Does Prosecco Expire?
Let’s talk about one of my favorite Sunday brunch drinks in the world: Prosecco! If you’re anything like me, you know there’s always a reason to pop a bottle, whether it’s celebrating a glorious Sunday brunch with friends, enjoying a cozy Netflix n Chill night, or saying goodbye to a Monday night, getting ready to load the dice for Tuesday.
Understanding Prosecco’s Shelf Life Prosecco is meant to be enjoyed young and fresh, which is part of what makes it so light and lively. Unlike Champagne, which is fermented in the bottle, Prosecco undergoes its fermentation process in large stainless steel tanks (a method known as the Charmat method). This process preserves its fresh, fruity flavor and means it’s best consumed relatively soon after purchase.
Generally, an unopened bottle of Prosecco is at its peak quality for around 1-2 years from bottling if it is stored at room temperature or in the cellar. If you keep it in your garage, on top of your fridge, or in the sunlight, then you can count on it going bad faster. There are 5 things that will kill a wine fast: Sunlight, vibration, too much heat and too much cold. If it is stored correctly Prosecco can start to lose its bubbles and that signature crispness. This doesn’t mean it becomes undrinkable, but it may taste flat or a little off, which we all want to avoid. If you feel like Prosecco tastes a little tired, then you can always transform it into a mimosa!
How to Tell If Your Prosecco Has Gone Flat If you’re not sure how old that random bottle of Prosecco in the back of your fridge is, there are a few ways to check if it’s still good:
Look for a date: Some bottles of Prosecco have a “best by” or “bottled on” date printed on the label. If it’s been longer than two years, it’s probably time to consider upgrading to a fresher bottle.
Check the bubbles: Prosecco should be fizzy and lively, so if you open a bottle and find it’s flat or the bubbles are faint, that’s a clear sign it’s past its prime.
Give it a sniff and a taste: Fresh Prosecco has a light, fruity aroma with hints of apple, pear, and floral notes. If it smells sour or musty, that’s a red flag. And if the flavor doesn’t pop? Time to let it go.
Does it look discolored? Fresh prosecco doesn't have much of a different hue. When wine goes bad it looks like pee (yup, I'm sorry I used the pee word), or discolored.
Storing Your Prosecco Right
One of the best ways to keep Prosecco at its peak is by storing it properly. A cool, dark place is best—ideally a wine fridge or just a regular spot away from heat and sunlight. Unlike some wines, storing Prosecco upright is actually fine and might help maintain the carbonation a bit longer. And don’t forget, once it’s open, Prosecco really doesn’t last long—maybe 1-3 days in the fridge, max, if you use a stopper.
Bottom Line: Enjoy Your Prosecco Fresh! Prosecco is all about fun, freshness, and living in the moment. So if you find yourself with a few bottles tucked away, don’t wait for a “special” occasion...make one! The perfect time for Prosecco is always now. So grab that glass, gather your friends, and sip it fresh—because life, like Prosecco, is meant to sparkle.
Want to turn a bottle of Prosecco into a timeless masterpiece? Then consider personalizing the wine label or etch your bottle of Prosecco. Even if you never consume it, it will transform into a piece of art that you'll never want to do drink, but no one will shame you if you do.