It's not that unusual to open up a bottle of wine only to realize that you can’t, or didn't, actually finish it on the same day it was opened. Whether it's after a dinner party and there's a bit of leftover wine or you just became too tired and didn't finish the bottle, don't worry. There is no need to pour the leftover wine down the drain. In this article, we will be talking about how to properly save and revive opened bottles of wine. 

How long does wine last after opening?

Contrary to popular belief, low-quality and high-quality wines have approximately the same shelf life once they have been opened (3-5 days). So, the quality of the wine really has nothing to do with its ability to stay fresh after opening.

Main Factors to How Long Wine Lasts

The main factors that determine how long wine can stay fresh are:

The Temperature Wine is Stored

The higher the storage temperature, the quicker the wine will go bad.

Length of Time it is Exposed to Air (oxygen)

Secondly, if the bottle is left uncorked for a long time, then the wine will quickly saturate with oxygen and more rapidly oxidize. 

The Amount of Preservatives (sulfites) in the Wine. 

Finally, if the wine has a high level of sulfite preservatives (along with other natural antioxidants) it will be more resistant to the oxidation processes that cause the wine to go bad.

Considering these factors the impact how long wine stays fresh, let's have a look at different types of wines and see how long they can stay fresh.

How Long is Red Wine Good for After Opening?

Most red wines can stay fresh for 3-5 days after opening, provided that they stay in a cool,  dark place with a cork. Light wines with fewer tannins (antioxidants), like Pinot Noir or Pinotage, will spoil faster than full bodied red wines, like Shiraz or Zinfandel.

Some rich red wines that have spent a long time in barrels and bottles might even taste better after a several hours once opened. The oxygen that comes in contact with the wine can actually help revive some aromas, much like decanting.  However, too much of a good thing will cause the wine to start going bad after a longer time period. 

How Long Does White Wine Last After Opening?

Light white and rosé wines can stay in the fridge for 3–7 days when recorked and they'll still be drinkable. However, you will notice that the taste has changed as the wine starts to oxidize. Full-bodied white wines like oak-aged Chardonnays will stay fresh for 3-5 days in the fridge if they are corked.

The main reason why these wines can deteriorate faster is they do not have very many natural antioxidants compared to heavy red wines. To counteract the oxidation processes, wine makers often add much higher levels of sulfite preservatives in white wines to provide additional protection against oxidation.

How Long Does Sparkling Wine Last Opened?

Bubbly wines will quickly go bad in a matter of hours if you don't have any special equipment, like a sparkling wine stopper, to help them stay fresh.

Finishing it on the same day is ideal, but a bottle can sometimes stay fresh up to three to four days when stored in the fridge and tightly sealed with a stopper.

A bottle of effervescent wine goes flat because the carbonation (bubbles) in the wine will quickly disappear if the bottle is not tightly resealed after opening. Concurrent with losing the carbonation during storage, the opened wine will also continue to oxidize. This is a similar process to leaving a can of soda on your counter for a couple of days. Drinking it wouldn't be a pleasant experience.

How Long Does Fortified (Port or Sherry) Wine Last After Opening?

Fortified wines like Port or Sherry can have a shelf life up to a month after opening. This is because many of the components in wine that are susceptible to oxygen are actually oxidized during the warm temperature aging process that is essential for Port and Sherry production. By keeping them in a cool place and corked, you'll have no problem keeping them fresh.

How to Extend the Life of Opened Bottles of Wine.

●     Store the wine properly

First of all, you can recork the bottle or use a wine stopper to minimize its contact with oxygen. Also, keep the bottle in a place where it's not exposed to sunlight or heat. Heat and exposure to large amounts of oxygen play an important role in speeding up the oxidation process. Keep your opened wine away from windows and surfaces that can get very hot, like your stove, and it will stay fresh longer. The lower temperature in a refrigerator will also reduce the rate of oxidation.

●     Use a vacuum pump

Vacuum pumps are widely available and very simple to use. That’s why this is one of the most widely used options. They work by sucking a small portion of the air out of the bottle, thus reducing the level of oxygen and making the wine less prone to oxidation.

However, this process might not be ideal for all types of wine, as it doesn’t remove all of the oxygen in the bottle and is actually counterproductive for storing bubbly wines. A vacuum pump is usually recommended if you know you’re going to consume the leftover wine in the next one to two days.

●     Use a gas preservation system

A gas preservation system works by inserting a special gas, usually argon or nitrogen, into the bottle. These gasses are inert, which means they do not interact with the wine, but offer a protective layer over the wine by taking the place of oxygen. These preservation systems can be pricey and you might not find yourself using them that often, so it’s important to consider the pros and cons before making a purchase.

How to Revive or Restore Open Wine?

Whether you use one of the suggestions above to prolong the life of your open wine or you just haven't yet invested in one of these options, there is another way to enjoy your open wine. There are now exciting new products that can actually bring the wine back to life. Additionally, these new products have the added benefit of removing histamines and sulfites from your wine.

●     Use PureWine products

PureWine’s patented purification technologies provide wine-lovers affordable products that can enhance and revive all types of wine. First, all PureWine products remove the sulfites and histamines found in wines, so the commonly experienced wine headaches and allergies are eliminated. Now with PureWine every good bottle of wine can be great.

Remove Oxidized Compounds From Wine

Remarkably, the PureWine purification technologies are also able to remove the oxidized compounds that form when wine is exposed to oxygen. So, you if you have a bottle of wine that you know has started to go bad, just grab a PureWine product and watch the taste, color and overall wine quality be quickly restored to its natural condition.

The Wave Wine Purifier

The Wave™ is a great single use purifier for a whole bottle of wine. After insertion into the bottle, it aerates and filters wine while you pour. This process minimizes the exposure to large amounts of oxygen and also eliminates the need for decanting.

The Phoenix Wine Filter

If you’re looking for a reusable whole-bottle purifier, PureWine has a terrific product for you, The Phoenix™. It offers the same advantages as The Wave, but it’s also eco-friendly. With these products, you can say goodbye to worrying about leftover bottles of wine.

The Wand Wine Filter

If you’re just needing to purify a single glass of oxidized wine, The Wand™, removes sulfites and histamines found in most wines, eliminating wine headaches and allergies. It is your go to product. It is convenient, single use, great for on-the-go and for gifting.

Saving Opened Wine - Conclusion

While drinking wine is a pleasurable experience, we understand that having leftover wine by the end of the night is a very common experience. Hopefully, this article has helped you understand how to properly store each type of wine after opening to keep it fresh for as long as possible.

There are a variety of different tricks and products that can help you extend the life of an opened bottle of wine, depending on the style you enjoy the most and your budget. If you’re looking for a product that can aerate and purify a wine, while also being able to revive a leftover bottle that has stayed in your fridge for a little longer than expected, then a whole line of PureWine products is available for you. Cheers!