How to Store Sparkling Wine: Best Tips to Keep It Fresh and Fizzy

We've all been there – you pop open a bottle of sparkling wine, enjoy a glass or two, and then life happens. Hours (or days) later, you're left with flat bubbles and a hint of regret. But don’t worry! Whether it’s Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, or your favorite bottle of Sparkling Wine from Michigan wine country, there are some easy tricks to help preserve its fizz and flavor.

Preserve with a Sparkling Wine Stopper

The best way to store sparkling wine after opening is to use a stopper made specifically for sparkling wines. These stoppers create a tight seal and are designed to withstand the pressure of carbonated wines. We recommend investing in a quality stopper like the ones we carry in our tasting room (and online here)—trust us, they’re worth every penny if you enjoy bubbles regularly.

Use Foil as a Quick Fix

If you don’t have a sparkling wine stopper on hand, a piece of foil can be your best friend. Tear off a medium-sized sheet and shape it into a tight “plug” that fits snugly into the neck of the bottle. This simple solution helps keep the carbonation from escaping and prevents too much air from getting in. It’s not perfect, but it’s far better than leaving the bottle open.

Refrigerate Immediately

Temperature plays a huge role in preserving bubbles. Warmer temperatures cause carbon dioxide to escape more quickly, so store your opened sparkling wine in the fridge as soon as possible. Keeping it cold slows the loss of effervescence and helps retain its crisp, refreshing taste. This applies to both opened and unopened bottles—always store sparkling wine upright and chilled.

Reduce Oxygen Exposure with a Smaller Bottle

If you have less than half a bottle left, consider pouring the remaining wine into a smaller, airtight container. This minimizes the surface area exposed to oxygen, which can dull both the fizz and the flavor. A half-bottle or swing-top glass bottle works great for this trick—just make sure it seals well.

Repurpose Flat Bubbles into Cocktails

If your sparkling wine has already gone flat, don’t toss it! You can turn leftover bubbles into a delicious sparkling wine cocktail. Mix it with fruit juice, a splash of liqueur, or even club soda to revive some sparkle. Try a Mimosa, a French 75, or a refreshing white wine spritzer. It’s a creative way to use every last drop.

Final Thoughts: How to Keep Sparkling Wine Fresh

The key to keeping sparkling wine fresh comes down to limiting air exposure, maintaining pressure, and keeping it cold. Whether you’re trying to store Champagne overnight or make that last glass of Prosecco taste like the first, these easy methods will help you preserve your bubbly better.

Don’t let a good bottle go to waste—cheers to freshness, fizz, and smart sipping!