Wine lovers often find themselves wondering how long an opened bottle of wine stays good. While it’s unlikely that consuming old wine will cause illness, its flavor diminishes significantly over time. Oxygen, heat, light, yeast, and bacteria, which enter the bottle once opened, accelerate chemical reactions that spoil the wine, affecting its taste.

According to wine expert Dana Sacco, owner of The Empty Glass in Texas, the type of wine greatly influences its longevity once uncorked. Sparkling wines typically last one to two days, light whites and rosés can last four to five days, while richer whites and red wines should ideally be consumed within three to five days. Interestingly, fortified wines like port can remain enjoyable for one to three weeks after opening.

In certain instances, opening a wine bottle can enhance its taste. Aerating full-bodied reds, for instance, helps soften tannins and bring out complex aromas, enriching the overall drinking experience. For those wanting to keep their wine fresher longer, investing in a wine pump to reduce oxygen exposure is advisable.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal taste and storage methods when enjoying wine over the days following its opening.

Researchers have recently unveiled the flavor profile of ancient Roman wine, revealing that it was spicy and had aromas reminiscent of toasted bread and walnuts. This exploration into the winemaking practices of two millennia ago has shed light on how Romans crafted their wine, a beverage integral to their culture.

Dimitri Van Limbergen from Ghent University and Paulina Komar from the University of Warsaw dug deep into the winemaking process by analyzing dolia, the massive earthenware containers used by Romans for wine production. These ancient vessels were not just for storage; they played a crucial role in the winemaking process itself. The researchers found that the wine stored in dolia improved in flavor over time, similar to modern practices.

Their findings, published in the Antiquity journal, suggest that Romans produced wine that was not only flavorful but also more stable than previously believed. The study challenges the traditional understanding of Roman winemaking, emphasizing a sophisticated industry that flourished between the second and fourth centuries AD.

Van Limbergen explained that the wine produced during this era varied widely in color, including white, yellow, amber, and even red and black, depending on the grape varieties used and the techniques applied. This diversity indicates that Roman winemaking was complex and nuanced, far surpassing the simplified classifications of wine we have today.

Another interesting aspect of their research highlighted the separation of grape solids during fermentation, resulting in the distinctive orangey hue of some Roman wines. The dolia’s narrow bottom played a key role in this process.

While modern winemaking primarily utilizes large metal containers, the methods observed in Roman times bear a resemblance to traditional Georgian winemaking practices. This research marks a significant step in understanding the rich history of wine and its cultural significance in ancient Rome.

For more insights into historical wine practices, visit the full study here.

Young Australian comedians Sweeney Preston and Ethan Cavanagh are bringing their show, "In Pour Taste: A Comedy Wine Tasting Experience," to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale. The duo, who arrived from Melbourne amid a heatwave, aim to entertain while also delivering a unique wine tasting experience through humor.

The show, popular from New York to Las Vegas, involves local wine experts who guide the audience in sampling a variety of wines while Preston and Cavanagh inject their comedic flair. Set in the intimate Abdo New River Room, the audience is seated at 45 tables, making for a cozy atmosphere. Attendees can expect five wine tastings along with personalized charcuterie boards, with performances scheduled Thursdays through Sundays until January 25.

The idea for "In Pour Taste" originated in a small wine bar in Melbourne, where the comedians sought to create a fun event that included plenty of wine. Their light-hearted banter extends to humorous exchanges about their experiences in America, noting the cultural differences in humor, particularly regarding sarcasm.

The conversation also touched upon their recent performances in Las Vegas and their plans to tour through Washington, D.C. Preston humorously remarked on America’s inability to handle the Australian sense of humor, while Cavanagh added that they were looking forward to performing in venues around the U.S.

"As much as we love Americans, I think the Australian sense of humor drives you people up the wall sometimes," Preston quipped, perfectly exemplifying the comedic dynamic of their show.

If you’re interested in attending, “In Pour Taste” runs through January 25, with tickets starting at $112.10, which includes the wine tastings and charcuterie. For more information, you can check out the Broward Center event page.

Wine consumption in the European Union (EU) is expected to continue its downward trend over the next decade, according to the European Commission’s EU Agricultural Outlook 2025-35. The report anticipates a decline of 0.9% annually, predicting that per capita wine consumption will decrease to approximately 19.3 liters by 2035. This represents a 9% reduction from levels observed between 2021 and 2025, driven by various factors.

Key drivers for this decline include growing health concerns among consumers, changing drinking habits, and increasing competition from a wider range of beverages. The report notes that younger generations are increasingly opting for lower alcohol options, contributing to the overall decrease in wine consumption.

While the decline is not uniform across all EU member states, countries traditionally known for high wine consumption, such as France and Germany, are experiencing some of the most significant reductions. Additionally, sales of "wine-based drinks," including no- and low-alcohol options, are rising, although these products are still expected to account for a small portion of the market.

The report highlights that the EU’s wine production may also decrease by about 0.5% per year over the next decade, resulting in an output of approximately 138 million hectoliters. Factors contributing to this decline include a projected yearly reduction of 0.6% in vineyard areas, assuming stable weather and yields.

Winemakers throughout the EU are facing a surplus of wine, prompting calls for measures to manage vineyard reductions in countries like France and Germany. The European Parliament and the European Council have reached preliminary agreements to implement support measures for the industry, including financial assistance for vine uprooting initiatives.

Furthermore, the report warns that the EU’s wine export growth is at risk due to decreasing shipments to key markets such as the United States and the United Kingdom. Although there is rising demand in markets like Latin America and Africa, it is unlikely to offset the declines experienced in traditional markets. Overall, EU wine exports are projected to drop by 0.6% annually from 2025 to 2035, with imports also expected to see a decrease of 1.9% each year.