Does Champagne Go Bad? What You Need to Know Before You Pop That Bottle

You’re ready to celebrate. You pull out that elegant bottle of champagne you’ve been saving for a special occasion — but wait. It’s been a few years. Does champagne expire? Can it go bad? Should you still drink it?

Let’s break down everything you need to know about champagne shelf life, how to tell if it’s still good, and how to store it properly so your celebration never falls flat.

Can Champagne Go Bad?

Yes, champagne can go bad — but it depends on a few key factors: the type of it, how it’s stored, and whether it’s been opened.

• Non-vintage champagne, which is the most commonly available, typically lasts around 3 to 4 years from the date of purchase.
• Vintage champagne, made from a single year’s harvest and often of higher quality, can last 5 to 10 years, depending on storage conditions.

Unlike still wine, champagne does not continue improving in the bottle. In fact, if you wait too long, it can lose its signature bubbles and taste profile — which means your luxurious toast might end in disappointment.

How Does Champagne Expire?

Champagne doesn’t “spoil” like food, but it does degrade in quality over time.

• Loss of carbonation – the effervescence disappears, leaving it flat.
• Change in flavour – once-fruity or floral notes fade, replaced by sour or oxidized flavours.
• Diminished aroma – crisp, bready notes turn musty or muted.

Once opened, champagne should ideally be consumed within 3 to 5 days, even if resealed with a champagne stopper. After that, both taste and texture decline rapidly.

Signs Your Champagne Has Gone Bad

Not sure if your bottle is still drinkable? Here are some signs that champagne is past its prime:

• Little to no fizz when opened
• Sour or vinegary aroma
• Flat or stale taste
• Brownish or cloudy color
• Bitter or oxidized aftertaste

While drinking expired champagne isn’t usually harmful, it can cause minor stomach irritation and will most likely taste unpleasant.

How to Store Champagne Properly

Proper storage can extend the life of your champagne and preserve its quality. Here’s how:

Before Opening:

• Store in a cool, dark place, ideally between 10–13°C
• Keep bottles lying on their side to prevent the cork from drying out
• Avoid areas with strong light, fluctuating temperatures, or vibrations
• Don’t keep it in your regular fridge long-term — it’s too dry and too cold for aging

After Opening:

• Reseal with a champagne stopper (not a regular wine cork)
• Keep upright in the fridge
• Consume within 3 days for optimal freshness

Pro tip: The common trick of placing a spoon in the neck of the bottle doesn’t work. Invest in a proper stopper to keep the bubbles in.

Final Thoughts

Yes, champagne can go bad — but with proper knowledge and storage, you can avoid disappointment and enjoy every pop with confidence. From understanding shelf life to spotting signs of spoilage, you’re now better prepared to protect your bubbles.

And when it’s time to restock, trust Red & White to deliver the best selection, freshness, and quality in every bottle.