Let’s face it, as any wine afficionado knows there are few pleasures more delightful than a glass of chilled white. 

In fact, the last thing you want is warm white wine.

However, if you are wondering how long does white wine last in the fridge? The answer may surprise you.

Why should you store white wine in the fridge?

Keeping it cold is the obvious answer. 

Serving warm white wine is always associated with a downmarket occasion, so it’s not something you’d wish for your guests.

However, another reason to refrigerate white wine is to maintain its quality, ensuring it tastes great once it’s poured into a glass.

Therefore, it may seem a little counterintuitive to discover that it’s not actually necessary to keep it in your fridge all the time to preserve its quality.

In fact, it’s more beneficial to avoid refrigerating your favourite vintage until you are almost ready to drink it.   

Instead, what you should actually do is keep it in a cool, dark place away from sunlight – which is exactly the reason why wine cellars exist!  

Unfortunately, we can’t all have the privilege of living in a chateau or other grand establishment, so we have to make do with our household appliances. 

And if you are a real wine afficionado then you should be investing in a wine cooler which is in effect your very own wine cellar!

The verdict: White wine should be chilled to ensure that the acidity, crisp flavours, and delicate aroma are retained, but it is more important that it is stored correctly to maintain its character and quality.  

How to make wine last longer in a fridge

White wine can last long past its sell-by date if properly kept, but as we have explained it’s not necessary to keep it in the fridge at all times. 

Wine is a temperamental beast, and it can be affected by elements such as UV light, humidity, and vibrations, as well as temperature, so these are all things to consider if you are wondering how long does white wine last in the fridge? 

Clearly that your wine is deliciously cold when you finally serve it is the ultimate goal so in this case, it’s all about ensuring it’s chilled at the correct temperature.

We also need to make it clear that not all white wines are made equal; for example, lighter more floral or fruity varieties of wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are best kept at around 45F (7C), while champagne and other types of fizz should be kept even cooler, at around 40F (4.5C).

But if you have actually opened a bottle and want to drink the rest at a later date then the question how long does white wine last in the fridge? takes on a different meaning.  

We are happy to report that by storing it correctly, it will remain unchanged for two to three days. 

And you may even be able to make it last longer if you re-cork or stopper the bottle, as this will stop the oxygen getting in and impairing the taste and colour. 

Is it better to use a fridge or wine cooler?​

Even if you are not a serious oenologist, you should consider investing in a wine cooler specifically created for the purpose of keeping your supplies in optimum condition.

Clearly most of us chill our white wines in the fridge to enjoy them at their best, but if you can go one better why shouldn’t you?

Remember that it’s not just about making your tipple cold, it’s about preserving the wine’s character by storing it and chilling it correctly.

This is why the wine cooler is the must have for anyone who remotely cares about the condition of their wine.  

And don’t consider it as just another status symbol because regular fridges aren’t in the same league when it comes to ensuring your vino retains its complex flavours for longer.

One reason is that the humidity levels in a fridge are such that they can affect your white wine by damaging the cork. This places it seriously at risk of oxidisation. 

Oxidisation is when wine comes into contact with the air and if it is exposed too long it can get to the point where the acetaldehyde converts to acetic acid, turning the wine to vinegar. 

This is why you should be storing your bottles in a cool dark place like a pantry or cupboard, then only refrigerating them before you plan to drink them.

But if you have a wine cabinet or cooler then it will not only prevent oxidisation but also block out UV light which is surefire taste-destroyer, because if its ability to speed up the aging process.

For us, it’s the wine cooler all the way.

Wine coolers from Home Feeling

Wine coolers are actually affordable piece of kit plus they’ll add kudos to any kitchen or living space, so what’s not to love?

Here at Home Feeling, we have the Willow WBC48SS 48L Table Top Beverage Cooler (£139) in stainless steel which is the perfect choice for anyone who wants a wine chiller that fits into a smaller space. 

At H51xW43x D 7.5cm dimensions this would be a terrific addition to any apartment or even office space. It’s easy to clean too and comes with a two-year warranty.

For those who desire a larger model, the Willow WBC98B 98L Under Counter Beverage Cooler (£199) with its H84 x W47 x D47.2cm dimensions is a cool in every way addition to your kitchen and will keep your white wine in optimum condition. 

The question is; can you really do without one?

To find out more about our fantastic range of home appliances, contact us today.