A Simple Guide: How to Tell If Your Wine’s Gone Bad

Ever opened a bottle and thought something smelled off? 🍷 Whether you’re new to wine or a seasoned sipper, knowing how to tell if wine is bad can save you from disappointment (and a bad aftertaste). Here’s a quick, beginner-friendly guide to spotting the signs of wine gone bad — before it ruins your night.

1. Trust Your Nose: The Smell Test 👃

Your first clue? The aroma.
A good wine should smell pleasant — fruity, floral, or even earthy — depending on its style. If your nose catches anything unpleasant, it might be a sign your wine has gone bad.

Watch out for:

Vinegar or nail polish remover – the wine may have oxidised or turned to acetic acid.
Wet cardboard or mouldy basement – a classic case of cork taint (caused by TCA contamination).
Burnt sugar or cooked fruit – the bottle may have been overheated.
Musty or damp odours – signs of spoilage or poor storage.

If it doesn’t smell like something you’d want to drink, don’t.

2. Look Closely: The Colour Check 👀

Next, take a peek at your pour. A quick look can tell you a lot about your wine’s condition.

Red wines that have turned brown or brick-coloured may be oxidised.
White wines that look deep gold or amber instead of pale yellow may have aged past their best.
Cloudiness or floating bits could mean spoilage, especially in younger wines that were once clear.

And if the cork looks pushed out or the bottle has wine stains around the seal, that’s often a sign of heat damage.

3. The Taste Test: One Sip Is Enough 👅

If the wine passes the sniff and sight tests but you’re still unsure, take a small sip.

Here’s how to tell if your wine tastes bad:

Sour or vinegary flavour – your wine has turned acidic.
Flat and lifeless – oxidation has dulled the flavours.
Unexpected sweetness – fermentation might have restarted.
Strange fizz in still wine – definitely spoiled.

If your first instinct is to spit it out, trust it.

4. Why Wine Goes Bad (and How to Prevent It) 🧊

Most wines don’t spoil overnight. The culprit is usually poor storage or improper handling.

Simple wine storage tips:

Keep it cool and dark – heat and light speed up spoilage.
Lay bottles on their side – keeps corks moist and airtight.
Seal and refrigerate after opening – yes, even red wine! It’ll stay drinkable for 3–5 days.

Want to go the extra mile? Use a vacuum pump or wine stopper to keep air out and freshness in.

5. When in Doubt, Swap It Out 🍇

No one likes pouring wine down the drain, but it happens — even to the best of us. If your bottles turn too soon, it might be time to check your storage or choose smaller pours.

At Albert Wines, we believe every glass should be as perfect as the winemaker intended — expressive, balanced, and enjoyable to the last drop.

Explore our online store for expertly stored wines, delivered straight to your door, so you’ll never second-guess your pour again. And if you’re just starting your wine journey, don’t miss our next read — A No-Fuss Guide to Picking Wine (For Total Beginners).

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