An opened bottle of red wine usually lasts 3 to 5 days in the fridge when it is tightly resealed. Refrigeration slows oxidation, helping the wine retain its aroma and flavor.
Red Wine Storage Times
| Type of red wine | How long it usually lasts after opening |
|---|---|
| Light-bodied red wine | About 2 to 3 days |
| Full-bodied, tannic red wine | About 3 to 5 days |
| Red wine with a vacuum stopper | Often longer, depending on how much air the stopper removes |
| Fortified red wine, such as Port | Several weeks or longer, depending on the style |
| Unopened red wine | Store in a cool, dark place for long-term storage |
The exact time depends on the wine's acidity, tannin level, alcohol content, the amount left in the bottle and how much air entered after opening. Full-bodied, tannic reds generally keep their quality longer than delicate, light-bodied reds.
Should Opened Red Wine Be Refrigerated?
Yes. Refrigerate opened red wine, even though red wine is normally served warmer.
Cold temperatures slow the oxidation that causes wine to lose its fresh fruit flavors and develop dull, nutty or vinegary notes. Reseal the bottle with its cork, screw cap or a wine stopper before placing it in the fridge.
Take the bottle out before serving so it can warm closer to its usual drinking temperature. Full-bodied red wines are commonly served at 16 to 18°C, or about 61 to 64°F.
How to Make Red Wine Last Longer in the Fridge
- Reseal the bottle immediately after pouring.
- Use a wine stopper or vacuum seal to reduce oxygen in the bottle.
- Keep the bottle cold and away from light.
- Store a nearly empty bottle upright to reduce the wine's surface area exposed to air.
- Avoid taking the bottle in and out of the fridge.
A bottle with only one glass left will usually lose quality faster than a nearly full bottle because more air remains inside. Reducing oxygen exposure matters as much as keeping the wine cold.
How Can You Tell If Refrigerated Red Wine Has Gone Bad?
A sharp vinegar smell, flat fruit aromas or an unpleasant sour taste can indicate that the wine has passed its best.
Other signs include:
- Nutty, bruised-fruit or stale flavors
- Brownish or noticeably faded color
- Unexpected fizz in a still red wine
- A sharp vinegar-like smell
Oxidation and acetic acid development usually cause these changes. Refrigeration slows the reactions but does not stop them permanently.
Is Red Wine Safe to Drink After Five Days?
Five days is a quality guideline, not an automatic expiration point.
The wine may still be drinkable after five days if it smells and tastes acceptable, although its original aroma and flavor will probably have declined.
Wine should not be used as a disinfectant. The United States Department of Agriculture states that alcoholic drinks such as wine do not kill bacteria. If the bottle was contaminated, stored improperly or has an unusual unpleasant smell, discard it rather than relying on its alcohol content.
What About an Unopened Bottle of Red Wine?
An unopened bottle does not need to be refrigerated for normal short-term storage.
Keep it in a cool, dark and stable place. A household refrigerator can chill the bottle temporarily, but it is colder and drier than the conditions normally preferred for long-term wine storage.