It's a common question for anyone who has an opened bottle of wine: How long will it last?

The lifespan of an opened bottle of wine can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of wine, the storage conditions, and how much air has entered the bottle.

Generally, an opened bottle of red wine can last for up to 5 days if stored properly in a cool and dark place with a wine stopper or cork in place to prevent excess oxygen from getting in. For white wine, it can last for up to 3 days under the same storage conditions.

However, some types of wine, such as fortified wines like port or sherry, can last longer due to their higher alcohol content and added fortification. While, Sparkling wines, such as Cava and Champagne, start to lose their fizz within a few hours.

Red Wines

When it comes to how long red wine lasts once opened, the answer is 3-6 days if you re-cork it and store it in a cool, dark place. Wines with more tannins tend to last longer because they protect against oxygen. So light red wines with fewer tannins, like Pinot Noir, won't last as long as rich reds with more tannins, like Shiraz. If kept in a space where the temperature fluctuates, or the bottle is exposed to sunlight, the wine’s taste, aroma and color will be negatively affected. For instance: if left on the kitchen counter, your open bottle of red wine will begin to immediately oxidate and the following evening this wine’s pigment will break down and the taste will be sour and tart.

White Wines & Rose

Most light-weight whites like Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and blends, Riesling, Vermentino and Gewürztraminer should remain fresh for up to 2 days after opening.

A good rule of thumb is that the drier the wine, the longer it will last.

Three days is the maximum for a Rosé or full-bodied white like Chardonnay, Fiano, Roussanne, Viognier and Verdelho. Oaked Chardonnay and Viognier tend to oxidise more quickly because they are exposed to additional oxygen during the pre-bottled aging process.

Sparkling Wines

When you pop a bottle of Champagne, Prosecco, Sparkling White and Sparkling Red, it begins to lose its fizz. Sparkling wine does not last long once opened. In order to maximize the enjoyment of your bottle of bubbly, it is recommended to drink it within the first 3 hours of opening it. And no, inserting a teaspoon into the neck of a bottle won’t help to preserve it. It is possible to hold the fizz for up to 3 days, by using a stopper or sealing it with plastic wrap, but it won’t be anywhere near what you tasted on the first day of opening - the wine would have gone flat, and the aroma and taste would be sour.

Why does wine go bad?

Wine is a delicate beverage and once it's opened and exposed to air, the process of oxidation begins. This is what causes wine to go bad.

Oxidation is a chemical process that affects the flavor and aroma of the wine. Open wine risks developing acetic acid bacteria which consumes the alcohol in wine, leaving behind a bitter vinegar-like taste and smell. Like oxidisation, this bacteria is also a chemical process so storing your open bottle at a low temperature can slow down the reaction.

How to preserve wine

It's worth noting that to preserve the taste and quality of a wine, one could use a wine preservation system. These help to keep wine fresh for a longer period of time by minimizing the amount of oxygen that comes into contact with the wine.

With Coravin’s wine-by-the-glass systems you can preserve and savor your favorite bottles for weeks, months, or even years to come. How?

Besides using a Coravin, there are a few other ways to ensure you keep your wine fresh. Proper storage of wine is crucial to maintain its quality, taste, and aroma.

Top Tips to store wine after opening

• Store wine in a cool, dark, and humid place
  Wine should be stored away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The ideal temperature for wine storage is between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit (10-15 degrees Celsius), and the humidity level should be around 70%. Harsh lights and UV rays can travel easily through clear and green bottles. Sunlight instigates a sulphur-releasing process which can impact the aroma – and therefore the taste – of your wine.

• Store wine bottles horizontally
  This helps keep the cork moist and prevents it from drying out, which can cause air to seep into the bottle and spoil the wine.

• Avoid storing wine in the kitchen or near the stove or oven
  As the temperature fluctuations and aromas from cooking can affect the quality of the wine.

• Don't store wine in the refrigerator for an extended period
  As it can cause the cork to dry out and can affect the wine's flavor.

• Invest in a wine cooler or cellar
  If you plan to store wine for an extended period a wine fridge or cellar can maintain the proper temperature and humidity levels.

As wine is a perishable product, once you pop the cork, it begins to oxidise. That is why we recommend investing in a Coravin wine-by-the-glass system.

If you want to enjoy a glass or two of wine without opening the entire bottle, and without exposing the wine to oxygen, Coravin is your friend. This can be particularly useful for expensive or rare wines that you want to savor over time or share with guests on different occasions.

Overall, the Coravin wine system can be a valuable tool for wine enthusiasts, collectors, and professionals who want to enjoy wine without having to commit to opening a whole bottle or worry about the wine spoiling due to exposure to oxygen.