You’ve opened a bottle of wine, had a glass (or two), popped it in the fridge, and promptly forgotten it existed. A week later you find it behind a jar of gherkins and a leftover pudding. The question is: can you still drink it?
Short answer: yes, but it depends on what it is, how long it’s been there, and how much self-respect you have left this week.
The Fridge Isn’t a Time Machine
Putting wine in the fridge slows oxidation – it doesn’t stop it. Once air hits the wine, the clock starts ticking. Aromas change, freshness fades, and that zippy little Sauvignon might start smelling like boiled veg.
But fridge = life extension. Especially for whites and rosé. Red wine? Bit more complicated. We’ll get to that.
How Long is Too Long?
- Sparkling wine – 1 to 3 days, max. Even with a proper stopper, the bubbles go into witness protection. Prosecco gives up sooner than Champagne.
- White & rosé – 3 to 5 days if sealed well and chilled. Aromatics fade but most are still drinkable after a few days.
- Red wine – 2 to 4 days in the fridge, 1 to 3 at room temp. Depends on style – lighter reds die faster, heavier ones hold up better.
- Natural wine – unpredictable. Some last surprisingly well. Others turn into kombucha overnight. Treat with caution.
Bonus: fortified wines like Port or Sherry can last weeks, even months. They laugh in the face of oxidation.
How Do You Know It’s Gone Bad?
Don’t overthink it. Smell it. Sip it. Trust your mouth. Bad wine tastes flat, stale, or weirdly sour. It’s not dangerous – it just won’t be fun.
What you won’t get: food poisoning. This isn’t chicken. Old wine might be sad, but it won’t send you to A&E.
Top Tips to Save Your Leftovers
- Use a wine stopper or cork (air is the enemy)
- Store upright to reduce surface area exposed to oxygen
- Refrigerate everything – even reds, if they’re open
- If in doubt, cook with it
The “Couldn’t Waste It” Pour
We’ve all done it. A slightly oxidised wine, fridge-cold, poured into a mug while cooking. It’s not ideal – but sometimes it hits. Especially on a Monday night when the bin is full and you just want to feel something.
Can wine go bad in the fridge? Technically, yes. But bad wine isn’t the same as unsafe wine – and sometimes, it still does the job.