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This Is How Long That Open Bottle of Wine Will Last

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/09 .. how-long-that-open-bottle-of-wine-will-last.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 12:14 GMT by CNET
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How Long Will an Open Bottle of Wine Really Last? A Practical Guide from CNET

Wine lovers know that the moment a cork is popped, the magic begins. Yet for many, the question that follows is less about the celebration and more about practicality: How long will an open bottle of wine actually stay drinkable? CNET’s recent feature, “This Is How Long an Open Bottle of Wine Will Last,” dives deep into the science behind wine’s decline, offers a quick reference guide for different types of wine, and arms readers with a toolkit of strategies to keep that glass of vino fresh longer. Below is a concise yet thorough summary of the article’s most essential points.

1. Why Wine Deteriorates After Opening

The article opens by explaining the chemistry that turns a perfectly aged bottle into a flat, oxidized drink. Once the wine is exposed to oxygen, the same processes that developed the wine’s flavor in the bottle also start breaking it down. Key factors include:

• Oxidation – The reaction between oxygen and the wine’s natural compounds, especially polyphenols, leads to a loss of fruitiness and the development of a nutty, stale taste.
• Temperature – Heat accelerates oxidation; wine stored at 70 °F (21 °C) will deteriorate faster than wine kept near 50 °F (10 °C).
• Light and Motion – Light and vibration can further degrade quality, though the effect is far less pronounced than oxygen.

CNET notes that while wine isn’t “spoiled” in the same way as perishable foods, it does become noticeably off, and eventually unpalatable.

2. Quick Reference: How Long Each Type Stays Drinkable

The article includes a handy table summarizing how long different wine styles can last when properly stored:

The article clarifies that these times are optimistic estimates—any deviation from ideal storage conditions can shorten the window by hours.

3. The Right Way to Store an Open Bottle

A key part of the guide is a “storage toolkit” that the article suggests using to extend a bottle’s life:

a. Re‑Sealing the Bottle

• Original Cork – Re‑insert the cork if it’s still snug. The original cork can be less effective if the bottle has been opened multiple times.
• Wine Stopper – A silicone or rubber stopper designed for wine can create a tighter seal, especially useful for bottles that have been opened more than once.
• Vacuum Pump – These devices remove air from the bottle, dramatically slowing oxidation. CNET recommends a pump with an airtight seal for best results.
• Nitrogen Flush – Some high‑end solutions replace the wine’s air with nitrogen, creating a protective blanket over the liquid.

b. Keep It Cool

Even if you’re at home, fridge temperatures are usually ideal for most wines. CNET highlights that many people store wine in the back of the pantry or on a kitchen counter, leading to accelerated spoilage.

c. Store Upright

Keeping the bottle upright ensures the wine stays in contact with the cork (if used), preventing the cork from drying out and allowing oxygen to seep in.

d. Use a Smaller Bottle

Transfer the open wine into a 750‑ml or 375‑ml bottle. Less surface area means less exposure to air. The article mentions that many people forget this simple trick and leave the entire bottle exposed to the kitchen’s ambient air.

4. Tips for Extending Wine’s Life

Beyond the tools above, the article offers several practical hacks:

1. Add a Drop of Vodka or Brandy – A tiny splash can add alcohol, which acts as a preservative, but it won’t fully stop oxidation.
2. Use a “Wine Saver” Cap – These caps press a soft seal against the opening, creating a vacuum-like effect.
3. Store in a Wine Fridge – If you frequently open bottles, a small wine refrigerator can be a worthwhile investment.
4. Consume Within a Few Days – Even with perfect storage, the ideal window for enjoying an opened bottle is usually under a week.

CNET stresses that the key is to minimize the bottle’s exposure to oxygen at all times.

5. A Few Common Myths Debunked

The article tackles misconceptions that often circulate among wine drinkers:

• “It’s Safe to Keep an Open Bottle at Room Temperature” – The truth: Even at 65 °F (18 °C), oxidation proceeds faster than in the fridge.
• “Adding Sugar Can Save Wine” – Sugar won’t stop oxidation; it will only change the flavor profile.
• “Storing Wine with a Straw Helps” – A straw does nothing to protect the wine from air; it’s a myth perpetuated by “wine hacks” sites.

By providing clear, evidence‑based answers, CNET aims to help readers make informed decisions rather than follow trend‑based tips that may do more harm than good.

6. Final Takeaway

CNET’s feature ultimately frames the question of how long an open bottle of wine will last not as a fixed number but as a variable governed by a few key variables: wine type, storage method, temperature, and how quickly you consume it. The article’s emphasis on practical, low‑cost solutions—like a simple vacuum pump or a nitrogen‑filled wine saver—demonstrates that even a modest investment in proper storage can save you both money and disappointment.

In practice, if you open a bottle of red, store it in the fridge with a vacuum seal, and drink it within three to four days, you’ll enjoy it in a state close to the way it was when you first uncorked it. If you’re left with a bottle of sparkling wine, aim to finish it within a day or two, or keep it in a sealed container with a stopper and refrigerate it immediately.

The article concludes with a friendly reminder: Wine is meant to be enjoyed, not stored indefinitely. By following the simple steps above, you can savor the flavors your cellar or the grocery store has offered you, without sacrificing quality for the sake of convenience.

CNET’s “This Is How Long an Open Bottle of Wine Will Last” thus serves as both a quick reference and a practical guide for anyone who loves wine but wants to avoid throwing good bottles away. Whether you’re a casual sipper or an aficionado, the article provides a clear roadmap for keeping that glass of vino at its best, one day at a time.