That Leftover Wine – What To Do With It?

When you have wine leftover from dinner or a large party, the question is always asked, “what should I do with it?”

When it comes to leftover wine, you’ve basically got two options: keep it or toss it.

But there is a third option. Recycle it.

First of all, you must realize that if you keep that leftover wine, even just for a day or two, it will never be the same. It doesn’t matter what re-corking method or storing technique you use. But, there are some strategies that work better than others.

To avoid oxidation, use refrigeration. Whether it’s red wine or white wine, make sure to store it in the fridge. Never let it sit out on the counter overnight.

To increase the odds of preserving the wine intact, be sure to recork it with the tightest fit possible. Possibly the cork that came in the bottle will still fit. But if not, make sure to use a replacement cork that fits tight to make the best possible seal.

Many of the pretty, hobby-top corks are cute, but they don’t hold a tight seal. “Lever Bottle” or “Vacu Vin” stoppers usually hold well and can be a good replacement cork.

Another strategy to avoid wine degradation is to use a squirt of Private Preserve, an inert, non-toxic gas that displaces the oxygen that creeps into the empty portion of the bottle.

In addition, there’s the “smaller bottle” option. Say you have a half-bottle or less of wine. Pouring it into a smaller, clean wine bottle will significantly decrease the bottle’s capacity for oxygen.

Recycling Wine

There is no reason to let your favorite, and possibly expensive, wine go to waste.

True, an already-opened bottle of wine may not be up to the same performance level the next day, it could be the rock star in a nice Sangria recipe where the fruit, sugar and additional alcohol will give it new life.

Or consider using the leftover wine in a marinade or salad dressing. Cooking with your wine is another way to both save an opened bottle of wine and add richer flavors into sauces, soups and meats. It’s a win-win situation. 

So, tossing that leftover wine, or gulping it down because you don’t want to waste it, remember to consider your options.