All About White wine
Your complete guide to white wine - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does White wine Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for white 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 (pantry/cellar)1-3 years for most table wines; 5-10+ years for age-worthy varieties
Signs of Spoilage
Cloudiness or sediment (if not expected for the type), significant browning or amber color change, cork pushing out, musty/wet cardboard smell ('corked'), fizzy appearance if it's a still wine.
How to Check
Visually inspect the wine through the bottle for clarity and color. Check the cork for signs of leakage or protrusion. Smell the bottle neck (if foil allows) for off-odors. For corked wine, the smell is unmistakable once opened.
Storage Tips
Store bottles on their side if sealed with a natural cork to keep the cork moist and prevent it from drying out and shrinking. Store upright if sealed with a screw cap or synthetic cork. Keep away from direct sunlight, heat fluctuations, and vibrations.
opened (refrigerated)3-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Loss of fresh fruit aromas, development of nutty, sherry-like, or vinegar-like smells, duller or brownish color, noticeable sour or flat taste, slight fizziness if it's a still wine (indicating secondary fermentation).
How to Check
Perform a smell test first; if it smells strongly of vinegar, nail polish remover, or stale nuts, it's likely spoiled. Visually check for color changes. If the smell is acceptable, take a small sip to check for off-flavors or a flat, oxidized taste.
Storage Tips
Recork tightly immediately after pouring or use a vacuum pump wine stopper to remove as much air as possible. Store the bottle upright in the refrigerator to minimize the wine's surface area exposed to air. The colder temperature slows down the oxidation process.
frozen (for cooking)3-6 months
Signs of Spoilage
While technically safe indefinitely in the freezer, quality for cooking can degrade over time. Signs of degradation include noticeable freezer burn (if not sealed well), significant loss of aroma and flavor intensity, or development of 'freezer' odors.
How to Check
Visually inspect for any unusual discoloration or excessive ice crystals that might indicate poor sealing. Smell it after thawing; it should still have a wine-like aroma, though muted. Taste a small amount if unsure; it should not be overtly sour or off-putting.
Storage Tips
Freeze wine in ice cube trays or small, airtight containers for easy portioning in recipes. Do not fill containers to the brim as wine expands when frozen. Label with the date. Thaw in the refrigerator before use. Frozen wine is not suitable for drinking due to changes in texture and flavor, but it is perfectly fine for cooking.