Whether you’re just getting started on trying the best wines for beginners or you’re advanced in the world of wine tasting, one vital question you’ve probably asked — or will ask in the near future — is “how long does an open bottle of wine last?”

Unfortunately, if you came here, or anywhere, looking for a one or two-word answer to how long an opened bottle of wine lasts, you won’t find one. The answer to how long an open bottle of wine lasts is actually dependent on many different factors. Our CT winery experts answer the question in more detail below!

How Long Do Opened Red Wines Last?

You can expect a red wine to last around 3-5 days after it’s been opened. However, some red wines that are fortified, such as sherry or port, are preserved in a way that enables them to last for a few weeks once they’re opened. Some specific reds, such as marsala, can even be good for several months past the date they are opened. In general, the more tannins a red wine has, the longer it lasts since tannins protect wine against excessive oxygenation.

In order to preserve your red wine as long as possible, always make sure to follow these tips:

• Re-cork the wine as soon as you can. If you don’t have a cork, you can use plastic wrap, tin foil, or another barrier to prevent air from getting into the wine (although this solution won’t last as long).
• Always store red wine in a cool and dark location, such as the back of a cool pantry, your basement, or your garage.

How Long Do Opened White Wines Last?

White wines that have a full body, such as chardonnay or sauvignon blanc, can last 3-5 days past the date they are opened. Lighter-bodied whites, such as sweet wines and rosé, can go 5-7 days before they are likely to spoil.

Here are some care tips for your white wine:

• Re-cork the wine ASAP to prevent oxygenation. The methods listed for corking red wine in a pinch can also be used for white wine. However, if you enjoy white wine often, consider investing in a special stopper or vacuum bottle seal in order to keep air out more effectively.
• White wine should always be refrigerated. As soon as you finish with a bottle of white wine, it should be placed in the fridge ASAP (if there is any wine left to drink — we won’t judge)!

Has My Wine Gone Bad?

You can use your senses to detect if your wine has gone bad:

Sight

Look at the wine’s color. If your white wine is darkening into a yellow, or your red wine is more of a brownish color, it’s probably over the hill.

Scent

Good wine should have notes of fruit — it’s made from grapes, after all. If your wine is smelling less like fruit and more like vinegar, you have a bad bottle on your hands.

Taste

Take a small sip of the wine. If it tastes dramatically different, has gone flat, or overall doesn’t seem like the wine you originally bought, you’re best off replacing the bottle with a new one. Don’t freak out — you can actually drink wine that has gone bad and experience no ill effects. It just won’t taste very good. 

Love Wine? Visit Jonathan Edwards Winery!

If you love wine or want to get started on your journey to tasting wines that’ll change your life, we want to see you at our CT winery! Schedule a tasting tour or sign up for our wine club today.

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Left out a bottle of wine overnight or wondering if that white in the fridge is still good? Let this be your guide to open wine’s lifespan and quality.