Does Wine Expire? A Simple Guide to Wine Storage and Shelf Life
Let’s face it, wine is one of life’s great pleasures. Whether you’re popping open a bold red wine to pair with steak or toasting with a crisp sparkling wine, it’s always nice to have a bottle (or three) on hand. But what happens when that bottle lingers a little too long in the back of your kitchen cupboard? Does wine expire? Can wine go bad? Spoiler alert: yes, it can. But don't worry, we've got you covered.
This guide is your go-to resource for learning how to keep wine fresh, how to tell if your wine has gone off, and how long you can expect both opened and unopened wine to last.
Understanding Wine Expiration: The Basics
Wine is not immortal (sadly). Over time, even the finest bottles can degrade, especially if they’re not stored properly. While some wines age beautifully, most are meant to be enjoyed within a few years of purchase. So yes, wine can go bad. But why does this happen? That said, you might have heard of people keeping vintage wines for decades. These special wines are the exception, not the rule. Vintage wines—often reds from renowned regions like Bordeaux or Barolo—are crafted to develop complexity over time. They’re stored in ideal conditions (temperature-controlled, dark, humid) and monitored closely. If you find a 30-year-old bottle in a dusty cupboard, it’s more likely to be vinegar than vintage treasure—unless it was stored like a collector would. So, unless you're intentionally aging wine, it's best to drink it within a few years.
Factors That Affect Wine Quality
Once wine is exposed to air, the oxidation process begins. This is great when you're letting your red wine "breathe" for 20 minutes. But after a few days? Not so great. Oxidation dulls flavour and aroma, turning a vibrant vino into vinegar territory.
Wine loves stability. Extreme heat or cold can mess with its flavour profile. Ever left a bottle in a hot car? That cooked taste is the result of too much heat. Ideally, wine should be stored around 12-18°C.
Wine and sunlight are not friends. UV rays can degrade the compounds in wine, especially delicate white wines. Store bottles in a dark place to keep them tasting their best.
Low humidity can dry out corks, allowing air to seep in and spoil the wine. Aim for a storage area with about 50-70% humidity. (Basements, we’re looking at you, or perhaps you could convert that home office into a makeshift wine cellar.)
How to Tell if Your Wine Has Gone Bad: Signs to Look For
Sometimes, it’s painfully obvious. Other times, not so much. Here are the tell-tale signs:
• Cloudiness: Most wines should be clear. A murky appearance could mean bacteria or oxidation.
• Colour changes: Red wines that look brownish or white wines that appear yellowed may have gone off.
• Leaks or pushed corks: Indicates temperature swings and possible spoilage.
• Vinegar: Uh-oh. Your wine is probably oxidised.
• Musty or wet cardboard: A sign of cork taint (yep, that’s a real thing).
• Nail polish remover: Indicates volatile acidity—your wine is long past its prime.
If it smells funky, it's likely to taste funky too. If the flavours are flat, sour, or just plain unpleasant, it’s time to pour it out and head to Lidl's wine section for a fresh bottle.
How Long Does Unopened Wine Last?
How long your unopened bottle of wine lasts depends on its type and how it’s stored. While many wines are made for immediate or near-term drinking, a few are crafted to improve with age under ideal conditions. These include fine reds and some dessert wines with the right acidity, tannin, and sugar balance. However, unless you have proper storage, most wines won't benefit from decades of waiting—and may actually deteriorate.
Typically lasts 2-3 years past the printed expiration date when stored in a cool, dark place. Higher-quality reds may last up to a decade or more, but most red wines from your local Lidl are ready to drink now and best consumed within a few years.
Usually lasts 1-2 years past the shelf date. White wines tend to be more fragile than reds and are rarely made for long-term aging. They are also much more susceptible to damage from temperature fluctuation.
With their bubbles and bright acidity, sparkling wines like Prosecco and Cava are best enjoyed within 1-2 years of purchase. Champagne can last longer if stored properly.
How to Store Unopened Wine
• Keep it horizontal if it has a cork
• Avoid light and temperature fluctuations
• Ideal temperature: 12-18°C
• Bonus points if you use a wine fridge!
How Long Does Opened Wine Last?
Once opened, wine begins a slow (or fast) descent into mediocrity. But you can still enjoy it for a few days if you're savvy.
Type of Wine How Long It Lasts After Opening
Red Wine 3-5 days
White Wine 3-5 days
Rosé 3-5 days
Sparkling Wine 1-3 days (bubbles fade fast)
Tips for Preserving Opened Wine
• Reseal the bottle with the original cork or a wine stopper
• Store in the fridge (yes, even red wine!)
• Use a vacuum pump to remove air if you’re feeling fancy
How to Store Opened Wine
• Keep it upright to reduce surface area exposure
• Don’t leave it out on the counter all night (we’re not judging, just advising)
Lidl Ireland's Wine Selection: Find Your Perfect Bottle
Now that you know how to spot a dodgy bottle and how to keep the good ones fresh, it’s time to restock. At Lidl Ireland, we offer a wide range of affordable and quality wines, whether you're into bold reds, zesty whites, playful rosés, or bubbly sparkling wines.
Our curated wine section features bottles from top regions around the world, so there's always something new to discover. Not sure what to pick? Ask our staff for recommendations or try something new each week.
So go ahead, pour yourself a glass (or two), and enjoy, just maybe don’t leave it sitting out until next week. Cheers!
