How long does White Wine Last in Fridge? (Opened & Unopened)

White wine is a popular choice for many wine enthusiasts. Are you one of them? Wondering how long white wine lasts once it has been opened or unopened?

This is a question that many wine drinkers have, and it’s important to know the answers to make the most of your wine.

Chill out! In this blog, we will explore the shelf life of white wine, both when opened and unopened. We will also provide tips on how to store it properly to ensure it lasts as long as possible.

So, let’s dive in and discover how long white wine can last in the fridge!

How long does White Wine last in Fridge? 

First of all, it depends on whether the wine has been opened

When stored properly in an airtight container, white wine can last up to 1-2 weeks in the fridge after being opened.

It is possible to store unopened white wine for up to 2-3 years if stored in a cool, dark place at a consistent temperature. 

Let’s take a closer look at this.

How long does Opened White Wine last? 

The type of wine determines how long an opened white wine can last in the fridge. Muscats and oaked Chardonnays may oxidize faster than lighter white wines.

For sparkling whites, the shelf life is 1-3 days, and you should use a sparkling wine stopper to maintain carbonation.

Light whites can last 5-7 days when recorked, while full-bodied whites can last 3-5 days when stored properly.

Wine stored in a bag-in-a-box format can last up to 2-3 weeks in the fridge, making it a convenient option for those who don’t finish a bottle in one sitting. To preserve white wine’s quality, store it in an airtight container and maintain a consistent refrigerator temperature regardless of its type.

In short,

• Opened White Wine: Lasts about 3 days

Tip: Opened white wines can be stored in the fridge for three to five days if they use a vacuum-sealed cork.

How long does Unopened White Wine last?

Cheer up! As unopened white wine lasts much longer compared to opened white wine, as oxygen has not been introduced to it

Storing the white wine in the fridge can help extend its shelf life, regardless of its body type. While white wine can last for years beyond its best-by date, it is important to consider various factors that may affect its quality, such as temperature, light exposure, humidity, and vibrations.

Proper storage ensures the wine stays fresh and retains its intended flavor profile. However, refrigeration may not always be necessary. Other storage conditions should also be taken into account.

In short,

• Unopened White Wine: Lasts about 1-2 years

Storing White Wine for Better Shelf Life

White wine should be stored in a wine fridge after opening to preserve its flavor. Designed to consider all storage factors, this type of refrigerator keeps wine fresh for longer.

In the absence of a wine fridge, it is recommended to store wine for no longer than a week in a regular fridge. When storing unopened white wine, place the bottle on its side rather than upright – this will keep the cork moist and airtight.

Regular fridges can quickly kill the flavor of white wine, so it’s best to avoid storing it there for an extended period of time. 

 How to Know if White Wine has gone Bad? 

It is best to smell and look at white wine: if the wine develops an unpleasant odor, flavor or appearance, it must be thrown away.

Factors such as sight, smell, and taste can be used to determine if wine has gone bad

Sight

• White wines undergoing oxidation typically change color, becoming a deeper yellow or straw hue. If you notice a significant color change, it’s a good indication that the wine has oxidized and may not taste as intended. You can also check the aroma or taste the wine to confirm oxidation.
• If the cork of a wine bottle has popped out, it’s a sign that the wine has been overheated and is no longer safe to drink. This usually occurs during transportation but can also happen when bottles are stored in warm environments and not kept at proper temperatures.
• Bubbles in a still wine indicate that it has gone bad. Another indicative sign is the sound of the cork popping out of the bottle. A still wine should not make a popping sound like champagne, but rather a distinct sound that indicates it has become fizzy.

Smell

• When the smell is similar to vinegar. When your wine smells this way, it’s way past its prime.  Wines that smell sour should be disposed off.
• The smell of damp cardboard or mildew, which has been sitting damp, means it’s likely “corked” and won’t be drinkable. The percentage of wine with a corked cork is between 2 and 5%!
• There is a sweet smell to it. Not everything that smells sweet is good. It is bad if dry white smells sweet.

Taste

• It tastes sour or similar to vinegar. 
• There is a fizzy taste to it. It’s bad if you feel slight bubbles in still whites.
• Flavorless. It is often a sign of a bad bottle of wine when it lacks fruit flavors and general dullness. As a result, we have an indication.

FAQs 

Conclusion

White wine has a shorter shelf life after being opened, usually lasting only about 3 days, while unopened white wines can last for 1-2 years.

Proper storage of white wine, whether opened or unopened, is crucial for ensuring a longer shelf life and preserving its flavor. 

To avoid spoilage, store it in a wine fridge, keep it vertically to prevent oxidation, and seal it with a wine stopper or vacuum preserver cork.