For wine enthusiasts there is no better pleasure than tasting the complex flavours and aromas of a well-aged bottle. But getting that perfect balance of taste is tricky if wine is not stored and handled properly. Wine is sensitive to light, temperature and oxygen exposure and all can change the flavour over time. Whether you are a casual drinker or a serious collector, keeping your wine fresh is key to enjoying its full potential.
A great wine deserves to shine but improper storage can dull its flavour in no time. To prevent your wine from going flat or sour keep it away from direct light and store it at a consistent temperature. For reds store at 12-19°C and for whites at 8-12°C.
Using a vacuum sealer after opening the bottle prevents oxygen from getting to the wine and helps to keep it fresh for longer. A wine stopper to keep the pressure in sparkling wines so they do not go flat is also handy. Investing in a wine fridge will also extend the life of your collection by keeping it in the right condition.
With that, you will have every glass tasting as good as it should.
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How Long Does An Open Bottle Of Wine Last?
An open bottle of wine will last 3 to 7 days depending on the wine and how you store it.
- Red wine will last 3 to 5 days if sealed properly and in the fridge.
- White wine with a good stopper will also last 3 to 5 days.
- Sparkling wine loses its fizz fast and should be consumed within 1 to 3 days especially if you use a sparkling wine stopper.
- Wine like Port or Sherry will last up to a month because of its higher alcohol content.
Using tools like vacuum sealers will further preserve the wine and keep the flavour intact longer.
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How to Make an Opened Bottle of Wine Last?
Once you have opened a bottle of wine, preserving the flavour is key to enjoying it over the next few days. Air, light and temperature changes can quickly kill the flavour and aroma of the wine. But with the right techniques and tools you can extend the life and keep it fresh.
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Here is how to make an open bottle of wine last longer so every glass is as good as the first.
Close The Wine With A Cork, Cap Or Stopper
After pouring, reseal the bottle with its original cork, cap or wine stopper. This stops excess air from getting in and oxidising the wine which can spoil the flavour. A tight seal is key to keeping the wine fresh and not going flat or sour too quickly.
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Store The Wine In The Fridge Where It Is Dark
Even red wine benefits from refrigeration once opened. The cool temperature slows down the oxidation process and keeps the flavour intact for longer. The fridge is also dark so the wine is protected from harmful light which can degrade the wine over time.
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Pour Leftover Wine Into Smaller Bottles
Pouring leftover wine into a smaller bottle reduces the amount of air in contact with the wine. The less air the slower the oxidation process will be. Choose a bottle that fits the wine perfectly to minimise air exposure and keep the wine fresh for a few more days.