Quick Answer
Generally, an opened bottle of wine will last between 3-5 days if stored properly. However, it is possible to drink wine 2 weeks after opening if certain precautions are taken to minimize oxidation. The most important factors are using wine preservers, storing the wine correctly, and drinking full-bodied red wines over delicate whites.
How Long Does Opened Wine Last?
Once a bottle of wine is opened, the wine comes into contact with oxygen which starts the oxidation process. Oxidation causes the wine’s flavor and aroma to change and eventually turn into vinegar.
An opened bottle of white wine stored in the fridge will usually last only 2-3 days before oxidation effects become noticeable. Red wine, which has more tannins and compounds that help prevent oxidation, can often last up to 5-7 days if stored properly.
Here is a general guide for how long opened wine will stay drinkable:
| Wine Type | Refrigerated | At Room Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Light whites (pinot grigio, white zinfandel) | 1-2 days | 1 day |
| Champagne and sparkling wines | 2-3 days | 1 day |
| Fuller-bodied whites (chardonnay, sauvignon blanc) | 3-5 days | 2 days |
| Light reds (pinot noir) | 3-5 days | 2 days |
| Fuller-bodied reds (cabernet, merlot) | 5-7 days | 3-5 days |
As shown, refrigeration helps extend the shelf life significantly by slowing down oxidation. Full-bodied wines and reds also last longer due to their higher tannin and antioxidant levels.
Tips for Drinking Wine 2 Weeks After Opening
While most opened wines won’t be ideal after sitting for 2 weeks, certain strategies can help maximize the time window:
Use Wine Preservers
Wine preserver sprays like Private Preserve and Repour are designed to displace oxygen in the bottle with an inert gas. Simply spray the gaseous mixture into the bottle before recorking. This can double the shelf life of opened wine from a few days to up to 2 weeks.
Store Properly
Keep the wine refrigerated at all times between 40-50°F. This cold temperature helps slow down chemical reactions. Store wine upright to keep the cork wet and seal out more oxygen. Keep white wines for up to 2 weeks, reds for up to a month with proper refrigeration.
Choose Fuller-Bodied Reds
Heavier reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Malbec, and Port have more preservatives and tannins that prevent oxidation compared to lighter wines. Opt for these if drinking past 1 week.
Use Smaller Bottles
The less wine exposed to air in the bottle, the better. Choose smaller 375mL bottles when possible. Or, pour remaining wine into a smaller flask or container so there is less surface area contacting oxygen.
Don’t Rely on Vacuum Sealers
Many people try vacuum sealers or pumps to remove oxygen from the bottle. However, these typically remove only around 70% of oxygen and are less effective than gas preservers.
How to Tell if Wine Has Gone Bad After 2 Weeks
There are a few warning signs that indicate your wine has oxidized and gone bad:
Change in Color
Whites may start turning yellow or brown. Reds may start shifting toward orange or brown hues. This indicates excessive oxidation.
Diminished Aroma
Young, fresh wines have bright fruity aromas. As they oxidize, the smell starts to flatten and dissipate. Bad wines will smell musty or like sherry.
Off Flavors
As wines spoil, they take on unpleasant flavors like vinegar, nail polish remover, or rotten fruit. These are clear signs the wine has oxidized and should be discarded.
Textural Changes
Oxidized white wines may feel sticky or syrupy. Reds may start to lose their depth of flavor and feel hollow or watery. The wine loses structural integrity.
Trust your senses. If the wine smells or tastes unpleasant, err on the side caution and pour it out after 2 weeks.
Different Types of Wine and Their Shelf Lives When Opened
The durability of wine after opening depends significantly on the style and making process. Some examples:
Sparkling Wines
Bubbly wines like Champagne, Cava, and Prosecco are delicate and oxidize quickly once opened. Aim to drink within 2-3 days. The CO2 bubbles help protect the wine slightly.
Sweet Wines
The high sugar levels of dessert wines like Port, Sauternes, and Ice Wine slow oxidation. Refrigerated, these may last up to 4 weeks if recorked.
Fortified & Liqueur Wines
Fortifieds like Port, Sherry, and Vermouth have added brandy spirits. This makes them last 3-6 weeks after opening. Fridge for best quality.
