How to Reseal a Wine Bottle

Having a glass of wine in the evening can be a great way to unwind after a long day, but most of the time you won’t be polishing off a whole bottle of wine in one sitting. Or you may be running a restaurant where customers order by the glass and have various bottles of wine open at a time. How do you keep the remaining wine from starting to turn to vinegar the next day?

Knowing how to reseal and store open wine bottles is not only an essential part of running a proper wine service at your restaurant but can also be a great tip to use at home. Read on to learn 5 ways to reseal a wine bottle and store it so that you can keep your wine fresh for as long as possible.

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How to Recork Wine

Watch our video to learn how to recork your open wine bottles so the seal is tight and the wine stays fresh.

Why Should You Recork Wine?

Wine needs to be resealed after opening because it will begin to oxidize once coming into contact with oxygen. The air opens up the tannins in the wine and deteriorates the flavor. This is caused by bacteria in the air called acetobacter. Although rather harmless to ingest, it turns wine into acetic acid which produces that distinct vinegar taste. Unfortunately, no matter what you do, wine will begin to turn once exposed to air. However, you can slow the process significantly by minimizing the amount of oxygen the wine comes in contact with.

5 Ways to Reseal a Bottle of Wine

It is highly recommended to recork a bottle of wine as soon as you’re done pouring from it. Here are 5 different ways that you can plug up the opening of your wine bottle to keep that air out as much as possible.

1) Cork

How to reseal a wine bottle cork

If you still have the original cork on hand, be sure to inspect it for damages before inserting it into the bottle. When opening a bottle of wine, the spindle of the opener should not go all the way through the cork, or else an airway can form in the cork, allowing oxygen into the bottle.

  • Place the bottle on a sturdy surface.
  • Angle the cork so one end is in the bottle and the other is resting on the lip.
  • Simultaneously twist and press down on the cork.
  • Push the cork in about halfway into the bottle.

2) Wax Paper

The cork will expand when you remove it from the opening of a bottle, making it tricky to recork the wine. If the cork is struggling to get back into the opening or is slightly damaged, wax paper can help reduce the friction and prevent cork pieces from falling in the bottle.

  • Cut a piece of wax paper that is approximately the same length as the cork so it goes all the way around without overlapping.
  • Wrap the paper around one end of the cork.
  • Place the bottle on a sturdy surface.
  • Place the wrapped end of the cork directly on the opening of the bottle.
  • Gently push down with a rocking motion, but do not twist the cork or the paper will wrinkle.
  • Push the cork in about halfway into the bottle.

3) Paper Towel

If your cork is completely unusable, you may need a temporary fix before you can find a replacement. You can momentarily improvise with a piece of paper towel, some plastic wrap, and tape.

  • Fold a sheet of paper towel to about 2 inches wide.
  • Tightly roll from the shorter ends until the paper is fully rolled and resembles a cork.
  • Check the width of the roll with the opening of the bottle to make sure it will fit. The roll should be slightly wider than the opening. Trim if needed.
  • Tape the ends to secure the shape of the roll.
  • Wrap the entire roll in a piece of plastic wrap.
  • Tape the plastic wrap closed.
  • Simultaneously twist and press down on the roll.
  • Push the roll in about halfway into the bottle.
  • Replace the roll with a new cork or rubber cork before storing the bottle.

4) Rubber Stopper

How to reseal a wine bottle with a rubber stopper

A rubber stopper is a great reusable option for resealing a wine bottle. They are made to fit the opening of a wine bottle, and they grip the inside of the bottle to keep air from getting in, slowing down the oxidation process. Rubber stoppers also require minimal effort, since you only need to press it down into the bottle opening. They tend to be a popular option, as they are available in a variety of colors and are affordable, so you can purchase some extra stoppers to keep on hand.

5) Vacuum Pump

Another way to seal your bottle of wine and slow down the oxidation process is by using a reusable vacuum pump. This handy tool also uses rubber stoppers; however, the stoppers are unique in that they allow for air to be vacuumed out of the bottle with the manual pump. The process requires minimal effort and may help extend the storage time of your bottle of wine even further.

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How to Store an Open Bottle of Wine

How to store an open bottle

After you have recorked your wine bottle, you’ll want to store it in the following way to prevent oxidation as much as possible.

  • Keep the bottle out of the light.
  • Refrigerate the bottle after opening regardless of the color of the wine. Chilling the wine slows the oxygen molecules.
  • Store the bottle upright to minimize the surface area of wine exposed to oxygen.
  • Avoid dramatic changes in temperature. If you are serving a red wine, set it out half an hour before serving so it can gradually increase in temperature.
  • If you have less than half of the bottle remaining, transfer the wine to a smaller bottle before refrigerating. With less room for oxygen in a bottle, the oxidation process can take much longer.

