How Long Does an Open Bottle Actually Last?

You opened a bottle of wine on Tuesday, had one glass and pushed the cork back in. Now it’s Friday and you’re staring at it on the counter wondering if it’s still good or if you’re about to drink something sad.

The short answer is that it’s probably fine. The longer answer is that it depends on what’s in the bottle and how you stored it. Here’s what you need to know so you can stop pouring perfectly good wine down the drain.

The main thing working against an open bottle is air. A little air is actually a good thing at first. It’s the reason people swirl their glass or let a big red breathe before dinner. The wine relaxes and the flavors open up. But after a few days, all that air starts to flatten the fruit, and eventually the wine tastes sour or a little nutty. Heat and sunlight speed the whole thing up, and cold slows it way down.

Most still wines, whether they’re red, white or rosé, will taste good for around three to five days after you open them as long as you re-cork them and keep them cool. Delicate reds like Pinot Noir tend to fade a little sooner. Big, bold reds like Cabernet and Malbec often hold up longer, and some of them actually taste better on the second day! Sparkling wine is the one that goes fastest. Even with a good stopper, the bubbles start to disappear after a day or two.

Boxed wine is a whole different story, and honestly it gets a bad rap. The bag inside collapses as you pour, so air never really gets in. That means a box can stay fresh for weeks, which makes it a really smart choice if you only drink a glass here and there. Port and sherry also last a long time once opened because the extra alcohol protects them.

Now for the great news. Spirits like bourbon, vodka, gin, rum and tequila are incredibly stable. An open bottle can stay good for years as long as you keep the cap on tight and store it upright, away from the sun. The only thing to watch for is a bottle that’s almost empty. All that air sitting in the bottle can slowly dull the flavor over time, so it’s a good excuse to finish it off with friends. Cream liqueurs are the exception. Those should go in the fridge after you open them, and you’ll want to check the label for how long they keep.

Beer is easy. Once it’s open, drink it that day, because it goes flat fast. Unopened beer is best when it’s fresh, especially hoppy beers like IPAs, so keep them cold and check the date on the can.

There are a few simple ways to stretch the life of an open bottle of wine. Put the cork or a stopper back in as soon as you’re done pouring. Keep the bottle standing up so less wine touches the air. And here’s the one most people don’t know: put your open reds in the fridge too. Cold slows everything down. Just pull the bottle out about half an hour before you want a glass so it isn’t too chilly. If you open a lot of wine, a little vacuum pump or preserver spray can buy you an extra day or two.

So how do you know when a wine is really done? Trust your nose. If it smells like vinegar, nail polish remover or wet cardboard, it’s time to let it go. A white wine that has turned deep gold or brownish is another sign. Old wine won’t hurt you, it just won’t taste very good. Before you toss it, though, think about dinner. Wine that’s a little past its prime is still great in a pan sauce, a pot of chili or a big batch of beef stew.

And if your bottle really is past saving, well, now you’ve got the perfect excuse to come see us for a new one!