How to Keep Opened Wine Fresh for Longer

Opening a bottle of wine doesn't mean you have to finish it the same day.

Once exposed to air, wine begins to oxidise, gradually affecting its flavour and aroma. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to help keep it tasting its best.

Step 1: Reseal the Bottle Immediately

The less oxygen that enters the bottle, the better.

Replacing the cork is a good start, but purpose-built wine preservation pumps can remove much of the trapped air, helping slow the oxidation process.

Step 2: Store the Bottle Upright

Unlike unopened bottles, opened wine should generally be stored upright.

This reduces the surface area exposed to oxygen inside the bottle.

Step 3: Refrigerate It

Even red wine benefits from refrigeration once opened.

Cooler temperatures slow the chemical reactions responsible for oxidation.

Simply allow red wine to warm slightly before serving again.

Step 4: Avoid Temperature Fluctuations

Repeated warming and cooling can affect wine quality.

Try to keep opened bottles at a consistent temperature until you're ready to enjoy them again.

Step 5: Use a Wine Pump

A vacuum wine pump removes excess air from the bottle before sealing it.

It's a quick and effective way to help preserve flavour for longer and reduce unnecessary waste.

Final Thoughts

Whether you enjoy an occasional glass or entertain regularly, a quality wine pump is an inexpensive accessory that can help every bottle last a little longer.