You’ve seen it. That warm, amber-hued glass sitting between the reds and whites makes you pause and wonder, what is orange wine? It’s not citrus-based, it’s not sweet, and it’s definitely not new. But somehow, this ancient sip has become the new cool. The orange wine trend is taking over wine lists, Instagram stories, and casual dinner parties alike.
So what’s behind this golden glow of interest? From how it’s made to why it’s suddenly everywhere, we’re uncorking the story of orange wine and why it might be the most exciting thing to hit your glass this year.
1) What Is Orange Wine and How It’s Actually Made
Okay, so let’s get one thing out of the way. Orange wine has absolutely nothing to do with oranges. No citrus. No fruit punch vibes. Just grapes, the white ones, to be exact, with a little extra time on their hands.
Unlike your typical white wine (where the grape skins are separated right after pressing), orange wine is made by letting the skins hang out in the juice for days… or even months. It’s like giving white wine a slow infusion of texture, color, and character. What's the outcome? A bold, amber-colored sip that’s got more grip and personality than your average Chardonnay.
This process, called skin contact, is actually one of the oldest ways of making wine. So if you’re holding a glass of orange wine and wondering, why does this feel so different? You’re not alone. That depth you taste? It’s time, history, and craft, all swirling together.
2) How Orange Wine Connects You to Ancient Winemaking
This may surprise you. Orange wine isn't a new hipster invention. Nope, it’s actually a taste of history, going back over 8,000 years. Way back in Georgia (the country, not the state), winemakers were fermenting white grapes with their skins in giant clay pots called qvevri, buried right in the ground.
This method isn’t just old school; it’s ancient school. So ancient, in fact, that UNESCO has officially recognized qvevri winemaking as a priceless part of our cultural heritage.
“Qvevri wine-making in Georgia dates back over 8,000 years and is protected by UNESCO as a cultural heritage.”
Source: UNESCO Cultural Heritage Register
So every sip of orange wine is like a little time machine, connecting you to thousands of years of tradition, craftsmanship, and a very special way of making wine that has stood the test of time.
And that’s part of what makes the orange wine trend feel so rich. Because you’re not just drinking something new, you’re tasting a story that’s been centuries in the making.
3) What Orange Wine Tastes Like and Why It Feels So Different
That first taste of orange wine can catch you off guard, in the best way. Wondering what it’s all about? It’s a bit of a puzzle at first because it’s not quite like the whites or selection of reds you’re used to.
Thanks to that extended skin contact we talked about, orange wine comes with a little extra something. It’s like white wine getting a bit of a bold makeover. You’ll notice a bit more texture, a touch more tannin (that dry, slightly grippy feeling you usually find in reds).
Like a chilled red, orange wine brings both structure and freshness. You’ll get the flavors like dried apricots, warm spices, maybe even a hint of honey or black tea, sometimes with a little bit of nuttiness, too. It’s that mix of brightness and depth that makes orange wine feel so unique.
Now, don’t worry if it feels different or even a little challenging the first time you sip it; that’s totally normal. Like any new flavor, it takes a moment to get used to. But, once you do, orange wine can quickly become a favorite twist on your usual pour.
4) Why the Orange Wine Trend Is Just Getting Started
The lovely thing about orange wine is it isn’t just a trend you’ll sip once and forget. This golden-hued beauty is making itself at home in glasses everywhere, and honestly, it feels like it’s here to stay.
More than half of today’s wine drinkers, especially Millennials, are all about the story behind their sip. Generation Z and Millennials have a new drink to shout about on social media, and that’s orange wine. It’s dripping in history, culture, and craft.
Plus, it fits perfectly with the modern lifestyle. People want something authentic, adventurous, and a little bit different. Whether you’re a wine newbie or a longtime enthusiast, orange wine invites you to slow down and savor something unique.
So yeah, this isn’t just another wine trend. It’s a trend with roots and plenty of heart behind it. And if you don’t like bland pours or want some flavorful adventure on every sip, explore our Wine and Cheese Pairing Guide for Beginners.
5) What Makes Orange Wine a Natural and Cleaner Choice
If you’re someone who cares about what’s really in your glass, orange wine might feel like a breath of fresh air. This isn’t about health claims or miracle benefits. Orange wine ferments with grape skins and typically contains far fewer sulfites than other commercially produced wines. To put it in perspective,
“Natural wines, including many orange wines, typically clock in under 50 ppm of total sulfites, with many staying around 10–50 ppm.”
Source: Serious Eats
That lower sulfite level means less chance of those pesky headaches or sensitivities some people get. And while orange wine isn’t a health tonic (it’s still wine, after all), it’s a cleaner pour that lets the grape do most of the talking.
If you want a wine that’s both flavorful and a bit kinder to your system, orange wine might just be your new favorite. Treat yourself or gift a loved one. Wine gift baskets are a thoughtful way to share the orange wine trend and other favorites
6) How to Pick and Pair Orange Wine Without Overthinking It
Wine pairing can sound intimidating. Fancy terms, flavor wheels, and that one friend who swirls and sniffs like they’re solving a mystery. But orange wine? It's surprisingly chill for something so complex.
Start simple. If you’re just picking a bottle, look for words like “skin-contact,” “amber wine,” or “natural fermentation.” These are good hints you’re in orange territory. Don’t stress about vintage or vineyard, at least not right away.
Now for pairing. Orange wine is a flavor chameleon. Its grip and depth make it a perfect match for foods that usually stump white wines; think spice, tang, or earthiness. Try it with:
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Roasted veggies or mushrooms
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Spicy Asian or Middle Eastern dishes
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Aged cheese and charcuterie
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Grilled fish or smoky meats
So don’t overthink it. Pop the cork, serve it slightly chilled (just like a light red), and pair it with whatever makes you happy.
7) Find Your Flavor, Find Your Time for Wine
Orange wine is more like a conversation between the past and the present, poured gently into your glass. It doesn’t rush you. It invites you to pause, to taste slowly, to feel connected to history, and maybe even to yourself. Whether you’re just getting to know it or already in love with its textured depth, orange wine reminds us that flavor doesn’t have to be familiar to be beautiful. You just need a moment, a glass, and the willingness to taste something honest.
So let curiosity lead. When you’re ready to explore, Time for Wine’s curated collections are here. We’re here to help you find the one that fits your glass and your moment. Because sometimes, the best pour is the one that surprises you.