At HER Wine Collection, we often hear this question from our wine-loving community: does wine expire? It’s a valid concern, especially when you’ve invested in a special bottle or received one as a gift. The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think, so let’s uncork this topic and explore the fascinating world of wine ageing and longevity.
Does Wine Actually Expire?
Unlike many food products with clear expiration dates, wine doesn’t technically “expire” in the traditional sense. However, wine does change over time, and not always for the better. What we’re really asking when we wonder if wine expires is: “Will this wine still taste good?”
Most wines available today are designed to be consumed within 1-3 years of their vintage date. These everyday drinking wines typically don’t improve with extended ageing and may even deteriorate if kept too long.
Understanding Wine’s Lifespan
Different types of wine have varying lifespans:
Signs That Wine Has Gone Bad
- White wines generally have shorter lifespans than reds, with most meant to be enjoyed within 1-3 years of release. Our HER Wine Collection Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, with their vibrant, fresh characteristics, are crafted to be enjoyed relatively young when their crisp fruit flavours are at their peak.
- Red wines often have more longevity, with everyday reds best within 2-5 years and some premium varieties capable of ageing for decades. Our Shiraz and Pinotage can develop beautifully over several years when stored properly, allowing their complex flavours to integrate and evolve.
- Sparkling wines typically don’t benefit from ageing and are best consumed within 3-4 years of purchase.
- Fortified wines like port and sherry can last for decades, even after opening.
How can you tell if your wine has passed its prime? Look for these indicators:
- Visual changes: Browning in reds or darkening in whites can signal oxidation
- Off aromas: Smells like vinegar, wet cardboard, or rotten eggs indicate spoilage
- Flat taste: A lack of fruit flavours or general blandness suggests the wine is past its prime
Proper Wine Storage: The Key to Longevity
The way you store wine dramatically affects how long it remains enjoyable. At HER Wine Collection, we recommend these storage guidelines:
- Temperature: Keep wine at a consistent 12-15°C (54-59°F)
- Light: Store bottles away from direct sunlight and fluorescent lighting
- Humidity: Aim for 60-70% humidity to prevent cork drying
- Position: Store bottles horizontally to keep corks moist
- Vibration: Minimise movement and vibration
Opened Wine: A Different Timeline
Once opened, wine’s countdown accelerates significantly:
- White wines: 3-5 days when recorked and refrigerated
- Red wines: 3-5 days when recorked and stored in a cool place
- Sparkling wines: 1-3 days when sealed with a sparkling wine stopper and refrigerated
The HER Wine Collection Approach
In our Cape Wine Region vineyards, we craft each bottle of HER Wine Collection with both immediate enjoyment and appropriate ageing potential in mind. Our winemaking philosophy embraces the South African terroir while ensuring each varietal expresses its best characteristics:
- Our Sauvignon Blanc captures fresh citrus and tropical notes that shine brightest within 1-2 years of release
- The Chenin Blanc offers versatility with stone fruit and honeyed notes that can develop beautifully over 2-3 years
- The Shiraz presents spicy, berry-forward flavours that integrate wonderfully over 3-5 years
- Our Pinotage, South Africa’s signature varietal, develops complex dark fruit and earthy notes over 4-6 years
When in Doubt, Trust Your Senses
Wine appreciation is ultimately personal. If you’re unsure about an older bottle, trust your senses. If it looks good, smells good, and tastes good—enjoy it! If not, it may be past its prime.
We believe wine is meant to be enjoyed and shared. Whether you’re savouring a bottle you’ve carefully aged or enjoying the fresh, vibrant flavours of a recent release, what matters most is the experience and the connections made over a glass of wine.
Curious to explore our collection of South African wines, crafted by women for everyone? Visit our wine shop and discover the perfect bottle to enjoy now—or perhaps one to save for a special occasion in the near future.