How do you know if wine is fresh or not?

• Fresh wine usually has a pleasant fruity or natural aroma, not a sour or vinegar-like smell.
• If the wine smells musty, stale, or like wet cardboard, it may be spoiled.
• Color changes can also be a sign. For example, white wine turning very dark brown may indicate oxidation.
• Sparkling wine losing bubbles quickly can mean it is no longer fresh.
• The cork condition matters too — a leaking or damaged cork may affect wine quality.
• Taste is another clue; spoiled wine may taste unusually sour, flat, or bitter.
• Proper storage away from heat and direct sunlight helps maintain freshness longer.

Honestly, once opened, most wines taste best within a few days because exposure to air slowly changes their flavor and quality.

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You can usually tell if wine isn’t fresh by checking the smell, color, and taste. If it smells sour or like vinegar, that’s a clear sign it’s gone bad. The color can also change white wines turn darker and reds can look more brownish when they’re oxidized. If you taste it and it feels flat or overly sharp instead of balanced, it’s probably not good anymore. Also, if a still wine has unexpected bubbles, that’s another warning sign. In general, trust your senses wine should smell and taste pleasant.