Wine that has been opened will eventually go bad due to oxidation, but how long it takes depends on the type of wine. Some general guidelines for drinking old opened wine are:
White Wine
White wine lasts only about 1-3 days after being opened. This is because it has less tannins and preservatives compared to red wine, so it oxidizes faster. Drink leftover opened white wine within 1-2 days for the best quality.
Red Wine
Most red wines can last upwards of 5-7 days after opening. The tannins and preservatives help prevent oxidation. Fuller-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz can even last around 10-14 days before deterioration. Drink leftover opened red wine within 3-5 days for optimal taste.
Rosé Wine
Similar to white wines, rosés have lower tannin levels so they tend to only last 1-3 days after opening. Drink any leftover opened rosé wine within 1-2 days for peak freshness.
Sparkling Wine
Once uncorked, the carbonation in sparkling wines like Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava begins to dissipate. An opened bottle of sparkling wine is typically best consumed within 1-2 days. The bubbles fade quickly after 24 hours.
Fortified & Dessert Wine
Fortified wines like Port, Sherry, and Marsala tend to last 3-4 weeks after opening due to the higher alcohol and sugar levels. Unopened dessert wines like Sauternes can even last years after bottling. However, once opened, it’s best to drink dessert wine leftover within 5-7 days.
Factors That Shorten Opened Wine’s Shelf Life
There are several factors that can shorten the shelf life of an opened bottle of wine:
Oxidation
When wine is exposed to oxygen, it begins to oxidize and lose freshness. This chemical reaction happens more quickly in white, rosé, and sparkling wines than in fuller-bodied reds.
Heat and Light Exposure
Heat and light cause wine to age prematurely. Store opened wine in a cool, dark place like a cellar or refrigerator to maximize longevity.
Bottle Size
The smaller the bottle, the shorter the lifespan of the opened wine. Half-bottles and splits deteriorate fastest while full 750mL bottles last longest.
Faulty Cork
Low-quality, dried-out, or ill-fitting corks allow more oxygen to seep into the wine, reducing the remaining shelf life.
Residual Sugar and Acidity
Opened wines with higher sugar and lower acidity tend to go bad quicker than drier, higher-acid wines.
Yeast and Bacteria
Dirty glassware or unsanitary pouring conditions can introduce harmful bacteria and wild yeasts that will multiply and spoil the wine.
How To Tell If Old Opened Wine Is Bad
Here are the signs that indicate an opened bottle of wine has gone bad and should no longer be consumed:
Appearance
– Cloudy haze
– Deepening to brown/amber color
– Bubbles on surface (in still wine)
Aroma
– Vinegar, sherries, nutty smell
– Oxided, burnt, matchstick smell
Flavor
– Sharp, biting acidity
– Flat, diluted, watery taste
– Moldy, bandaid, rotten flavors
Mouthfeel and Texture
– Grainy, bitter, astringent feel
– Loss of viscosity and body
Preserving Opened Wine
To maximize the shelf life of opened wine, consider these storage tips:
Use a Vacuum Preserver
Pump out the excess air in the bottle using a wine vacuum preservation system. This slows oxidation.
Seal it Tightly
Ensure the cork or cap is tightly sealing the bottle to limit air exposure.
Refrigerate
Store opened wine at 40-50°F in the fridge to significantly slow the aging process.
Freeze It
Freezing can preserve lighter-bodied wines like white and rosé for months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before drinking.
Inject Argon Gas
Some wine preservers replace air in the bottle with inert argon gas to prevent oxidation.
Use Smaller Bottles
Transferring to smaller 187mL or 375mL bottles reduces surface area and slows deterioration.
Can You Drink Corked Wine?
Wine that is “corked” refers to wine contaminated with the chemical compound TCA. TCA causes a musty, moldy, damp cardboard flavor and aroma. Corked wine is safe to drink but the unpleasant flavors make it unenjoyable.
Should You Finish Opened Wine or Toss It?
Try to finish all opened wine within 2-5 days (depending on variety) for optimal freshness and taste. However, it’s recommended to toss out any old wine if it smells or tastes unpleasant. Don’t compromise on quality—a bad or “off” wine is not worth drinking.
Cooking With Old Opened Wine
While no longer drinkable, wine that has been open for over a week can still be useful for cooking:
- Deglazing pans to make sauces
- Marinades for meat and vegetables
- Risottos and paellas
- Chili, stews, and braises
- Reduction sauces
The heat mellows off flavors from oxidation. Just don’t cook with corked wine.
