How Long Does Wine Last After Opening?
|
|
Time to read 3 min
Your Guide to Keeping Wine Fresh, Whatever You’re Drinking
We’ve all been there: you open a bottle, pour a glass (or two), and then wonder… what now?
Whether you’re drinking red, white, sparkling, or something a little more unusual, knowing how long does wine last after opening can save both your palate and your pennies.
Here’s our practical, jargon-free guide to keeping your wine tasting its best, even a few days after you’ve pulled the cork.
So… How Long Does Wine Last After Opening?
The short answer? It depends on the type of wine, how it’s stored, and how much is left in the bottle.
Here’s a general guide:
|
Wine Type |
Fridge |
Lasts For |
| Sparkling Wine |
Yes | 1–3 days (use a sparkling wine stopper) |
| Light White & Rosé |
Yes | 3–5 days |
| Full-bodied White |
Yes | 3-4 days |
| Red Wine |
Optional | 3–5 days |
| Orange/Natural Wine |
Yes | 2–4 days (can be unpredictable) |
| Fortified Wine (Port, Sherry) |
Yes | 1–3 weeks |
Remember: the fuller the bottle and the cooler it’s stored, the longer it’ll last.
How to Tell If Wine’s Gone Off
Wine doesn’t go “bad” in the same way milk does — but it can turn sour, flat, or just lose its charm. Oxygen is the main culprit: once a bottle is open, air begins to change the flavour and structure of the wine. That’s why so many people wonder how long does wine last after opening and the answer isn’t the same for every style.
Here’s what to watch (and smell) for:
It smells vinegary or musty
It tastes dull, sour, or overly sharp
It’s lost its fruit or feels off-balance
If you're unsure, take a small sip. If it tastes cooked, lifeless, or like salad dressing… it’s probably time to let it go.
Most wines will still be enjoyable for a day or two, but beyond that, their character can fade quickly. Paying attention to smell and taste is the simplest way to judge. When in doubt, trust your senses — they’ll tell you far more than the label about how long does wine last after opening.
How to Make Wine Last Longer
To get the most out of every bottle:
1. Use a wine stopper
A simple cork works in a pinch, but a proper wine stopper or vacuum pump helps preserve freshness for longer. By removing excess air, you slow down oxidation, which is the biggest factor in how quickly wine changes once opened. It won’t keep your wine tasting brand-new forever, but it can give you an extra day or two of enjoyment.
2. Store it in the fridge
Even red wine lasts longer chilled. Cooler temperatures slow down chemical reactions, meaning your wine stays fresher for longer. Just take it out 20–30 minutes before drinking if you prefer it at room temperature. This is especially helpful if you’re wondering how long does wine last after opening, as the fridge is one of the simplest tools you can use to extend its life.
3. Keep it upright
This reduces the surface area exposed to oxygen (the thing that ages wine quickly once open). Less exposure means less spoilage, so your bottle will stay balanced and flavourful for longer. Combined with proper sealing and storage, it’s one of the easiest ways to stretch the drinking window on any wine.
Natural & Unfiltered Wines: A Bit Less Predictable
We love natural wines for their character and energy – but they often have fewer preservatives, which can make them more volatile. These wines are usually made with minimal intervention, meaning they skip additives like sulphites that help slow down oxidation. That’s part of what makes them exciting to drink — they’re alive, expressive, and sometimes unpredictable — but it also means they can change more quickly once you’ve popped the cork.
Some taste even better the next day, developing new layers of flavour as they breathe, while others fall apart fast and lose their vibrancy within hours. If you’re wondering how long does wine last after opening when it comes to natural bottles, the answer is often “not as long as you think.”
Our advice? Enjoy them fresh, and don’t wait too long. With natural wines, each day really does make a difference, so savour them in the moment while they’re showing at their best.
Final Pour
So, how long does wine last after opening? It depends — but a little care goes a long way. With the right storage, a good bottle can last you several days (and still taste great). Factors like the style of wine, how much is left in the bottle, and where you store it all play a role. A half-full bottle kept upright in the fridge with a tight stopper will hold up much better than one left loosely corked on the counter.
As a general rule, light whites and rosés will keep their brightness for two to three days, while fuller reds can sometimes stretch to four or five. Sparkling wines lose their fizz quickly but can still taste good for a day or two if sealed properly. Fortified wines, thanks to their higher alcohol, last even longer.
And if in doubt? Just ask us. We’re always happy to help you get the best from every bottle — and give you tailored advice for making the most of yours.