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How Long Does Opened Wine Last? [Red & White Explained]

Wine is always a good idea, some say it’s a drink of the gods. And, many of us have encountered moments where we’ve opened a bottle of wine but end up not being able to finish it. We’ve all faced that question- how long does opened wine last? Sometimes, we just keep the bottle in the fridge, hoping to have a glass or two later, but is it still good after a few days? In this blog post, we will discuss how long opened wine (red and white) lasts, and how you can maximize its shelf life.


Red Wine:

Let’s start with red wine. After opening the bottle, red wines usually last between three to five days. Keep in mind though that the flavors and aromas change as time goes by. Red wine starts to lose its flavor and freshness because of oxygenation. We suggest using an airtight wine stopper or a vacuum pump to remove air from the bottle, lessen the contact with oxygen and prolong its shelf life. Additionally, red wine can last up to a week if kept in the refrigerator and the wine bottle is tightly sealed.


White Wine:

White wine has a shorter shelf life compared to red wine because it has less tannins and is more delicate in flavor. If you’ve opened a bottle of white wine, it typically lasts for two to three days only, even if it’s stored in the fridge. Again, the key is to limit the contact with air by using an airtight wine stopper or a vacuum pump. When it comes to storing wine, it's also important to keep it cool as this slows down the breakdown of the wine. White wines are best stored in the fridge, but if you prefer, you can also place it in a wine cooler.


Sparkling Wine:

Lastly, we have sparkling wine. When you open a bottle of sparkling wine, it is best consumed right away, as it only lasts for one to three days. Proper storage is the key to extending the life of your sparkling wine bottle. Keep it stored upright at a low temperature, around 4 to 10 °C in the fridge. If you have a leftover sparkling wine and planning to consume it, make sure to put the cork back and store it in the refrigerator.


It’s always better to know how to properly store wine to make sure that it stays fresh and tasty for as long as possible. Proper storage can make a difference for your wine-drinking experience, protecting wine flavors and aromas that can be affected by air and temperature changes. So, if you open a bottle of wine, don’t let it go to waste, learn how long it lasts, and store it properly, to enjoy it on another day. Finally, don’t forget to experiment with different wine stoppers and vacuum pumps to keep your wine fresh, and maximize its shelf life. Happy drinking!


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