Does Opened Wine Go Bad When Refrigerated?
Yes, opened wine will eventually go bad—even when refrigerated. However, refrigeration significantly slows down the aging process by limiting temperature exposure. An opened bottle of wine stored in the fridge can gain an extra 1-3 days of life before deteriorating in quality and taste.
Can You Freeze Opened Wine?
Yes, freezing is an effective way to preserve certain types of opened wine, including:
- White wine
- Rosé
- Juice-forward reds like Pinot Noir
- Sweet dessert wines
Freezing stops the oxidation reactions. Thaw frozen wine overnight in the refrigerator before drinking. Wines with higher alcohol and tannins don’t freeze as well.
Does Wine Go Bad After Opening?
Yes, opened wine oxidizes and eventually goes bad after being exposed to oxygen. However, the shelf life after opening depends on the wine varietal. For example:
- White wine lasts 1-3 days
- Red wine lasts 3-5 days (or longer)
- Rosé wine lasts 1-2 days
- Sparkling wine lasts 1-2 days
- Fortified wine lasts 3-4 weeks
Proper storage extends the shelf life, but all open wines will degrade in quality over time.
Can Old Opened Wine Make You Sick?
Generally, expired alcoholic beverages like wine don’t make people sick. Wine’s high acidity, alcohol content of 12-15%, and lack of carbonation make it very inhospitable to microbial growth. However, some risks of drinking old opened wine include:
- Bad taste from oxidation and lack of freshness
- Allergic reactions or intolerance symptoms in sensitive people
- Headaches or hangovers due to biogenic amines
While not a health hazard, old opened wine is unpalatable. Trust your senses—if it smells or tastes off, err on the side of caution and don’t drink it.
What To Do With Old Opened Wine?
Instead of pouring old opened wine down the drain, consider these uses:
- Cook with it – Use in sauces, braises, marinades
- Make vinegar – Ferment into wine vinegar
- Water plants – Compost into soil for acid-loving plants
- Clean with it – Shine stainless steel and remove odors
- Make sangria – Mix with juice, fruit, brandy
Upcycling oxygenated wine gives it renewed purpose!
Does Wine Age After Opening?
Yes, wine oxidizes and ages rapidly after opening. During the grape-growing and winemaking process, vintners carefully limit oxygen exposure to maintain freshness. However, once a bottle is uncorked, oxygen initiates chemical reactions that speed up the aging process. Young wines with bright fruit flavors fade within days.
Can Old Opened Red Wine Make You Sick?
It’s very unlikely. Unfinished opened bottles of red wine are generally safe to drink for a few days after opening if stored properly. The higher alcohol content (13-15% ABV), tannins, and preservatives in red wines make them less perishable than whites. However, some concerns with old opened red wine include:
- Unpleasant oxidized aromas and flavors
- Possible allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
- Headaches/hangovers from biogenic amines
While not hazardous, oxidation ruins the taste. Old open reds may not make you sick, but likely won’t taste good either.
How Long Does Red Wine Last After Opening?
The shelf life of opened red wine depends on the varietal, but general guidelines are:
- Pinot Noir: 3-5 days
- Merlot: 5-7 days
- Cabernet: 7-10 days
- Malbec: 7-10 days
- Zinfandel: 7-10 days
- Syrah: 7-10 days
- Sangiovese: 5-7 days
Full-bodied reds last longer than lighter ones. Proper storage (cool, dark place or fridge) extends shelf life. Drink any leftover red wine within 3-5 days for best quality.
How To Store Opened Red Wine
To prolong the shelf life of opened red wine:
- Use a wine vacuum pump to remove oxygen
- Seal the bottle tightly with its cork
- Refrigerate at 40–50°F (cooler temperature slows aging)
- Store away from light and heat
- Consider smaller bottles to reduce air exposure
Conclusion
The shelf life of opened wine depends largely on the variety, but refrigeration and proper storage can extend it by a few days. Drink whites and rosés within 1-3 days, reds within 3-5 days, and fortified wines within 3-4 weeks for optimum freshness and flavor. While old opened wine may not make you sick, oxidation ruins the taste over time. Trust your senses—if it seems off, it’s best not to drink it.
