Bars & Breweries, Kitchen & Cooking Tips

How to Reseal a Wine Bottle

Last updated on Nov 3, 2024
Janine Jones

Are you tired of finding half-empty bottles of wine losing their flavor? Learning how to reseal a wine bottle properly can help maintain the quality and freshness of your favorite wines. Whether you're a restaurant owner looking to preserve premium wines as part of your proper wine service or a wine enthusiast at home, mastering the art of resealing wine bottles is a valuable skill. Read on to learn five 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.

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 five 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. Use these steps to put a cork back in the wine 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. Follow these instructions to recork wine with wax paper:

  • 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. Try this tip to reseal wine with a paper towel:

  • 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. Just place the special rubber stopper in the opening of the bottle and pump the air out to form a seal. The process requires minimal effort and may help extend the storage time of your bottle of wine even further.

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.

How to Store an Open Bottle of Wine

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 and may actually need to be stored open in the refrigerator to prevent eruptions.

Wines That Oxidize Faster

How to store an open bottle

Even if you cork and store your wine in ideal conditions, some types of wine 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.

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  • How to Hold a Wine Glass

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  • How Many Glasses of Wine in a Bottle?

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Half Bottle (375 mL) - As the name suggests, half bottles contain half the amount of wine found in a standard bottle. These smaller bottles are great for customers who want to enjoy a glass or two without having to order a full bottle. They are also a popular choice for wine flights or tasting menus. Magnum (1.5 L) - If you're hosting a larger gathering or simply prefer to have more wine on hand, a magnum bottle might be the perfect choice. A magnum holds 1.5 liters of wine, which is equivalent to two standard bottles. With double the volume, a magnum can provide around 10 glasses of wine, making it a great option for group settings or events. Jeroboam (3 L) - For truly special occasions or celebrations, a Jeroboam bottle is a showstopper. This size holds 3 liters of wine, which is equivalent to four standard bottles. With a Jeroboam, you can pour approximately 20 glasses of wine, making it ideal for larger parties or gatherings where you want to make a grand impression. Methuselah (6 L) - If you're looking to make a statement and have an abundance of wine, a Methuselah bottle is the way to go. Holding a whopping 6 liters of wine, which is equivalent to eight standard bottles, the Methuselah is perfect for extravagant celebrations or events. With this size, you can pour around 40 glasses of wine, ensuring that no guest goes thirsty. Nebuchadnezzar (15 L) - Last but certainly not least, is the Nebuchadnezzar bottle, the grandest of them all. Holding a staggering 15 liters of wine, which is equivalent to 20 standard bottles, the Nebuchadnezzar is reserved for the most extravagant occasions. With this size, you can pour approximately 100 glasses of wine, making it perfect for large-scale events or wine enthusiasts who want to make a statement. Wine Servings FAQ If you're still looking for answers, check out these frequently asked questions about wine pours and servings. Can You Get More Glasses of Wine from a Bottle If You Pour Smaller Servings? Yes, if you pour smaller servings of wine, you can get more glasses from a bottle. For example, if you pour 4-ounce servings instead of 5-ounce servings, you should be able to get an extra glass from each bottle. How Many Cups of Wine Are in a Bottle? A cup is considered 8 fluid ounces, so a standard bottle (25.3 ounces) contains 3 cups of wine with a little bit left over. How Many Milliliters Are in One Glass of Wine? A 5-ounce serving of wine is equal to 147 milliliters. When it comes to serving wine, it's not just about pouring the liquid into a glass and calling it a day. Whether you're a seasoned sommelier or a server at a restaurant, understanding how many glasses of wine are in a bottle is crucial knowledge. Not only does it show your expertise, but it also ensures that your customers are getting the right amount of wine for their enjoyment.