Boxed Wine
Boxed wines can stay fresh 4-6 weeks after opening thanks to the airtight bag inside that collapses as wine is poured. Keep refrigerated.
Low Alcohol Wines
Low alcohol and low tannin table wines oxidize fastest – stick to 1-3 days max. Higher alcohol helps preservation.
In general, drink sweet, sparkling, and fortified wines within 3 weeks. Straight table wines are best within 1 week for optimum freshness.
How Long Can You Store an Opened Bottle of Wine Before It Goes Bad?
Storing an opened bottle of wine for later is not recommended. However, if trying to keep the wine drinkable for as long as possible, follow these guidelines:
– Use wine preservers as mentioned earlier to purge oxygen from the bottle. This can extend the shelf life up to 2 weeks.
– Always refrigerate and store upright. The wine should be kept as close to the original winery storage conditions as possible.
– Check the wine every few days. Sample a small sip to test the flavor and aroma. If any off notes develop, it’s best to discard it.
– Most wines, unless specially treated, will start to decline in quality and oxidize around 7-10 days after opening. Drink within the first week for best results.
– Sweet and fortified wines have the longest potential shelf life at 4 weeks or less. More delicate whites and sparkling only last 2-3 days.
While certainly not ideal, opened wine can sometimes be briefly stored and still enjoyed within a 1-2 week window if stored with care. However, the wine quality often degrades noticeably. Whenever possible, finish wine bottles within 2-3 days of opening.
Does Wine Vinegar Go Bad Once Opened?
Vinegar, even after opening, has an extremely long shelf life. Unpasteurized vinegar keeps indefinitely, while pasteurized vinegar can last opened at room temperature for up to 2 years. Here are some tips for storing opened vinegar:
– Keep vinegar bottles away from direct sunlight in a dark pantry or cabinet. Sunlight can accelerate oxidation.
– Some sediment may form at the bottom of the bottle – this is natural and not harmful. Simply shake the bottle to redistribute.
– If mold develops on the surface, skim it off the top and the rest of the vinegar is still fine to use.
– Refrigeration can extend the shelf life of opened vinegar even longer. In the fridge, opened vinegar can last up to 5 years.
– For the highest quality, use opened vinegars within 2 years. Their flavor balance and acidity will start diminishing over time.
– Don’t worry about leaving vinegar bottles with remnants. The acetic acid preserves and prevents microbial growth.
Vinegar is highly shelf stable and does not need to be treated like wine. Due to its high acidity and low pH, it takes very long for opened vinegar to go bad. With proper storage, it can last years without deterioration in quality or safety.
What To Do With Leftover Wine?
Don’t just pour extra wine down the drain! There are creative ways to use up the last glass or two of leftover wine:
Cooking
Use extra wine to deglaze pans for sauces. Add to stews, braises, marinades, and pasta sauce for an extra flavor dimension.
Vinegar
Let your leftover wine turn into DIY wine vinegar! Simply leave it open to the air and acetobacter from the environment will turn the ethanol into acetic acid.
Frozen cubes
Pour wine into an ice cube tray and freeze. Use to chill sangria or soup without diluting.
Jelly
Simmer wine with sugar and pectin to make homemade wine jelly. Delicious on crackers, meats and cheese.
Sangria
Macerate sliced fruit in leftover wine for quick sangria. Ideal for summer entertaining and picnics.
Smoothies
Add a splash of red wine to berry smoothies. The antioxidants from red wine and berries make a healthy combo.
Vinaigrette
Shake up leftover wine with oil, vinegar, and herbs for an easy salad dressing. The wine adds a touch of acidity.
With a dash of creativity, you can transform leftovers into fabulous culinary concoctions. Don’t waste it – cook with it!
Conclusion
While drinking opened wine after 2 weeks is not generally recommended, it may be possible if the right steps are taken to minimize oxidation. The most important factors are using wine preservers, proper refrigerated storage, choosing full-bodied red varietals, and monitoring the wine for any negative changes. Limit the time frame to 1-2 weeks at most. Sweet wines, Port, and Sherry can last a little longer. But for regular table wines, try to finish bottles within 3-5 days of opening for the best taste. With proper handling, the shelf life of an opened bottle of wine may be able to be extended to 2 weeks at the maximum.
