How Long Does a Bottle of Wine Generally Last Once It's Opened?

[Michie]

There are many stuffy rules about wine, from the type of container it should come in to how expensive it should be. One common myth is that a bottle of wine should be fully consumed the same day it's opened. While it's true that vinodoes start to oxidize the moment the cork comes out, that's no reason to guzzle a liter of it all by yourself, or pour your leftover liquid down the drain. According to Bon Appétit, an open bottle of wine is still good for several days—as long as you know how to store it properly.

If you pop open a new bottle of cabernet just to have a glass or two, hold onto the cork. Corks have been an important part of the wine-making process for centuries. The material is dense enough to keep liquids fresh without sealing off air altogether. A minimal amount of oxygen allows the flavors of the wine to continue to develop, while too much oxygen creates an acrid, unpleasant taste.

Continued below.
How Long Does a Bottle of Wine Generally Last Once It's Opened?

 

[Danthemailman]

I typically drink a bottle of red wine after opening within three days and white wine if refrigerated up to a week.

 

[Subduction Zone]

Usually just an hour or two at the most. I don't know if my house is extremely dry, but somehow the bottle is usually empty by then.

 

[Michie]

Usually just an hour or two at the most. I don't know if my house is extremely dry, but somehow the bottle is usually empty by then.

Ha!

 

[disciple Clint]

There are many stuffy rules about wine, from the type of container it should come in to how expensive it should be. One common myth is that a bottle of wine should be fully consumed the same day it's opened. While it's true that vinodoes start to oxidize the moment the cork comes out, that's no reason to guzzle a liter of it all by yourself, or pour your leftover liquid down the drain. According to Bon Appétit, an open bottle of wine is still good for several days—as long as you know how to store it properly.

If you pop open a new bottle of cabernet just to have a glass or two, hold onto the cork. Corks have been an important part of the wine-making process for centuries. The material is dense enough to keep liquids fresh without sealing off air altogether. A minimal amount of oxygen allows the flavors of the wine to continue to develop, while too much oxygen creates an acrid, unpleasant taste.

Continued below.
How Long Does a Bottle of Wine Generally Last Once It's Opened?

If I opened a bottle of wine around my friends they would take it as a sign that they should be on their best behavior even considering that there would be no future need for the cork.

 

[Occams Barber]

There are many stuffy rules about wine, from the type of container it should come in to how expensive it should be. One common myth is that a bottle of wine should be fully consumed the same day it's opened. While it's true that vinodoes start to oxidize the moment the cork comes out, that's no reason to guzzle a liter of it all by yourself, or pour your leftover liquid down the drain. According to Bon Appétit, an open bottle of wine is still good for several days—as long as you know how to store it properly.

If you pop open a new bottle of cabernet just to have a glass or two, hold onto the cork. Corks have been an important part of the wine-making process for centuries. The material is dense enough to keep liquids fresh without sealing off air altogether. A minimal amount of oxygen allows the flavors of the wine to continue to develop, while too much oxygen creates an acrid, unpleasant taste.

Continued below.
How Long Does a Bottle of Wine Generally Last Once It's Opened?

Given half a century of experience I can testify that opened wine will last days or even weeks depending on three things:

1. How well it's restoppered. (most Australian wine makers have given up on corks in favour of screw tops.)
2. How much air space is in the opened bottle. A bottle 2/3rds empty is more likely to go off than a bottle 2/3 full
3. Where it's stored. Coolish, darkish is better. Unfortunately where I live there isn't much coolish, darkish

Having explained this I will admit that I am risk averse. Once opened, I will normally drink the entire bottle to avoid the danger of oxidisation - you can never too be sure

OB

 

[public hermit]

I have a device that functions as a cap for wine bottles, but it also has a pump to remove air. I don't really know if it works long term because I've never kept a bottle more than a couple days, but the premise makes me feel better

 

[Danthemailman]

Just ran across this article on wine.

How Long Does Wine Last? (Does it go bad?) | Wine Folly

 

[Michie]

I have a device that functions as a cap for wine bottles, but it also has a pump to remove air. I don't really know if it works long term because I've never kept a bottle more than a couple days, but the premise makes me feel better

I’ve wondered if those work.