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Beverages

How long does wine (opened) last?

Opened bottle of wine.

Quick answer
After opening
5 days
3–5 days for reds, 5–7 for whites
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Wine (opened) shelf life chart

All times are best-quality guidelines based on USDA FoodKeeper and FDA storage data. Actual shelf life depends on temperature stability, packaging, and how the food was handled.

StorageTime
After opening5 days

Can you freeze wine (opened)?

Freezing wine (opened) is generally not recommended. Texture, flavor, and structure change significantly when frozen, and the resulting product is often unappetizing. Refer to the storage chart above for fridge and pantry options.

What to do if…

What if my wine (opened) is past the printed date?
"Best by," "sell by," and "use by" dates are quality indicators, not safety deadlines. Wine (opened) is often still safe past the printed date if stored properly and showing none of the spoilage signs above. Use your senses — sight, smell, texture — and the storage times listed in this guide.
What if it smells weird but looks fine?
Trust your nose. Smell is one of the most reliable indicators of spoilage — your nose evolved specifically to detect dangerous food. If wine (opened) has any sour, ammonia-like, sulfur, or "off" smell beyond its normal aroma, discard it. Visible mold or texture changes confirm the warning.

Can expired wine (opened) make you sick?

Yes — but the printed date isn't the trigger. Foodborne illness comes from bacterial growth (Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Staphylococcus) or fungal toxins, which depend on storage temperature and time, not the calendar date on the package.

Symptoms of food poisoning typically appear within 6–48 hours and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. Severe cases — especially in young children, elderly, pregnant, or immunocompromised people — warrant medical attention. The safest practice: when in doubt, throw it out.

Frequently asked questions

How long does wine (opened) last in the fridge?
Wine (opened) is not typically refrigerated — see other storage options above.
How long does wine (opened) last after opening?
5 days after opening. 3–5 days for reds, 5–7 for whites
How can I tell if wine (opened) has gone bad?
Look for: Vinegar-like sour smell; Brown/orange color (oxidation); Flat fizzless taste (sparkling).
Can I eat wine (opened) past the "best by" date?
"Best by" is a quality date, not a safety date. As long as wine (opened) has been stored properly and shows no spoilage signs, it's usually safe to eat — but quality may have declined. Use your senses to judge.

Related shelf-life guides

Signs wine (opened) has gone bad

  • Vinegar-like sour smell
  • Brown/orange color (oxidation)
  • Flat fizzless taste (sparkling)

Storage tips

  • Re-cork tightly
  • Whites in fridge, reds room temp or fridge
  • Wine stoppers/vacuum pumps extend 1–2 days
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Sources & review
Compiled by the BestByDates editorial team. Last reviewed: January 2025. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Disclaimer: Times shown are USDA/FDA-recommended best quality periods, not absolute safety guarantees. Storage conditions, packaging, and food handling all affect actual shelf life. When in doubt, throw it out.