How Long Opened Wine Lasts: Red, White, Sparkling, and More

Jul 04, 2025

Wondering how long opened wine lasts? This guide covers storage tips and shelf life for red, white, sparkling, and fortified wines—plus how to keep wine fresh longer with simple tools. Learn how to make the most of every bottle from the best place to buy wine online: Bottle Barn.

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To keep or not to keep—that is the perennial question with wine.

After shopping at the best online wine store, you open a bottle, enjoy a glass (or two), and then put the cork back in. A few days later you wonder: is it still good?

The answer depends on the type of wine, how it’s stored, and how long it’s been exposed to air.

Oxygen: Wine’s Friend and Foe

Wine and air have a complicated relationship. When you first open a bottle, oxygen helps the wine “open up,” releasing aromas and softening flavors. But after a certain point, that same oxygen causes wine to spoil.

Once opened, wine begins to oxidize. And oxidation is the enemy of most wine. Aromas fade, flavors dull, and color can shift—especially in white wines. What starts as fresh and lively can turn flat and sour if left too long. Eventually, the wine may smell like vinegar. That’s acetic acid forming, and it means the wine has gone unrecoverably bad.

How Long Does Opened Wine Last?

Here’s a breakdown of how long opened wine typically lasts with proper storage. You will want to keep these in mind when perusing the online wine shop:

White Wines

Drink within 1–3 days, and always store them in the refrigerator with the bottle upright and tightly sealed. Refrigeration slows oxidation. Never freeze your wine—aroma and flavor compounds can break down, and the wine might separate. The freezer should ever only be used to provide a quick chill-down of maybe 15-20 minutes.

Red Wines

Tightly sealed, some red wines, especially fuller-bodied ones with more tannin, last a bit longer—up to 4–5 days. Lighter reds with less structure (like Beaujolais or Pinot Noir) fade faster. Store red wines upright and sealed in a cool spot or the fridge, then let them warm slightly before drinking.

Sparkling Wines

Enjoy these within 4–8 hours. Once the cork pops, the bubbles start escaping, and the wine quickly loses its signature fizz. A sparkling wine stopper can help keep the pressure and bubbles longer, but don’t expect miracles. After you buy wine online and then open it, drink your bubbly fresh.

Fortified Wines (Port, Sherry, Madeira)

These wines are built to last. Thanks to their higher alcohol content and oxidative winemaking style, they can last 1–3 weeks or more after opening, especially if stored in a cool, dark place and tightly sealed. This can be an important factor to remember when you purchase from the best place to buy wine online!

Tips to Make Your Wine Last Longer

Seal it tight: Replace the cork, twist on the screw cap, or use a wine stopper.
Store upright: Less surface area exposed to air means slower oxidation.
Keep it cool: Refrigeration slows spoilage—even for red wines.
Consider tools: A Vacu-Vin pump can extend the life of your wine by a day or two by removing excess air. A Coravin system goes further, letting you pour wine without removing the cork, using inert argon gas to protect what’s left in the bottle.

What About Unopened Wine?

While unopened wine lasts longer, most bottles aren’t meant to age forever.

Everyday white wines: Best within 2–3 years of vintage.
Affordable red wines: Often peak around 4–6 years.
High-end reds and vintage wines: Built to last 10–15 years or more, depending on storage.
Non-vintage sparkling wines: Drink within 3–5 years. Vintage Champagne can age longer.
Beaujolais Nouveau: Enjoy within 6 months—that “nouveau” character fades fast.

Final Thoughts: Drink It Fresh

Wine is a living, changing beverage. Once opened, its quality starts to decline—some faster than others. The best rule? Don’t wait too long. If you love the wine enough to open it, give it the attention it deserves.

So yes, that half-full bottle from last week probably won’t be at its best tonight. But with a little care—and maybe a Vacu-Vin—you can enjoy your wine over several days without sacrificing too much flavor.

And if you’re looking for your next great bottle to open (and finish), browse the curated selection at Bottle Barn’s online wine store. You’ll find fresh whites, vibrant reds, and sparkling wines worth savoring—before and after opening.

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