How to Store Wine

Is there anything more soothing than a glass of wine perfectly paired with your meal after a long day? While this is a way to relax and unwind, many people hesitate to pop the cork on a bottle of wine because they don't plan to finish the whole bottle. Many delicious wines are pretty pricey, so it’s best to ensure you know how to store wine properly to protect its flavor between glasses. Here's what to know about proper wine storage techniques using FoodSaver vacuum sealers, so you can enjoy each bottle, down to the last drop.

Wine bottle with glass

Prolonged exposure to air is never good for wine.

 

Wine Storage 101: What Does Air Do To Wine?

Did you know wine becomes sensitive to air once the cork is popped? If you’re wondering what exactly air does to wine, the simplest explanation is that the air let into the bottle after uncorking causes the wine to oxidize. Oxidation is the enemy when it comes to storing wine, as it leads to a breakdown in flavor and aroma after a day or so. Because the natural bacteria in the grapes need oxygen to grow, the bacteria can turn the alcohol in wine into acetic acid—which tastes like vinegar. However, depending on the variety of grapes, this can be a good or a bad thing in the short term, but prolonged air exposure is never good for any type of wine.

So, if you go to a dinner party and someone pops open a bottle of red wine but allows it to "breathe" before pouring you a glass, they aren't just being a wine snob. Short-term oxygen exposure causes a red wine to develop a more full-bodied flavor. However, this flavor stops developing after a while, and the flavor begins to deteriorate. The key is to know how long the wine lasts after opening.

Red wine storage temperature

Knowing the correct red wine storage temperature is crucial to maintain its optimal taste. But does wine go bad? The average bottle of red wine can only maintain its flavor for three to five days once the contents are exposed to air, even after you re-cork it. Wondering how to store red wine after opening? Learn more about keeping it in the fridge to extend its life later on in the article.

How Long Does White Wine Last?

Once you pop open a bottle of white wine, the clock starts ticking on its freshness. While it can last a bit longer in the refrigerator, re-corked—up to about a week—the flavors and aromas will gradually fade over time. Although it remains safe to drink, the wine won't be as enjoyable.

How Long Does Sparkling Wine Last?

When the moment calls for the bubbles, it’s important to know sparkling wines like Champagne, Cava, or Prosecco are the exceptions to storing wine. Why? Because while champagne and Cava last a little longer than Prosecco—their bubbles are produced through fermentation—the longer a bottle of bubbly sits after being exposed to oxygen, the flatter it'll be. Just like carbonated soda, the carbonation in sparkling wines like champagne and Cava begins to lose its kick.

For all types of wine, proper storage after opening is crucial to preserve their flavor.

 

How to Store Wine After Opening

Wine storage after opening
  • The Basics of Wine Storage: Some people use rubber bottle stoppers or pour the remnants of their wine into smaller bottles so the wine will be exposed to less air. However, the ultimate way to ensure your wine lasts longer than just a couple of days is to remove the air from the bottle using your FoodSaver® Vacuum Sealing System.

Learning how to store wine after opening can make all the difference. FoodSaver® Bottle Stoppers are made with BPA-free polycarbonate plastic and fit all standard wine bottle necks. To get the air out of your wine, simply close the bottle with a stopper and connect the hose from your FoodSaver® vacuum sealing system. The machine will remove the air from the bottle and create an airtight seal on the bottle. When you're ready to finish the bottle, just pop the stopper off, and it'll be like your wine was never opened!

You can reuse the stoppers and even clean them in the dishwasher. The stoppers can be used on most olive oil or balsamic vinegar bottles as well. This is one of the best ways to store wine to ensure it remains fresh for days after opening.

  • Wine Storage Temperature: Even with the air removed from your wine, it's important that you still store the bottle in proper conditions to ensure it'll taste its best upon reopening. The correct wine storage temperature varies by type:
    • How to Store Red Wine: Reds should be stored at a cool temperature—around 55°F to 65°F. Storing reds too warm can cause them to age prematurely.
    • How to Store White Wine: Similar to reds, white wines should also be stored at cool temperatures to protect them from oxidation and maintain crisp flavor.

However, if you prefer to drink your reds at room temperature, just remember to remove it from the fridge for a while before you drink it so it'll reach your ideal temperature. Ultimately, knowing the right wine fridge temp can help you store your wines perfectly until you’re ready to enjoy them.

  • Best Way to Store Wine Long-Term: If you're wondering how to store wine long-term or if you're storing an expensive bottle for a special occasion, you'll need to consider more than just temperature. Long-term storage requires:
    • Consistent temperature
    • Controlled humidity
    • Minimal light exposure

Finally, for both short and long-term storage, finding the right place to store your wine ensures its longevity and quality.

 

Understanding How to Store Wine The Right Way

In the end, wine is all about enjoying the moment—whether it's a glass of crisp white, a bold red, or the celebratory pop of bubbly. Each sip tells a story, but once exposed to air, that story changes. To keep your wine at its best, consider using a FoodSaver vacuum sealing system to preserve the freshness and flavor longer. By removing the air, you can extend the life of your favorite bottles and savor every last drop. After all, wine, like life, is meant to be enjoyed one glass at a time. Cheers!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should red wine be stored at?

Red wine should be stored at cool temperatures, ideally chilled or in your refrigerator, for optimal aging and flavor preservation. If you don't have a wine cellar, a wine fridge works best. Storing red wine in a cooler environment ensures the wine doesn’t age too quickly or spoil, allowing it to maintain its complex flavors over time. Keeping it too warm can cause oxidation, while storing it too cold can mute the flavors.

Do you put wine in the fridge after opening?

Yes, refrigerating wine after opening helps slow down oxidation, preserving its freshness. White wines and sparkling wines benefit most from refrigeration, as they lose their vibrant, fruity notes quickly if left at room temperature. Even opened red wines should be refrigerated, especially lighter reds. Just remember to let reds come back to room temperature before serving to enhance their aromas and flavor.

What’s the best way to store wine after opening?

A great way to store wine after opening is to use a vacuum sealer with a bottle stopper and vacuum sealing—like the FoodSaver vacuum sealing system—to remove excess air. This method helps prevent oxidation, keeping the wine fresher for longer. Once sealed, refrigerate the bottle until you're ready to enjoy it again. For sparkling wines, a champagne stopper can help maintain bubbles. These steps ensure your wine stays flavorful, crisp, and ready to pour.

Less Food Waste