Struggling to finish a whole bottle of wine is a common dilemma for many, especially if you live alone or have leftovers after a dinner party. After re-corking a bottle and placing it in the fridge, the challenge remains: how to ensure the wine stays fresh? One popular solution has emerged thanks to a TikTok from sommelier Warner Boin Dowlearn, who suggests an innovative use of a household item to extend the life of your wine.

The primary issue with preserving wine after opening is oxidation, primarily caused by exposure to air. While corks are meant to seal bottles, they are porous enough to allow oxygen to seep in, leading to undesirable changes in flavor and aroma. This often results in a wine that tastes flat or has unpleasant notes if left open for too long.

Dowlearn’s solution utilizes a Mason jar. By transferring the leftover wine into a jar with a tight-sealing lid, you significantly reduce the contact between the wine and the air. The lesser oxygen exposure can help maintain the wine’s integrity for a more extended period.

While any glass container can work, Dowlearn emphasizes using glass over plastic, as the latter may affect the wine’s taste. After pouring the leftover wine into the jar, simply seal it tightly. For white wine, it’s best to return the jar to the fridge right away. For red wine, you may want to refrigerate it if not consumed the next day, allowing it to return to room temperature before drinking.

To test this method, the Senior Editor Paulina Jayne Isaac used it on a half-open bottle of malbec. The results were promising, reinforcing the effectiveness of this simple hack.

Though vacuum pumps are another option for preserving wine, the Mason jar method stands out as a cost-effective and efficient solution — plus, it makes it easy to enjoy the rest of your favorite bottle even days later.

For those interested in obtaining the jars, they are easily accessible at stores like Walmart. This simple kitchen hack not only saves your wine but also reduces waste in an effective and practical way.