or hot environment—such as an attic, car trunk, or near a heater—it may develop what’s known as “cooked” aromas. Such wines often pour with a brownish tint and smell like caramel.
How to Store an Opened Bottle of Wine
1. Reseal the bottle with a fresh stopper and place it in a wine fridge.
Make sure the stopper fits tightly to minimize the amount of air entering the bottle. This is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to slow down oxidation.
2. Transfer the remaining wine into a smaller bottle (such as a 375ml bottle), then re-seal it and store it in the fridge.
Although this method takes a little more effort, it is quite effective because the smaller container reduces the amount of air left inside. For wines sealed with screw caps—common in many New World regions—both of the above methods are even easier to implement.
3. Use a vacuum pump to remove air from the bottle.
In theory, this method works well, but it cannot completely eliminate the oxygen inside the bottle. Some oxygen will remain and continue to affect the wine. Additionally, using a vacuum pump can also remove sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide—compounds that help protect wine from oxidation and enhance the texture of many non-oak-aged whites and reds.
Conclusion
No matter how carefully you store it, an opened bottle of wine will eventually deteriorate. All we can do is slow the process and extend its shelf life by a few days at most. During this time, the wine’s flavor and aroma will decline quickly, so it is best to finish the bottle on the day it is opened.
FAQ
Can a regular refrigerator replace a wine fridge for storing wine?
No. The ideal storage temperature for wine is 50–59°F, and although different types vary slightly, they all fall within this range. A household refrigerator is usually kept below 40°F, which is far colder than wine should be stored. Prolonged exposure to such low temperatures can cause the cork to crack, allowing air to enter and accelerating spoilage.
Can opened wine be used for cooking?
Yes, and it is highly recommended. A common method is to reduce the wine into a thicker liquid, pour it into an ice tray, and freeze it. When needed, you can take out a cube to make sauces. If you happen to have leftover wine and unused ingredients, this is a good approach to try.
Does wine spoil more easily in high temperatures?
Yes. Even unopened wine can develop a cooked flavor if stored in a warm environment for too long. Signs include darker color, weakened aroma, and fruit notes that shift from fresh to stewed. High temperatures can also increase the pressure inside the bottle and push the cork upward.