How to tell if wine has gone bad

In this article, you will learn how to tell when wine has gone off.

Wine can go bad when it is opened too long, when it isn’t stored properly or has a wine fault.

Reasons why wine goes bad

There are a number of reasons why wine can go bad:

Exposure to oxygen

Wine primarily goes bad due to exposure to oxygen, which causes oxidation that can spoil the flavor and aroma.

Exposure to light

Extended exposure to light, particularly sunlight, can also degrade the quality of wine over time.

Storage conditions

Improper storage conditions, such as high temperatures or temperature fluctuations can also affect the quality of wine.

Inadequate bottle sealing, whether from a faulty cork or poor seal, allows air to enter the bottle and spoil the wine.

Contamination

Microbial contamination, such as harmful bacteria or yeast, can lead to off-flavors and unpleasant aromas.

Signs that wine has gone bad

There are many clues that you can look for to determine if wine has gone bad.

Here’s how you can spot a wine that’s gone bad:

1. Change in the aroma

When you open a bottle of wine, its aroma should be pleasant and inviting.

If it smells off, this could be a sign it has spoiled.

Wines that have gone bad will often develop unpleasant or different smells such as:

Vinegar Smell: A strong vinegar or acetic acid smell can indicate that the wine has oxidized, meaning it has had too much contact with oxygen.

It’s likely the wine has turned and is no longer suitable for drinking, but it may still be usable in cooking applications.

Damp or Moldy Odor: A musty or wet cardboard smell suggests the wine may be “corked,” which happens when mold contaminates the cork.

Cork taint, caused by a compound called TCA (2,4,6-trichloroanisole), can produce a musty or damp cardboard smell in wine.

Nail Polish Remover or Paint Thinner Scent: This harsh smell is a sign of chemical spoilage, likely from bacteria.

If you notice any of these smells, it’s best to discard the wine.

2. Change in color

Wine that has gone bad can change in appearance from when you first opened it.

Here’s what to look for:

Red Wine: Red wine is usually a rich, deep color.

If it has changed from ruby or red to brownish in color, the wine may be oxidized. This happens when air exposure changes its color and taste.

Note: Some wine is brownish in color due to aging and is not spoiled. The key is if it has changed to brown since opening it.

White Wine: Fresh white wine is usually clear and light in color.

If it appears darker in color than when you first opened the wine, it may be past its prime.

3. Sour or vinegar-like flavors

If the wine smells and looks okay but you’re still unsure, take a small sip.

Spoiled wine will taste sour or sharp and may have a strong, unpleasant aftertaste.

Aged wine can be complex and different in flavor, but it should never taste harsh.

Wine that has gone bad is safe to taste, but it probably won’t be a pleasant experience.

An off wine may have:

• a sharp, vinegar-like flavor.
• a sweet, caramelized flavor.

4. Change in Texture

Spoiled wine can sometimes feel different in your mouth:

Bubbles in Still Wine: If a still (nonsparkling) wine has bubbles, it’s likely gone bad.

Fermentation may have restarted due to improper storage.

Oily or Slimy Feel: Spoiled wine may have an oily texture, which isn’t normal.

Unopened faulty wine

Unopened wines can also go bad if they have a wine fault.

A fault is a defect that occurs from natural issues, incorrect winemaking practices, or storage errors.

You can detect wine faults from unusual flavors or aromas, similar to how you would in a wine that has already been opened. 

Faulty wines can also smell musty or like damp cardboard.

Does drinking bad wine make you sick?

No, bad wine won’t make you sick. It just won’t taste very nice.

How long opened wine lasts

Once a bottle of wine is opened, its lifespan can vary depending on factors such as the type of wine, storage conditions, and exposure to oxygen.

In general:

• White wines last around 3-5 days when stored in the fridge with a cork or wine stopper.
• Full-bodied red wines can last up to 5-7 days due to their higher tannin content and lower susceptibility to oxidation.
• Sparkling wines should be consumed within 1-3 days to preserve their effervescence and freshness.
• Fortified wines, such as Port or Sherry, can last several weeks or even months after opening due to their higher alcohol content and oxidative stability.

Using wine preservation systems can help to keep wine fresher for longer by minimizing the amount of oxygen that comes into contact with the wine.

See our article for more on how to store wine after opening.

Read with confidence: I am a certified wine expert (WSET L3).