The Shelf Life of Wine After Opening It

Wine 101 Entertaining Tips & Tricks

The Shelf Life of Wine After Opening It

Wine enthusiast uncorking a bottle of Sandbanks Noir 2 and pairing it with some fresh fruit and berries.

Hello, fellow wine enthusiasts! 

If you’re like us and you entertain friends and family often, this can mean half bottles of wine that are left over (eye roll). Then you’re left with this lingering question: "How long is this wine still good after it's been opened?" After all, no one wants to waste a good bottle of wine, especially when it’s just been opened and enjoyed for one evening. 

No need for concern! While "spoiled" wine is basically vinegar, it's harmless to consume. Since each varietal has a different shelf life after it’s opened, we’re keeping you informed with some Wine 101 facts, so that you can enjoy the best possible taste with every bottle you open – down to the last drop! Let's dive into how long various wine styles remain fresh once opened. 

Light Whites and Rosés

These are your crisp, fruity, and refreshing favourites. Think Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or a Provence-style rosé. After being opened, these wines can remain fresh for up to 7 days as long as they are corked and stored in the fridge. You might detect a slight alteration in the flavour compared to the initial day you opened it due to oxidation as the wine's fruity essence becomes less pronounced. Shop our selection of rosé wines now!

Full-Bodied Whites

Robust white wines, such as oaked Chardonnay and Viognier, are prone to faster oxidation. This is due to their exposure to more oxygen during the pre-bottling aging phase. So, once you've taken the first pour, an opened bottle of oaked Chardonnay will keep for about 3 to 5 days. Just ensure it is corked and in the fridge. And for those who frequently enjoy these varietals of wine, consider investing in a vacuum cap. Shop our selection of white wines now! 

Sparkling Wines

There’s nothing like the effervescence of a good bottle of bubbly. Be it Prosecco, Champagne, Cava, or sparkling, these wines come alive with their vivacious bubbles. However, once opened, the clock starts ticking as sparkling wines tend to lose their fizz swiftly. To help keep the sparkle in your sparkling wine alive, use a wine stopper and store it in the fridge between 1 to 3 days max. The carbonation dissipates over time, and after the third day, your bubbly might start to feel a tad flat. Browse our selection of sparkling wines now! 

Wine lover preparing a salad to pair with Saintly the Good Sparkling Rose.

Red Wines

From the light and fruity to the bold and robust, red wines are a vast category. After opening, most red wines will keep their charm for up to 5 days. The longevity of red wine after it's opened is often influenced by its tannin and acidity levels. For instance, a lighter red with minimal tannins, such as Pinot Noir, may not preserve its character once opened as long as a rich red, like Cabernet Sauvignon. Keep your reds in a cool, shaded place with a cork away from light or a wine chiller. If you're without a chiller, opt for your fridge instead. Shop our selection of red wines now!  

Box Wines

Box wines have come a long way offering some impressive options and benefits. From its longer shelf life and eco-friendliness to better durability and value, box wine is a win-win in every sense. Whether you’re in the mood for white, red, or rosé, box wine can last for up to 6 weeks in the fridge after the tap is opened. The packaging prevents air from touching the wine, allowing it to last longer than traditional bottles. Now you can enjoy some of your favourite wines with the same great taste, just in a bigger box! Browse our selection of boxed wines here!

Couple of wine enthusiasts enjoying a glass from the Jackson-Triggs Merlot 4L with some cheese and grapes.

Every wine tells a story, from its origin and grape variety to its aging process and the hands that made it. Our role, as wine lovers, is to honour this story by enjoying it at its best. So, the next time you have an open bottle and are wondering how long it will last, just think of this guide. But always remember, while guidelines are helpful, trust your senses. If it smells and tastes good, pour yourself a glass and savour every drop. 

Cheers to great-tasting wine and understanding your bottle’s journey even after it's been opened!  

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