Be honest, how many times have you tipped a half-finished bottle down the sink, convinced it had gone off? You're not alone. It's one of the most common wine myths out there, and it means we're often throwing away perfectly good wine, and money along with it. So, how long does opened wine actually last? The good news is, far longer than most people think, as long as you store it the right way. Here are five tips that actually make a difference.
How Long Does White or Red Wine Last? Treat It Like Milk
Wine is a fresh food. The moment you open it, oxygen starts changing it, slowly altering the aromas, flavours and colour, a process explained in more detail by Wine Enthusiast's guide to wine oxidation. It's a similar process to what happens when you leave milk out on the counter. You wouldn't leave milk sitting out overnight, so give your wine the same care. A little thought at the moment you finish pouring makes a big difference days later, and it's the first step to understanding how long opened wine actually lasts.
How to Store Opened Wine: Seal It and Get It in the Fridge
As soon as you've poured your glass, put the cork back in, screw the cap back on, or use a proper stopper. Then get it straight into the fridge. This applies to red wine too, not just whites and rosés. The cooler temperature slows down the oxidation process significantly, which is the single biggest factor in how long an opened bottle of wine will last.
Serving Chilled Red Wine: Let It Warm Naturally
- Worried that a chilled red won't taste right? There's an easy fix.
- Pour your glass as normal, then let it sit at room temperature for around 30 minutes before drinking.
- It will warm up naturally and taste far better than a bottle that's been left out on the counter for a few days, losing freshness the whole time.
Does an Opened Bottle of Wine Last Longer If It's Fuller? Mind the Air Inside
Here's a tip most people don't know, and one of the biggest factors in how long opened wine lasts. The amount of wine left in the bottle affects the shelf life. A bottle with just a glass or two poured out still has relatively little oxygen inside, so it will usually stay fresh for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. A bottle that's nearly empty has a lot more air inside it, which speeds up oxidation considerably, so it's best enjoyed the next day.
How Long Does Opened Sparkling Wine Last? Skip the Teaspoon Trick
You've probably heard that putting a teaspoon in the neck of a sparkling wine bottle keeps it fizzy. Unfortunately, this is a myth. The bubbles escape regardless of what's balanced in the neck of the bottle. If you want to keep your sparkling wine fresh, a proper sparkling wine stopper is the only thing that reliably works.
So, how long does opened wine last? With the right storage, days rather than hours. Sometimes the best bottle of wine really is just the one you stored properly.
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