How Long Does Wine Last Once Opened

It’s a familiar scenario: you open a bottle of wine, pour a glass (or two), and then find yourself with the rest of the bottle sitting on the counter or in the fridge. The big question – how long will it stay drinkable? In the UK alone, approximately 645 million bottles of wine are wasted every year, often because people simply don’t know how long their wine will last or how to store it properly. That’s a lot of good wine going to waste!

The good news? With a little knowledge and the right storage techniques, you can extend the life of your open bottle and continue enjoying it over the following days – sometimes even weeks. Let’s take a look at why wine spoils once opened, how long different styles will last, and what you can do to keep your wine fresh for as long as possible. Proper storage is key!

What happens to an open bottle of wine, and why does it go bad

Once you pop the cork (or unscrew the cap), wine is immediately exposed to oxygen – and while a little bit of air can help open up its aromas and flavours, too much exposure will quickly send it downhill. This process, known as oxidation, causes the wine’s delicate balance of flavours to deteriorate over time.

At first, oxidation can soften harsh edges and allow the wine’s true character to shine. But leave a bottle open for too long, and you’ll start to notice a loss of fresh fruit flavours, a duller aroma and a flat taste. Red wines may take on a brick-like or brownish hue, while white wines can darken to a deeper gold. Eventually, the wine may even develop an unpleasant vinegary tang, caused by bacteria converting the alcohol into acetic acid.

The rate at which this happens depends on the type of wine, storage conditions, and how much is left in the bottle – the less wine remaining, the more oxygen in the bottle, speeding up the process. So, how long can you keep different wines after opening?

How long does an open bottle last

RED WINE
Shelf life: 3-5 days

Red wines generally last 3 to 5 days after opening, but this depends on their structure. Tannins act as a natural preservative, so full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Malbec tend to hold up longer than delicate reds like Pinot Noir or Gamay, which can start to fade after just a couple of days.

To maximise freshness, re-cork the bottle tightly and store it in a cool, dark place. Contrary to popular belief, even red wine benefits from being kept in the fridge – cooler temperatures slow down oxidation, meaning your wine stays drinkable for longer.

WHITE WINE
Shelf life: 3-5 days

White wines tend to lose their vibrancy faster than reds, especially crisp, aromatic varieties like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Fuller-bodied whites, like Chardonnay or Viognier, might last a little longer due to their texture and sometimes oak ageing.

For best results, keep white wine tightly sealed in the fridge and try to finish it within a few days while its fresh fruit flavours are still intact.

ROSÉ WINE
Shelf life: 3-5 days

Rosé wines follow the same pattern as white wines, typically staying fresh for 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Their bright fruit flavours and refreshing acidity will fade over time, leaving them tasting a little flat if left too long. If your rosé starts losing its vibrancy, try using it for cooking! It can make a lovely addition to sauces or marinades.

SPARKLING WINE
Shelf life: 1-3 days

Sparkling wines are the most delicate when it comes to shelf life. Once opened, they start losing their signature fizz, as the CO² that creates the bubbles begins to escape.

A proper sparkling wine stopper can help keep the bubbles intact for an extra day or two, but even with one, most fizz lovers agree that sparkling wines should be enjoyed as soon as possible. If the bubbles are gone but the wine still tastes pleasant, don’t tip it away – it can still be great for cocktails or even cooking!

FORTIFIED WINE
Shelf life: A few weeks to several months

Fortified wines like Port, Sherry, and Madeira have a much longer shelf life once opened, thanks to their higher alcohol content and added spirits. Oxidised styles like Tawny Port and Oloroso Sherry can last several months, while fresher styles like Fino Sherry should be consumed within a few weeks.

To maximise longevity, store fortified wines in a cool, dark place with a tight seal. Some, like Madeira, are almost indestructible due to their unique production process!

How to tell if your wine has gone bad

Not sure if your wine is still drinkable? Look for these signs:
Off smells – A musty, damp, or vinegary scent is a clear indication that oxidation or spoilage bacteria have taken over.
Unpleasant taste – If your wine tastes flat, dull, or overly sour, it’s past its best.
Colour changes – Red wines turning brownish, white wines darkening to deep gold or amber? That’s oxidation at work.

If your wine has just lost a bit of its freshness but still tastes okay, don’t waste it – it can still be great for cooking, making sangria, or even deglazing pans.

Learning how to store and enjoy wine after opening is a simple way to reduce waste and make the most of every bottle. Whether it’s keeping red wine fresh for an extra few days, preserving the bubbles in your Prosecco, or repurposing leftover wine in the kitchen, a little knowledge goes a long way.

So, next time you open a bottle, remember: store it properly, enjoy it while it’s at its best, and don’t be too quick to pour it down the sink! Cheers to making the most of every drop!