Ways to Use Leftover Wine in Your Next Recipes

We've all been there. You open a bottle of wine for a special dinner, only to have a glass or two, and now you're left with the rest of the bottle sitting on the counter. Sure, you could put a cork in it and enjoy it later, but sometimes life gets in the way, and you forget all about it. The good news? Leftover wine doesn’t have to go to waste! Here are some creative and delicious ways to use that leftover wine in your recipes.

1. Make a Rich Wine Reduction Sauce

One of the most popular ways to use up leftover wine is to create a reduction sauce. Whether you have red or white wine, both can be used to make a decadent sauce that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes.

For red wine reduction: Sauté some minced garlic and shallots in olive oil until soft. Pour in your leftover red wine, and let it simmer until it's reduced by half. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar, a spoonful of honey, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. This rich sauce is perfect for drizzling over steak, pork chops, or even roasted vegetables.

For white wine reduction: Start by melting butter in a pan and adding minced garlic and onions. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until reduced by half. Add a splash of cream and lemon juice, and let it thicken slightly. This delicate sauce is excellent over seafood, chicken, or even a simple pasta dish.

2. Infuse Your Soups and Stews

Wine can add depth and complexity to soups and stews, making them even more comforting and flavorful. The next time you’re making a hearty beef stew, don’t hesitate to pour in some leftover red wine. It will enhance the savory notes of the beef and make the stew taste like it’s been simmering for hours.

White wine, on the other hand, is perfect for lightening up creamy soups like potato leek or clam chowder. It adds a subtle acidity that balances the richness of the cream, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

3. Poach Fruit for an Elegant Dessert

Leftover wine is fantastic for poaching fruit, turning simple ingredients into a sophisticated dessert. Poaching pears in red wine is a classic, but you can also experiment with other fruits like peaches, plums, or even apples.

To poach fruit in wine, combine the wine with sugar, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla in a pot. Bring it to a simmer, then add your fruit. Let the fruit cook until it’s tender, and the wine has reduced to a syrupy consistency. Serve the poached fruit with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a dessert that’s both easy and impressive.

4. Craft a Delicious Wine Jelly

If you enjoy making homemade preserves, wine jelly is a must-try. This sweet and slightly tangy spread is perfect for pairing with cheeses, spreading on toast, or using as a glaze for meats.

To make wine jelly, you'll need wine, sugar, pectin, and a bit of lemon juice. Combine the ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Once the mixture reaches the desired consistency, pour it into sterilized jars and let it set. You can get creative with flavor combinations by adding herbs or spices, like rosemary with red wine or ginger with white wine.

5. Enhance Your Marinades

Wine is a fantastic base for marinades, as its acidity helps to tenderize meat while infusing it with flavor. You can use both red and white wine in marinades, depending on the type of meat and the flavor profile you’re aiming for.

For red meat, like steak or lamb, a red wine marinade with garlic, olive oil, and herbs like rosemary or thyme works wonderfully. For poultry or seafood, a white wine marinade with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley or dill is ideal.

Simply combine your ingredients, submerge the meat in the marinade, and let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. The result will be tender, flavorful meat that’s sure to impress.

6. Bake Wine into Your Favorite Desserts

Wine isn’t just for savory dishes; it can also be a key ingredient in baking. From wine-infused cakes to cookies, the possibilities are endless.

One popular dessert is red wine chocolate cake. The wine enhances the flavor of the chocolate and gives the cake a moist, tender crumb. You can also try adding white wine to your next batch of lemon bars or pound cake for a subtle, fruity twist.

7. Create a Flavorful Wine Butter

Wine butter is a simple yet luxurious condiment that you can easily make at home. It’s perfect for spreading on bread, topping grilled meats, or adding to your favorite pasta dishes.

To make wine butter, start by reducing your leftover wine in a saucepan until it's thick and syrupy. Let it cool, then mix it into softened butter along with a pinch of salt and any herbs or spices you like. Once combined, roll the butter into a log using parchment paper and refrigerate until firm.

8. Boost Your Risotto

Wine and risotto are a match made in heaven. The next time you’re making a creamy risotto, replace some of the broth with your leftover wine.

Red wine adds a rich, earthy flavor to mushroom or beef risotto, while white wine pairs beautifully with seafood or vegetable risotto. The wine not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful color to the dish.

9. Use Wine in Salad Dressings

Leftover wine can be used to make a delicious vinaigrette for your salads. Combine wine with olive oil, mustard, honey, and your favorite herbs for a tangy dressing that’s perfect for green salads, roasted vegetables, or even grain bowls.

White wine vinaigrette is light and zesty, making it ideal for summer salads, while red wine vinaigrette has a deeper, more robust flavor that pairs well with heartier greens like kale or arugula.

10. Make Your Own Mulled Wine

If you have leftover red wine, especially during the colder months, consider making mulled wine. This warm, spiced drink is perfect for chilly evenings and holiday gatherings.

To make mulled wine, pour your leftover red wine into a pot and add spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and a bit of orange peel. You can sweeten it with honey or sugar, and for an extra kick, add a splash of brandy or rum. Let the mixture simmer gently (don’t let it boil) for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve it warm, and enjoy the comforting aroma and taste of spiced wine.

11. Make Your Own Sangria

Finally, if you have a decent amount of leftover wine, why not make a batch of sangria? Sangria is a festive and refreshing way to use up wine, and you can get creative with the fruit and flavors you add.

For a classic red sangria, combine red wine with orange slices, berries, and a splash of brandy or orange liqueur. White sangria can be made with white wine, peaches, apples, and a touch of sparkling water. Let the sangria sit in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together, then serve over ice.

So the next time you find yourself with leftover wine, don’t pour it down the drain. Give one of these ideas a try instead. 

Contributed by Ray Ibanez, E-Commerce Manager for Plume Ridge Bottle Shop.