How long does wine last once opened?

Let's cut to the chase, you're here because you want to know – How long does wine last?

It's a debated question amongst wine lovers, but one we feel compelled to address for you.

The lifespan of an opened bottle of wine can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of wine, storage conditions, and how much air has entered the bottle.

Long story short though - once you pop the cork, oxygen attacks the wine causing it to spoil over time.

Generally, red wine once opened can last for up to 6 days max if stored properly in a cool and dark place with a wine stopper or cork in place to prevent excess oxygen from getting in. For white wine, it can last for up to 3 days under the same storage conditions.

However, some types of wine, such as fortified wines like port or sherry, can last longer due to their higher alcohol content and added fortification. While sparkling wines start to lose their fizz within a few hours.

This guide will dive deep into how long wine lasts once opened, how to tell, and how to prevent it!

Firstly, Why Does Wine Go Bad?

Wine is a delicate beverage, and once it's opened and exposed to air, the oxidation process begins. This is what causes wine to go bad.

Oxidation is a chemical process that affects the flavor and aroma of the wine. Open wine risks developing acetic acid bacteria. This chemical reaction converts alcohol into acetaldehyde and then acetic acid, causing spoilage. This then leaves behind a bitter vinegar-like taste and smell.

With most wines you can usually tell if it's gone bad; it produces a distinct odor that signals spoilage. If you dare taste it, you'll definitely wince at the difference. Oxidation can also make white wines turn brown and red wines become orange, not pretty!

Red Wines

When it comes to how long your favorite red wines last once opened, the answer is three to five days if you re-cork them and store them in a cool, dark place. Wines with more tannins, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, tend to last longer, providing better protection against oxygen. Thus, light red wines with fewer tannins, like Pinot Noir, won’t last as long as richer reds, such as Shiraz.

Exposing an open bottle of red to fluctuating temperatures or direct sunlight negatively impacts the wine’s taste, aroma, and color. For instance, if left on the kitchen counter, it will begin to oxidize, leading to sour flavors by the following evening.

While you may technically be able to drink red wine after seven days, it's generally not recommended, as it loses its flavor and freshness during that time. Signs of spoilage include an off smell resembling vinegar or nail polish remover, sour or vinegary flavors, or a cloudy appearance.

Storing leftover red wine in the fridge can prolong its life compared to room temperature; while it might still be drinkable after a few days, it’s best to consume it within three to five days for optimal flavor. Even in the fridge, red wine will eventually go bad, so try not to push those limits.

If you're not already using a Coravin wine by-the-glass system that injects Argon gas to preserve your rich reds, the 2nd best option to drinking, is to use it for cooking.

White Wines & Rose

Most light-weight whites like Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and blends such as Riesling, Vermentino, and Gewürztraminer should remain fresh for up to 2 days after opening. A good rule of thumb is the drier the wine, the longer it will last.

Two to Three days is the maximum for a Rosé wine or full-bodied white wine like Chardonnay, Fiano, Roussanne, Viognier, and Verdelho. Oaked Chardonnay and Viognier tend to oxidize more quickly because they are exposed to additional oxygen during the pre-bottled aging process.

Storing white wine and Rosé in the fridge can help extend their freshness compared to keeping them at room temperature. If opened, it’s best to consume both white and Rosé wines within 3-5 days for the best flavor. Even in the fridge, these wines can go bad; thus, it's advisable to check for any off-putting smells or sour flavors before consuming.

Preserve Your Still Wines for Weeks with Coravin Pivot

Enjoy a full spectrum of wines at home with the Coravin Pivot.

An innovative device that allows you to enjoy wine by the glass without finishing an entire bottle. The Coravin Pivot Wine by-the-glass system is the ultimate tool for reducing waste and enjoying every sip of your favorite bottles. With the Pivot system's stopper, you can preserve your wines for up to 4 weeks — perfect for the frequent sippers!