In these conditions, open wine can usually last for approximately 3-5 days. It is important to note that sparkling wines and champagnes will behave differently and may need a specific type of cork to remain fresh or may actually need to be stored open in the refrigerator.

Wines That Oxidize Faster

Even if you cork and store your wine in ideal conditions, some wines have a tendency to oxidizer faster than others. Here are some that are prone to deteriorating more quickly.

  • Older wines, especially over 8-10 years old
  • Pinot Noirs
  • Light-colored red wines
  • Organic white wines
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The longevity of a wine all begins with the proper wine storage before the bottle is even opened. Although there isn’t much that can prevent oxidation entirely, there are ways to slow it down so you can enjoy another glass of delicious wine for at least a few more days.

Posted in: Bars & Breweries|Kitchen & Cooking Tips|By Janine Jones
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    You want to create an elegant wine and cheese pairing, but you may not quite understand the difference between a cabernet sauvignon and a sauvignon blanc. Mastering wine knowledge is no easy feat. There are over a thousand wine varieties to choose from, all grown in countless unique wine regions worldwide. To the aspiring wine connoisseur, this is both exciting and overwhelming. The best place to start is by understanding the nuances of the most popular grapes used to make wine. Wine grapes have seeds, are sweeter than table grapes, and are much smaller than what you see in the grocery store. Even the wines you feel most familiar with have an incredible complexity of flavor and vary widely based on their climate, region, and fermentation process. Our comprehensive guide to the top 10 most popular types of wine will equip your wine service staff to make pairing suggestions and provide educated answers to guests' questions. 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Pairing Suggestion: Filet Mignon and Root Vegetable Chips or Chimichurri and Steak Flatbread Back to Top Whether you’re interested in the differences between merlot and cabernet sauvignon, or you want to know how sweet riesling is, our guide to the most popular types of wine answers your questions. Use it as a reference as you explore different regional varieties of these wines. Offer nuanced knowledge of your customers tried and true classics that give them a deeper appreciation for the wines you’re serving.

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Back to Top If you're training to become a bartender, use our guide to learn how to hold wine glasses properly. By following best practices, you can prevent wine glasses from contaminating each other during a toast or breaking during transport. If you're trying to teach patrons how to swirl their wine, teach them the proper way to hold a wine glass to swirl wine with our guide.

