Virginians knowing when to refrigerate your wine makes all the difference

Refrigerating wine keeps it from going flatPhoto byKevin KellyonUnsplash

How long will wine hold its flavor?

For those in the Commonwealth who enjoy the fruit of the vine, it's essential to know how long your wine will remain fresh. Bone Appetite says oxidation from sitting out too long will change the taste of the wine and cause it to go flat,. This is why it needs to be refrigerated.

Southern Living spoke to wine expert Sarah Malik, who says refrigerating wine will increase its shelf life and that leaving it out too long will cause the flavor to go flat. She said sparkling wine will last a few days if you use a cork stopper, and most other wines will last three to five days once opened. Fortified wines like Port may last a few months.

Drink in moderation

The Southern Living aNd Boneappetite articles began with "We all have," which implies "we all drink." Not every Virginian drinks wine and not everyone who abstains is a recovering alcoholic. Some people just have never had a taste for alcoholic beverages.

For those who do, you now have a bit more information about the shelf life of your favorite wine. Keep in mind that the Virginia Department of Health reveals that between 2016 and 2020, 16% of adults 18 and older in the Commonwealth responded to a survey and admitted to binge drinking. Enjoy your favorite wine, but do so responsibly.