Expiration & Storage Tips
When does white wine expire?
An unopened bottle of white wine should generally carry a shelf life of 1-2 years depending on the type and quality. However, always check the bottle for a printed expiration date. Once opened, white wine should be consumed within 1-3 days if stored in the refrigerator. If you've used leftover wine for cooking and it's been kept in the freezer, you will get about 1-2 months before the quality begins to deteriorate.
How do you tell if white wine is bad?
There are a few signs you can look for to determine if your white wine has gone bad. If the smell of the wine is off, and has a sharp, vinegary odor, it's likely that the wine has turned into vinegar. In terms of visual clues, if you notice a brown or darker color than expected, or the presence of bubbles in still wine, it's a safe bet the wine is no longer good to consume. Lastly, if the taste is overly tart or lacks a fresh, crisp flavor, the wine has probably gone bad.
Tips for storing white wine to extend shelf life
• Always store wine lying down to keep the cork moist, which prevents it from drying out and lettting air into the bottle.
• Keep your wine in a cool, dark place where temperatures don’t fluctuate.
• Consider storing opened white wine in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness longer.
• If you only have a small amount left over, consider transferring it to a smaller container to reduce the amount of air contact.
• For long-term storage, you can freeze wine in ice cube trays for cooking. Once frozen, transfer the cubes in a zip-top bag and use within a couple of months to flavor slow-cooked dishes.