  • Corkage Fee Guide

    Offering your own selection of wines is a great way to boost alcohol sales, but there are situations where allowing customers to bring in their own bottle can add a personal touch. Patrons may be looking to pair a specific wine with a particular type of food, or they may just be looking to add some personal flair to a celebration or event. Regardless of the reasoning, there’s a lot to gain from establishing clear corkage fees and policies for customers to follow. Below, we’ve created a complete corking fee guide that you can use to ensure customers receive proper corking etiquette and have the best experience possible. What Is a Corkage Fee? A corkage fee is the price charged to guests who choose to bring their own bottle of wine to a restaurant. Corkage fees usually exist at restaurants that already serve wine. The practice of allowing guests to bring their own wine is considered a courtesy to guests. Occasionally, a bar or restaurant might charge a corking fee for providing their own wine as a means of raising their bottom line or covering their wine service costs. Why Do Restaurants Charge a Corkage Fee? A corkage fee includes the labor and cost involved in wine accommodations. The fee may cover some or all of the following amenities and efforts supplied by the bar or restaurant: Revenue lost from not purchasing the restaurant’s wine Use of restaurant or lounge space The restaurant’s investment in their own wine service program, including efforts related to curating a wine list, keeping a sommelier on staff, and training staff on their wine selection Accommodations relating to the wine (wine buckets, corking wine, or disposing of bottles) Corkage Fee Costs Below we provide information about average corkage fee costs and the reasoning behind differing fees. How Much Is a Corkage Fee? The average corkage fee ranges from $10 to $40 per bottle but may be as high as $100 or more. The price varies depending on the restaurant and may occasionally change according to the type of wine brought in. Some restaurants charge a corkage fee that matches the cost of their least expensive wine. Are Corkage Fees Per Bottle? In most restaurants, corkage fees are per bottle. Corkage fees might also be per table or per person (known as per glass or per "stem"). How to Calculate Corkage Fee A restaurant’s corkage fee is usually commensurate with the level of service provided by the restaurant. So, a steep fee likely associates with a high-end restaurant that has elegant types of glassware, a wine list, and sommeliers. A lower fee, on the other hand, associates with less involved alcohol-related amenities and service. Guests might open their own wine, pour their own glasses, and use less-sophisticated glassware. Corkage Fee Etiquette Allowing guests to bring their own bottle of wine is considered a courtesy. As such, there is proper etiquette to follow when bringing your own bottle of wine. Below are some tips to follow if you want to bring a bottle to a restaurant. Understand the restaurant’s policy (if they allow it or not) along with their corkage fee. If you are unsure, it is best practice to call ahead if the information is not clear on a website. Make sure there are food options that will go with your wine. Bring the bottle in a carrier or on its own, not in a paper sack. The purpose of bringing your own bottle should not be to save money but to enjoy a unique bottle that is not provided by the restaurant. To get the best value out of a corkage fee, bring in a bottle valued more than the corkage fee. Offer the server and sommelier a taste as a sign of respect and camaraderie. Consider buying a bottle from the restaurant in addition to the one you've brought. Tip on the corkage fee. Do You Tip on a Corkage Fee? It is custom to tip on a corkage fee. In most instances, the corkage fee does not go to the server as a service charge but to the restaurant itself. Guests are expected to tip on the corkage fee in the same way they might for any other drink or food item. Corkage Fee Tipping Any extra effort the server goes through to accommodate you with regard to your wine is not reflected in the corkage fee, so tipping on your corkage fee is expected. The server will typically open the wine, pour it, refill glasses, store your wine at the proper temperature, and provide the appropriate stemware. It’s common to tip on the corkage fee in accordance with the level of service provided by your server. How Much Do You Tip on a Corkage Fee? If the service is satisfactory, it is recommended to tip the usual 15-20% on a corkage fee as you would any other food or drink item. Because the fee itself will usually be lower or higher depending on the service of the restaurant, your tip will fluctuate accordingly. For example, a $10 corkage fee would only add an extra $1-2 to your tip, whereas a $40 corkage fee yields an extra $8 to your overall tip, which will typically be appropriate if it is a high-end restaurant. Do All Restaurants Have a Corkage Fee? Not all restaurants have corkage fees. Restaurants that do allow you to bring in your own alcohol, even when serving their own wine, usually have corkage fees if you choose to bring in your own bottle of wine. On the other hand, bring-your-own-wine (BYOW) or bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) restaurants typically have a low or nonexistent corkage fee. If you want to bring your own bottle to a restaurant, always check with the restaurant to understand their policy. Do BYO Restaurants Have Corkage Fees? Many BYO restaurants don’t have corkage fees because they do not serve alcohol. Since they do not have cocktails, wine, or beer lists, the costs and services (sophisticated wine glassware, sommeliers, wine list) associated with alcohol-serving restaurants are less likely to be present. Therefore, BYOs do not need to make up for lost profit. In addition, BYO restaurants usually do not have a liquor license, and any cost associated with alcohol may be considered an unlawful charge by the restaurant for the alcohol. However, some BYO restaurants do have a corkage fee. Corkage Fee FAQ Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding corkage fees: What Does Free Corkage Mean? Free corkage means that the establishment has a corkage policy, but charges no money. These restaurants allow patrons to bring in their own bottles of wine and still perform wine service free of charge. Free corkage is typically offered during special events or occasions in order to entice potential customers. What Is a Bottle Charge? Just like a corkage fee, a bottle charge is a price charged to guests who bring their own bottles of wine. Depending on the restaurant, the two terms can be used interchangeably, but still refer to the same concept. Waiving a Corkage Fee If bringing your own bottle, some restaurants may waive the corkage fee if you also purchase a bottle of their wine. Additionally, some restaurants host $0 BYOB night, completely waiving the corkage fee with no additional purchase required. This is a great promotional event to attract new customers looking to bring their own wine. Recorking Wine Recorking wine is the act of taking partially-consumed bottles of wine home from a restaurant. Even if customers bring their own bottles, they are still beholden to recorking laws. Typically, wine bottles must be recorked or resealed before being taken home, but some state laws dictate they must be secured in a bag as well. Be sure to double-check your state laws before offering recorking services to patrons. Whether customers want to celebrate a personal event with a sentimental bottle of wine or just bring along their favorite type, having proper corkage etiquette established at your business is beneficial. No matter what type of restaurant you operate, offering patrons the ability to bring their own wine allows customers to add a personal touch to their dining experience. Just make sure that your corkage policy is clearly established and that staff is trained on how to handle proper corkage etiquette. Doing so will make the overall experience much smoother for both customers and staff.

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