Does Wine Go Bad? And More Importantly: Can You Still Drink It?

By Lauren Gordon
Friends toasting glasses with red wine in wedding party at winery on sunny day
Getty | Klaus Vedfelt
Getty | Klaus Vedfelt

Wine is fabulous – it's tasty and great for all kinds of occasions. Plus, there are so many different types, from the sweet Riesling to the rich Cabernet Sauvignon. But what if you open a bottle, can't finish it, and want to drink it a few days later? Does wine actually go bad? Don't people age wine for a long time anyway? Well, yes, but it's not always the same. Stick around as we dive into what makes wine spoil, whether it's safe to drink, and how to keep it fresh longer.

"Wine is made and bottled to be enjoyed, but if it isn't at its best, there are a few signs to look for," Roger Conen, wine expert for Casillero del Diablo tells PS UK. "If the wine is not as it should be, it can be returned to the retailer it was bought from. Heartbreaking as it is, it can also be tipped down the sink!"

Before you go pouring away your White Zinfandel, scroll for how to tell when your bottle of white, red or pink has gone off and how to keep it fresh for longer.

How To Tell if Wine Has Gone Off

Conen shares the signs of a gone off wine with us, explaining that wine shouldn't be cloudy or hazy and the smell of it should be pleasant. "If there are deposits, these will be naturally occurring that may be joined by colour matter in a red wine; these are harmless but can look unpleasant," he says.

Conen adds: "Most wine sold is ready to be consumed and won't benefit from being stored for a long time. Some types and styles will last better than others ( there may be advice on the label) but generally a year after purchase is a good rule of thumb."

Here are some more easy ways to tell if your wine has gone bad:

  • Sweet taste in red wine — If your red wine smells like Port or tastes like dessert wine but isn't either of those, it's probably been exposed to too much heat and isn't good to drink.
  • Pushed out cork — If the cork is sticking out a bit, the wine likely overheated and expanded, which is not a good sign.
  • Brownish colour — A brownish tint in red wine means it's past its best. White wines that have turned a deep yellow or brownish colour are usually oxidised and no longer good.
  • Chemical flavours — If the wine tastes too astringent, raspy, or has a chemical-like taste (like paint thinner), it's likely spoiled.
  • Unexpected fizz — If a still wine is fizzy or bubbly, it has probably gone through a second fermentation after bottling and isn't safe to drink.

    Is It Dangerous to Drink Spoiled Wine?

    Unlike other foods and drinks, drinking gone-off wine isn't as bad as it seems, but you might want to avoid doing so anyway. Conen tells us: "Wine doesn't like extremes or lots of variation in storage temperature, but the test is to try it! Even If it is a little 'tired' it may still be fine. The good thing to know is that wine is very hostile to the bacteria that can cause illness, so it will not be harmful if it is spoiled."

    How Can You Keep Wine Fresh?

    After opening, this is exactly how long your wine will last, depending on its type:

  • Sparkling wine — One to three days in the fridge.
  • Light white or rosé wines — Five to seven days in the fridge.
  • Full-bodied white wine — Three to five days in the fridge.
  • Red wine — Five to seven days in a cool, dark place.
    Lauren Gordon is the editorial coordinator at PS UK, where she creates lifestyle and identity content. Lauren has a degree in journalism from University of the Arts London and previously worked as a showbiz and TV reporter at The Mirror US. Lauren specialises in pop culture, hair and beauty, focusing on trends, sharing in-depth tutorials, and highlighting hidden gems in the beauty industry.