Once opened, Red wine keeps about 1–3 days in the fridge. Unopened, it keeps about 3–5 years.
1–3 days opened in the fridge, against 3–5 years sealed in the pantry. Green is what this situation leaves you; husk is what it spends.
| Situation | Keeps for |
|---|---|
| Unopened · pantry | 3–5 years |
| Opened · fridge | 1–3 days |
Published storage guidance for Red wine, from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute:
Specific to Red wine, published by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute and Penn State Extension:
And the general signs for beverages:
Air and warmth are what shorten an opened item's life — the right container buys back the days the packaging gives up once the seal's broken.
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About 1–3 days refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below, according to USDA FoodKeeper v128. Refrigerate it once it's open.
Yes — keep Red wine at 40°F (4°C) or below once it's open. Cool, dry pantry unopened; refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below after opening.
Colour shifts from deep ruby to orange or brown; Smells of bruised apple or nuts instead of fruit; A sharp vinegar smell; A nail-polish-remover smell. That guidance is published for Red wine by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute and Penn State Extension. Beyond that, the general signs for beverages are: Sour or off smell; Cloudiness, sediment, or curdling; Fizzing in a still drink, or a swollen carton or can; A bitter or 'off' first sip. Never taste something to test it — when in doubt, throw it out.