Once opened, seal wine with the cork or cap, refrigerate, and aim to finish it within a few days. Wine oxidises on contact with air, and how long it stays delicious depends on the style.
Rough keeping times by style
| Style | After opening |
|---|---|
| Sparkling | 1–2 days (bubbles fade quickly) |
| Light white & rosé | 2–3 days |
| Rich white & red | 3–5 days |
Tips to slow oxidation
The key is reducing the air in the bottle. Decanting into a smaller bottle, or using a wine stopper or vacuum pump, slows oxidation and keeps the wine fresher.
For those who enjoy a glass at a time
More serious still is a dedicated tool that tops the bottle up with inert gas (which keeps wine from oxidising) for each pour. It works especially well with natural-cork wines and keeps them fresh for a long time. If "just one glass tonight" is your style, it's well worth a look.
Ways to use up wine you can't finish
Wine that's past its best is great for cooking. Use red in beef stew or sauces, white in acqua pazza or risotto, or make sangria (a wine drink with fruit).
Storage basics
For detailed storage before and after opening, see how to store wine properly.
FAQ
Q. Can I freeze leftover wine?
A. Freeze it in an ice-cube tray to keep as cooking cubes. Not for drinking, but very handy for cooking.
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