After the cork pops: How to store wine once it’s opened (and what about liquor?)

Christmas has a way of opening bottles that do not always get finished. A glass before lunch, another while the roast is still in the oven, something sparkling because guests arrived, and suddenly there are three open bottles on the table. The party moves on. The bottles stay behind.

So what happens next?
Once wine is opened, it begins a quiet race against time. Air gets in and flavours shift. Some wines hold their ground bravely. Others fade faster than expected. Knowing how to store them properly can be the difference between a lovely second glass tomorrow and a disappointing pour that ends up in the sink.

Why opened wine changes
The moment you pull the cork, oxygen enters the bottle. A little oxygen helps wine open up and taste better in the glass. Too much of it, over time, dulls aromas and flattens flavour. This process is natural and unavoidable, but it can be slowed down.

The fridge is your best friend
Almost all opened wines last longer in the refrigerator, even reds. Cold temperatures slow oxidation. Red wine can always be brought back to serving temperature later. Leaving an opened bottle on the kitchen counter overnight is one of the quickest ways to ruin it.

Reseal it properly
Always put the cork back in, or use a wine stopper. If the cork does not fit easily, push it in gently with the clean side facing the wine. The goal is to limit how much air gets inside.

How long does opened wine last?

• Sparkling wine: 1 to 3 days with a proper stopper. Without one, the bubbles vanish quickly
• White and rosé wines: 3 to 5 days in the fridge
• Red wine: 3 to 5 days in the fridge, sometimes longer for fuller-bodied wines
• Fortified wines like port or sherry: Several weeks when sealed and refrigerated

These are guidelines, not rules. Trust your nose. If it smells flat, sour or lifeless, it probably is.

Mind the fill level
A half-empty bottle has more air inside than a nearly full one. If you know you will not finish it soon, transferring leftover wine into a smaller bottle can help preserve flavour for an extra day or two.

What about liquor?
Liquor behaves very differently from wine. Whisky, rum, gin, vodka and tequila are far more stable once opened. They do not oxidise the same way wine does and can last for years if stored properly.

Keep liquor bottles tightly sealed, upright, and away from sunlight and heat. No refrigeration is needed. The only exception is cream-based liqueurs and wine-based products like vermouth, which should be refrigerated and used within a few months.

Christmas reality check
During the holidays, bottles tend to travel from table to counter to sideboard. A little care goes a long way. Put leftover wine in the fridge before turning in for the night. Cap the spirits before guests leave. These small habits preserve not just flavour but the mood of the season.