DecodedGuides

How long does red wine last?

Red wine keeps for 1 to 3 days in the fridge once opened, for 3 to 5 years in the pantry. Times are USDA FoodKeeper quality guidelines from the point of purchase unless noted.

Pantry

3 to 5 years

from purchase

Dark, away from direct heat or sunlight.

Fridge

1 to 3 days

after opening

Freezer

No guideline

After thawing

  • Red wine: in the fridge once thawed.

How to tell red wine has gone bad

General signs for beverages, the group USDA lists red wine under.

  • Fizzy drinks that have gone flat or taste metallic
  • Sour or curdled smell from opened juice or milk alternatives
  • Cloudiness or separation that will not shake back together
  • Cork pushed slightly out or wine that smells like vinegar
  • Mould ring forming at the neck of a bottle or carton

More on beverages. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.

Storage habits that make the difference

Refrigerate opened juice, milk alternatives and any dairy-based drinks, and use them within about a week. Store unopened cans and bottles upright in a cool, dark spot away from direct sunlight. Keep coffee and tea in airtight containers away from heat and moisture to preserve flavour longer.

More in beverages

Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). Times assume a fridge at 40 F (4 C) and a freezer at 0 F (-18 C). How we decode the data.