Clever ways to use up old bottles of wine

We’ve all done it. You uncork a bottle of wine, drink a glass or two and then completely forget about it for the rest of the week. And before you know it, that pricey bottle of Pinot Noir has turned into glorified vinegar. No two ways about it, pouring wine down the sink has got to be one of the most heartbreaking kitchen faux pas in the book.

The good news is, with a little creativity you don’t have to get rid of your vino in such a hurry. Instead, why not stockpile some of these clever ideas that breathe new life into old bottles of wine?

Shake up a wine vinaigrette

Jazz up your salads with a splash of homemade wine vinaigrette. This one is fantastic as it works with both red and white wine. Just add freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive, oil, salt, pepper and a drizzle of honey. It’ll keep for up to a week in the fridge and is also divine served with pan-fried fish.

Poached pears

Elegant and delicious, poached pears are the perfect way to end a dinner party. Or simply bring a touch of class to a weeknight meal. We love this simply recipe from Taste, which calls for a handful of wintery spices.

Add richness to sauces

From tomato-based pastas to meaty gravies, red wine will bring an extra element of depth and richness to your everyday sauces. Add early to cook out the distinctive “winey” flavour or stir in at the last minute for aromatic top notes.

Throw it in the freezer

While you won’t be able to revive your wine for drinking purposes, a few ice cube trays of wine will make it easy to enhance your meals at the last minute. Don’t bother defrosting, simply add to the pan or put for instant culinary flair.

Luxuriant recipes

There’s just something oh so luxurious about the combination of white wine and cream. We love this recipe from the lovely Chelsea Winter, which calls for lashings of white wine and a healthy dollop of cream.

Indulge your sweet tooth

Forget cheese. With so many ravishing ways to transform wine into something sweet, why not make your next dessert a boozy affair? We’re head over heels for the rosé cupcakes recipe which would be perfect for bachelorette parties and baby showers.

A fruity twist

Wondering what to do with a leftover bottle of Moscato? Blitz up a boozy mango smoothie, of course. Or, why not use a splash of Malbec to liven up a frozen watermelon granita? Both are fantastic ways to elevate your Saturday morning brunch or Sunday afternoon BBQ to the next level.

DIY cleaning products

While wine can usually cause headaches when it comes to housework (stubborn stains we’re looking at you) it can also be a powerful cleaning tool. Simply mix white wine with a dusting of baking soda for a hardworking grease and oil removing concoction that works wonders in sheds and garages.

Disinfect produce

According to some red wine enthusiasts, rinsing off fruit and veg with a splash of vino can help to wash away any unwanted bacteria or pesticides. The acids play an important role in this process which means the older the wine, the better.

Boost your compost

Eco-warriors maintain that a splash of wine in your compost bin will help to activate bacteria and boost nutrient levels. So, as well as using up old wine you could also work your way towards happier plants.

Do you have any clever ways to use up old wine?