Expiration & Storage Tips
When does white cooking wine expire?
Unopened, white cooking wine can easily last between 1 to 2 years past the printed date on the package due to the preserving properties of its alcohol content. Once opened, however, it should ideally be used within 1 to 2 weeks. Remember to cap it tightly and store in the refrigerator after every use. Now, if you freeze it, which isn't too common, but definitely possible, it can extend its life even further. Freezing doesn't affect the flavor too much and can be used up to 6 months later, as wine doesn't really freeze, rather it turns into a slushy composition due to alcohol content.
How do you tell if white cooking wine is bad?
Smell and color are your major giveaways in this case. If the wine develops a sharp, sour odor much like vinegar, or it starts turning to a noticeably brown or deep yellow color, then it is most likely bad. Furthermore, if it starts developing mold, discard it immediately.
Tips for storing white cooking wine to extend shelf life
• Always store your white cooking wine in a cool, dry place away from sunlight before it's opened.
• Once opened, seal it tightly and store in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life.
• Consider pouring the leftover wine into ice-cube trays and freezing it. This way, you can use exactly the amount you need in the future without wasting it, and it will last longer.
• Remember, wine breathes, so the less air it comes into contact with, the longer it will last. If your wine comes with a cork, you may want to invest in a vacuum seal wine stopper.
• You can also transfer the opened wine into a smaller bottle, so there's less air in the bottle to oxidize the wine.