how long can you keep an average bottle of red wine?

I can't keep one for more than 30 minutes or so.

A $10-$20 bottle is considered a "lesser" wine and probably would not keep as long as a more expensive bottle.

However, modern bottling techniques understand the importance of keeping the air out of the bottle via proper corking and sealing.

Air is what causes red wine to turn to vinegar.

So 'd say your bottle in 4-5 years would be fine, given it's kept in a cool, dark place (basements especially) and turned every so often.

And a pre-congratulations to you for whatever your celebrating :)

If it is corked and stored properly, it will outlive you. Many wines don't actually reach their peak flavor until 20 years or so, it is only because of our own inpatients and expense that we drink them younger.

When you look at purchasing wines, you may see the same kind of wine from the same vineyard at different prices based on how old it is. You might see a 2 year old for $10, a 5 year old for $20, a 10 year old for $40, etc. The wines subtly change flavor over time and become more desirable. Just buy one of the younger ones and store it in a cool, dry place and you should have a very good wine in a few years.

Reds can be stored for a long time if you rest the bottle on its side and in a cool, dark place.

There are reds that are incredible vintages and are well over a hundred years old.

you could probably keep it for 7-8 years