How to Store Open & Half Full Wine Bottles
Oxidation, or exposure to oxygen in the air, can make opened wine undrinkable. How long an opened bottle will last varies by the type of wine. Younger, tannic, red wines will last longer than older, lighter red wines. Once opened, dry red wine does not last long. White wines appropriately recorked and refrigerated will last longer than red wines. If you find yourself with a half-bottle of opened wine, there are steps you can take to ensure that it can be enjoyed over the next day or two. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Recork
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Recork an opened bottle of wine by replacing its own cork. If the cork has been damaged, stop the bottle with a rubber-tipped wine stopper. Wine stoppers are available in liquor stores and wine shops.
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Confirm that the new seal is tight. No air should be able to enter the bottle.
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Leave the recorked bottle upright on a counter in a cool, dry part of the house. Room temperature should not be above 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Refrigerate the bottle if you don't expect to drink the wine the next day. Store it upright in the refrigerator. Storing the wine upright will expose less wine to oxygen.
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Let wine return to room temperature prior to consuming.
Smaller Bottle
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Use a funnel to pour the remaining wine into a smaller bottle. A bottle with a screw cap works best for this process.
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Fill the small bottle completely with wine. If there is not enough wine to completely fill the bottle, add clean marbles until the bottle is full.
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Screw the cap on tightly.
Gadgets
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Purchase a tool such as a vacuum pump or gas canister to help store the leftover wine. They are available at wine shops and online.
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Remove air from an opened wine bottle with a vacuum pump. They minimize exposure to oxygen by removing air from the bottle. This method may add an extra day, or two, to the life of your wine.
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Insert gas into the bottle to extend the life of opened wine. Gas canisters are available that will force harmless, inert gas into the bottle. This will displace the oxygen and minimize oxidization.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not expect opened wine to last for weeks or months. Drink within a few days of opening.
