Beverages
How long does opened white wine last in the fridge?
An opened bottle of white wine is worth drinking for 1–3 days in the fridge, against 1–2 years for a sealed bottle kept dark and cool — recork it and stand it upright cold.
How long does it keep?
| Pantry | 1–2 years |
|---|---|
| Fridge, opened | 1–3 days |
- Pantry: Dark, away from direct heat or sunlight.
Can it sit out?
Unopened, white wine is shelf-stable. Once opened, treat it as perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if white wine has gone bad
- A flat, sherry-like smell where the fruit used to be
- A deep gold or brown tint in a wine that poured pale
- A vinegary sharpness on the nose
- Fizz in a wine that was never sparkling
When in doubt, throw it out.
Decant what’s left into a smaller bottle before you cap it — less air on the wine means it holds its fruit longer.
Quick answers
How long does opened white wine last in the fridge?
An opened bottle of white wine is worth drinking for 1–3 days in the fridge, against 1–2 years for a sealed bottle kept dark and cool — recork it and stand it upright cold.
How long can white wine sit out?
Sitting out isn’t the safety question for unopened white wine — once opened, the FSIS 2-hour rule applies. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).