How Long Does Wine Last After Opening?

Quality bottles of wine can be expensive, but you do not have to be wine connoisseur to purchase or enjoy different flavors. A purchased bottle of wine does not have to be finished in one sitting. Properly stored bottles of wine can last, and be enjoyed several times.

Causes of Bad Wine

Oxygen causes wine to go bad by a process called oxidation. When a bottle of wine is left opened, oxygen flows into the wine and starts to open up the aromas of the wine.

Three Day Rule

Wine connoisseurs recommend keeping an opened bottle of wine for three days. After three days, oxidation may completely remove the aroma from wine, souring its taste. Before serving bad wine to guests, taste and toss it out.

Cork After Opening

Always cork bottles of wine after opening, even if the bottle of wine is still being served. Corking stops air from filtering into the bottle and mixing with wine.

Refrigerate After Serving

After the bottle of wine has been served or the drinking has been stopped, refrigerate the corked wine bottle. A wine stopper can be purchased for an airtight seal for the bottle that stops air from oxidation.

Serve at Room Temperature

Red wine that has been refrigerated should be served at room temperature, for the best aroma and flavor. Remove the bottle from the refrigerator half an hour before serving. White wine can be served cold and right out of a refrigerator.