How Long Does Wine Last After Opening?
By Bordeaux Brian for Pair It & Share It · Published
BOTTOM LINE
Once opened and recorked in the fridge: sparkling wine lasts 1–3 days, white and rosé 3–5 days, most reds 3–5 days, and fortified wines like Port for several weeks. Air is what spoils wine, so recork it quickly and keep it cold — even reds.
How to make it last longer
Put the cork or a stopper back in right after pouring. Store the bottle upright in the fridge. Take reds out about 30 minutes before drinking to warm up slightly.
How to tell it's past its best
It smells like vinegar or bruised apple, tastes flat, or a white has turned darker. It won't hurt you, but it won't taste good — use it for cooking instead.
Sparkling wine tip
A sparkling wine stopper keeps the bubbles far better than the original cork.
| Wine type | Lasts about |
|---|---|
| Sparkling | 1–3 days |
| Light white & rosé | 3–5 days |
| Full-bodied white | 3–5 days |
| Red | 3–5 days |
| Fortified (Port, Sherry) | 2–4 weeks |
Keep track of what you've opened and what's still waiting in your cellar. Wine Cellar
Want the answer for your exact meal, taste and budget?
General wine advice can get you close. Pair It & Share It narrows it down for you.
About the author. Bordeaux Brian brings more than 30 years of wine experience and firsthand experience in vineyards and wine regions around the world. His focus is practical: helping people make better wine decisions without the intimidation.