How Long Does Wine Last After Opening and How to Preserve It Properly

You open a bottle of wine, enjoy a delightful evening but, by the end of it, you still have some left in the bottle. Can you drink it the next day? Or maybe in two days from now? How long does wine last after opening? When will it go bad bad? And how to know it’s gone bad?

The truth is, once the bottle is opened, the clock starts ticking on how long the wine will remain fresh and enjoyable. And that will depend on the type of wine you are drinking and how you preserve it.

So, here’s everything you need to know about how long can you drink wine after opening and what are the best ways to preserve it to help you savor every last drop.

Why Wine Goes Bad

What happens to that delicious bottle after you’ve popped the cork (or unscrewed the cap)? Can you save it for another night, or is it destined for the drain? How long does wine last after opening?
And why does it go bad?

The culprit behind this is oxidation, a chemical reaction triggered by air exposure, that dulls flavors, sharpens acidity, and changes the color of wine.
When you open a bottle, air rushes in, bringing with it oxygen. While a small amount of oxygen can enhance a wine’s flavor (i.e., decanting), prolonged exposure sets in motion a series of undesirable chemical reactions.

Oxygen reacts with the alcohol in wine, and converts it to acetic acid, which is the main component of vinegar. This is why an open wine can develop a sharp, vinegary taste.
Oxidation will also affect the flavor compounds responsible for a wine’s unique aroma. This will result in a loss of taste and characteristics bouquet.
Furthermore, this breakdown process can also affect the color of the wine as well. White wines may take on a brownish hue, while reds can lose their vibrancy and become more brick-colored.

Signs of Wine Going Bad

There are three ways to tell if your wine has gone bad: color, smell, and taste (though hopefully it won’t get to that):

• Color: Look for any unusual color changes. Red wines may lose their vibrancy and become brownish, while whites might take on a darker, brownish hue. Look out for any cloudiness which is also a sign of spoilage.
  
• Smell: This is often the most telling sign. Wine that has gone bad will typically have off-putting aromas. Watch out for smells like vinegar, nail polish remover, or something musty and wet cardboard.
  
• Taste: If the visual and olfactory cues aren’t clear, take a small sip. If the wine tastes overly sour or vinegary, it’s definitely gone bad.

Lifespan of Opened Wine

How long does wine last after opening? Well, it depends on the type of wine and the way you store it.

• Red : Typically between 3 to 5 days. With proper storage your red wine will still be good after 5 days. Red wines generally contain more tannins and other compounds that help preserve them longer than white wines (see What Are Tannins in Wine).
  
• White: Lighter whites like Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc can hold their own for 2-3 days, while fuller-bodied options (think Chardonnay) and rosés might reach their peak by day 3.
  
• Rosé: Similar to white wine, it will last between 2-3.
  
• Sparkling Wine: Best consumed within 1-3 days. The bubbles in sparkling wine dissipate quickly (few hours), even with proper preservation methods.

How to Preserve Your Wine Once Opened

1. Refrigeration

The obvious basic is refrigeration. Always store opened wine in the refrigerator. The cooler temperature slows down the oxidation process.

2. Reseal the bottle right

Make sure the bottle is properly closed to avoid air entering. You can try recorking with the original cork…but if you’ve tried in the past, it’s not always easy.

Wine stopper

A wine stopper is the most affordable and basic option. They typically consist of rubber or silicone and are designed to create a snug fit in the bottle’s opening. They are easy to use, effective for short-term storage (1-2 days) and you can find them almost anywhere.

Vacuum Pump

Another option is to use a vacuum pump. This system removes air from the bottle using a hand pump, creating a partial vacuum that slows down the oxidation process. This can extend the shelf life of your wine for an extra 3-5 day. Some of these are very affordable ($15) and don’t require to break the bank.

Inert Gas Dispenser

Have you ever tried an inert gas dispenser? It’s another effective way to preserve your wine. This method uses argon or other inert gas to displace the air in the bottle. Products like Private Preserve can spray inert gas (usually a mix of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and argon) into the bottle to create a protective layer above the wine, reducing oxygen exposure. Inert gases like argon don’t react with wine, so they help to preserve the wine’s flavor and aroma for up to a week or more.
They are effective and quite affordable as a can costs an average of $7 and are quite easy to find in store or on Amazon.

Wine Preservation System

If you are willing to splurge, you can always invest in a wine preservation system. These are more expensive options but offer the longest storage time. They use a combination of methods, such as vacuum sealing and inert gas, to preserve wine for weeks or even months. However, they come at a heftier price. Some of these systems such as Coravin, start at $150 (the cheapest) and only goes up in price.

To read more about wine storage, see How to Store Wine Properly (At Home).