While recorking your open bottle of wine may be an obvious solution, there are actually several ways to keep it fresher, longer. Storing your wine in a dark, cool place is one popular method. Keeping an open bottle of wine in the refrigerator is another since storing wine at cooler temperatures slows down the oxidation process. When you store corked wine in the refrigerator it can extend the life of your wine for an average of two to three days. This may be enough time for most of us oenophiles, but every now and again, you may run into the need to hold on to it a bit longer.

 

The Freshness Factor

For optimum results, try transferring your wine into the smaller jar or container possible. This will limit the amount of oxygen that can destroy your wine. I suggest using a mason jar since it also has an airtight seal. Simply fill it up as much as possible, seal it, and store it in an upright position in the refrigerator. This sure-fire method can add up to five extra days to your wine!

If you want to get a little fancier with it, there are also a multitude of gadgets on the market that can extend freshness for several days. Some of the gadgets wine connoisseurs swear by include vacuum pumps, wine shields, flexible wine bags, and the use of inert gas.

What to Avoid When Storing an Open Bottle of Wine

• Never store an open bottle of wine sideways. This increases the chances of oxygen exposure.
• Don’t store an open wine bottle on or by a windowsill. Sun exposure will cause it to discolor.
• Refrain from storing open wine at a temperature of 65-70 degrees F or higher. It’s best to store wine in your refrigerator.
• If you don’t care to store your remaining wine consider freezing it in ice cube trays and using it for cooking.

Lifespan of an Open Wine Bottle (in the refrigerator with a cork)

• Sparkling: 1-3 days (with sparkling wine stopper)
• Full-Bodied White Wine: 3-5 days
• Light Bodied White Wine and Rose: 5-7 days
• Red Wine: 3-5 days

The above methods will ensure your wine stays fresh for as long as possible. No longer do you need to wait until the perfect moment, go ahead and pop open that bottle of wine and drink as little as you want!