How to Keep Your Wine Fresh for as Long as Possible

"There's nothing worse than wasting a perfectly good bottle of wine," says Christopher Hoel, sommelier, founder of Harper's Club and Luckysomm, and expert wine curator for Wine Insiders and Martha Stewart Wine Co. We couldn't agree more.

The good news? We've got some simple tips to help preserve your favorite wines, starting with understanding why wine spoils in the first place. Wine requires a careful balance of oxygen exposure, which is key during fermentation. Once opened, oxygen can enhance the flavors and aromas, but too much can turn it into vinegar. (This is how red and white wine vinegar is made.)

"Almost every wine preservation method you come across aims to reduce oxygen exposure," explains Hoel. However, other factors like light and temperature also impact a wine's quality. Storage tips differ depending on whether the bottle has been opened. For example, you should always refrigerate wine once opened, but the fridge isn’t ideal for long-term storage of unopened bottles.

From storage timelines to ideal temperatures, here's everything you need to know about properly storing wine at home.

How Long Can Wine Be Stored?

You’ve sought advice from experts at services like Winc’s Wine Club, and now you have a selection of bottles tailored to your preferences—how long can you keep them? Unopened red and white wines can last up to one year. For champagne and sparkling wines, expect about six months. But what about once you've opened a bottle? The acidity in white wines, such as rieslings and sauvignon blancs, helps them stay fresh for around three days after opening. Most reds, however, should be consumed within one or two days, according to Andrea Robinson, master sommelier and author of Great Wine Made Simple. Champagne and sparkling wines only last one day in the fridge.

To extend the life of an opened bottle for up to a week, use a device like the Rabbit vacuum pump to remove as much air as possible. For the best seal, moisten the stopper before use, advises Michael Aaron, chairman of Sherry-Lehmann Wines & Spirits in New York City.

"A quality vacuum pump can be found for as low as $10 to $20, and although it may not be flawless, it can extend the life of your wine for a few extra days," says Hoel.

How to Properly Store Unopened Wine

Store Bottles on Their Side

For an airtight seal that shields the wine from oxygen and external odors, the cork must remain moist and expanded, according to Robinson. To achieve this, store the bottle horizontally, ensuring the cork stays in contact with the wine. However, wine bottles with screw caps or rubber/plastic corks can safely be stored upright.

Choose a Dark Storage Area

When a wine is "light struck," it has been exposed to intense light for a prolonged period, resulting in a taste described as "numb and dumb," according to Robinson. While most bottles are made of tinted glass that provides some UV protection, there's still a risk of light exposure.

"The most crucial thing is to keep the bottles away from direct sunlight," advises Anita LaRaia, author of Pick a Perfect Wine…In No Time. Storing your wine low to the ground or in a cabinet helps shield it from overhead fluorescent lighting, which can also cause harm.

If You Can't Keep It Cool, Keep It Consistent

There's no need to refrigerate unopened wine. The optimal storage temperature for white wine is 45°F, while red wine prefers 55°F. However, if you plan to open the bottle within six months, a slightly warmer room temperature is acceptable.

Just be sure not to store wine in areas with excessive heat or where temperatures fluctuate frequently, such as next to the dishwasher or stove. Above all, avoid placing a wine collection on top of the refrigerator, says Robinson. The heat from overhead lighting and refrigerator exhaust, along with constant vibration, can negatively impact the wine's taste.

How to Store Opened Wine

Re-Cork Immediately

If you're not planning to finish the bottle, make sure to seal it right away. According to Hoel, putting the cork back as soon as you've had your glass is your best strategy for preserving the freshness of the wine. "It reduces the amount of oxygen that interacts with the wine and helps maintain its flavor for a longer period," he says.

A helpful tip: Always reinsert the same end of the cork (the other side may have been exposed to mold and unwanted odors). If the cork doesn’t fit easily, try using a corkscrew blade to shave a small notch on either side near the bottom, or opt for a reusable rubber stopper available at wine shops for around $1.

Store the Bottle in the Fridge

All wines, including reds, will stay fresh longer if refrigerated after being opened. "Try to keep your open wine bottle away from light and store it below room temperature," suggests Hoel. "The fridge is often the best place, and it can really help preserve your wine. The cold slows down the oxidation process by reducing the movement of molecules."

Store Bottles Upright

Whenever possible, avoid laying opened wine bottles on their side. "Storing them upright reduces the surface area exposed to oxygen, slowing the oxidation process," says Hoel.

How to Tell if Wine Has Gone Bad

Oxidation will start to alter a wine's color and flavor, but that doesn’t always mean the wine is spoiled. "In fact, oxidation is why we decant wine before drinking it, as the exposure to air often enhances the flavor," says Hoel. Using a decanter not only helps aerate the wine but also separates sediment from older bottles. "However, at some point, the oxygen stops improving the wine and starts turning it into vinegar."

Start by checking the color. Reds will shift to darker shades, ranging from brown to brick hues, while white wines will often become more yellow as they age. Next, give it a taste (don’t worry—spoiled wine won’t harm you). For reds that have gone "off," you'll notice the flavors and aromas will dull, replaced by nutty, sherry-like notes. White wines will develop a sour, vinegary taste.

"This method is also great for evaluating your wine when dining out," says Hoel. "If you order wine by the glass at a restaurant, pay attention to both the color and the flavor profile." Wines served by the glass may come from bottles opened earlier that day, which can show signs of oxidation even within a few hours. "If the wine you ordered at a restaurant has gone 'off,' you're entitled to request a fresh glass," he adds.

What to Do With Oxidized Wine

If you've stored your wine properly—in a sealed bottle in the fridge—but the flavor or color seems a little off, a slightly oxidized wine can still be used in cooking. "I find that they work best in recipes with long cooking times, such as stews, sauces, or marinades, which allow the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to combine beautifully," says Hoel.

If the wine is beyond saving, consider turning it into vinegar. "All you need is raw vinegar, a clean jar, and your leftover bottle of wine," explains Hoel. "Just mix those ingredients, store the jar in your pantry, and in about a month, you’ll have delicious vinegar for cooking. Plus, you can keep adding leftover wine to the jar to keep the vinegar-making process going."