All About Red wine
Your complete guide to red wine - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Red wine Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for red wine in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
unopened, cellar/pantry1-5 years for most everyday wines; 10-20+ years for fine wines meant for aging
Signs of Spoilage
Cloudy appearance (unless unfiltered), excessive/fluffy sediment, cork pushing out or leaking, wine color turning brownish-orange (beyond normal aging), 'wet cardboard' or 'moldy' smell (cork taint), 'vinegar' or 'nail polish remover' smell (volatile acidity), 'burnt rubber' or 'garlic' smell (reduction).
How to Check
Visually inspect the bottle for clarity, fill level, and cork integrity. Pour a small amount and smell for off-aromas like mustiness, vinegar, or excessive oxidation. A small sip will confirm if it tastes flat, overly sour, or has unpleasant chemical notes.
Storage Tips
Store corked bottles on their side to keep the cork moist and prevent it from drying out and letting air in. Screw-cap wines can be stored upright. Maintain a consistent temperature (ideally 50-65°F / 10-18°C) and moderate humidity, away from direct sunlight, vibrations, and strong odors.
opened, refrigerator3-5 days (up to 7 days for some robust reds)
Signs of Spoilage
Loss of fresh fruit aromas, developing 'nutty' or 'sherry-like' (oxidized) notes, eventually turning distinctly vinegary or having a 'nail polish remover' smell. Taste becomes flat, sour, or bitter.
How to Check
Smell the wine first; fresh fruit aromas will diminish, and oxidized notes will become prominent. Take a small sip; it will taste dull and less vibrant before it becomes truly unpleasant. The color might also dull slightly.
Storage Tips
Re-cork or use an airtight wine stopper immediately after pouring. Store upright to minimize the surface area exposed to any remaining air. Using a vacuum pump or inert gas preserver can extend freshness by an additional day or two. While still safe, after 5 days, the wine's quality for drinking significantly diminishes, but it may still be suitable for cooking.
frozen (for cooking)3-6 months
Signs of Spoilage
Unlikely to spoil if frozen promptly. After thawing, it may lose some aromatic complexity and taste profile, but should not have off-odors or visual signs of mold.
How to Check
After thawing, check for any unusual smells. The texture will be different (less vibrant), but it should still smell like wine, just less fresh. No mold or strange discoloration should be present.
Storage Tips
Freeze wine in ice cube trays for convenient portioning (e.g., 1-2 oz per cube). Once frozen, transfer the cubes to an airtight freezer bag or container. Label with the date. Freezing alters the wine's texture and subtle flavors, making it unsuitable for drinking, but perfect for adding to sauces, stews, braises, or marinades. Do not freeze wine in its original bottle as the liquid expansion can cause the bottle to crack.