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Preserve Like a Pro for Months or Years with Coravin Timeless

In a world of endless wine choices, it's hard to know what to try next. Coravin Timeless pairs you with the perfect wines from the past, present, or future. No more wasted bottles with the Coravin Timeless wine by-the-glass System, which allows you to enjoy your finest wines anytime without pulling the cork months or even years later!

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Sparkling Wines

When you pop a bottle of Champagne, Prosecco, or other types of bubbly, it begins to lose its fizz. Sparkling wine does not last long once opened. To maximize enjoyment, it is recommended to drink it within the first 3 hours of opening. And no, inserting a teaspoon into the neck of a bottle won't help preserve it.

It is possible to hold the fizz for up to 3 days by using a stopper or sealing it with plastic wrap, but it won't be anywhere near what you tasted on the first day of opening — the wine would have gone flat, and the aroma and taste would be sour.

Preserve Sparkling Wines For up to One Whole Month with Coravin Sparkling

Keep your favorite sparkling wine and crisp for up to 4 weeks with the Coravin Sparkling by-the-glass System. This system ensures that your favorite sparkling wines, such as Cava, Prosecco and champagne, remain delightful and effervescent. Simply pour yourself a glass, close the bottle with the Coravin Sparkling Stopper, and use the Coravin system to insert CO2 back into the bottle. It’s easy to use and makes for the best gift for any wine lover!

Fortified Wines

Fortified wines, such as port, sherry, and Madeira, have a higher alcohol content due to the addition of distilled spirits, which helps them last longer once opened. Typically, an opened bottle of fortified wine can last anywhere from 1-3 weeks when stored in a cool, dark place with the cork tightly sealed. The rich flavors and increased alcohol help protect these wines from quick oxidation, allowing you to enjoy them over a more extended period compared to regular wines.

How to Preserve Wine Once Opened?

To preserve the taste and quality of a wine once accessed, you can use a wine by-the-glass system like our Pivot+, Timeless or Sparkling series mentioned above.

Unlike traditional Vacu vins and stoppers these devices help to keep wine fresh for a much longer period by completely blocking oxygen that comes into contact with the wine.

For more short-term preservation methods we've listed a few more here until you get your own Coravin!

Top Tips to Store Wine After Opening

Besides using a Coravin, there are a few other ways to ensure you keep your wine fresh. Proper storage of wine is crucial to maintaining its quality, taste, and aroma.

Store wine in a cool, dark, and humid place: Wine should be stored away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The ideal temperature for wine storage is between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit (10-15 degrees Celsius), with a humidity level around 70%. Harsh lights and UV rays can travel easily through clear and green bottles and instigate a sulfur-releasing process, impacting the aroma and taste of your wine.
Store wine bottles horizontally: This helps keep the cork moist and prevents it from drying out, which can allow air to seep into the bottle and spoil the wine.
Avoid storing wine in the kitchen or near the stove or oven: The temperature fluctuations and aromas from cooking can affect the quality of the wine.
Don’t store wine in the refrigerator for an extended period: This can cause the cork to dry out and affect the wine's flavor.
Invest in a wine cooler or cellar: If you plan to store wine for an extended period, a wine fridge or cellar can maintain the proper temperature and humidity levels.

As wine is a perishable product, once you pop the cork, it begins to oxidize. That is why we recommend investing in a Coravin wine-by-the-glass system.

If you want to enjoy a glass or two of wine without opening the entire bottle, and without exposing the wine to oxygen, Coravin is your friend. This can be particularly useful for expensive or rare wines that you want to savor over time or share with guests on different occasions.

In a Nutshell

Yes, we're biased but compared to other wine preservation techniques Coravin wine by-the-glass systems are the No.1 choice. Perfect for wine lovers, collectors, and professionals who want to enjoy wine without committing to opening a whole bottle or worrying about the wine spoiling due to exposure to oxygen.

Learning how long wine lasts, the factors that affect its longevity, and effective preservation techniques can enhance your overall wine experience. By understanding proper storage methods and utilizing wine preservation devices, you can relish the flavors of your favorite wines for longer periods and minimize waste.