The Rise of Orange Wine: What You Need to Know

If you’ve been scanning modern wine lists lately, you may have noticed something curious: orange wine. No, it’s not made from oranges, and it’s not just rosé with a tan. Orange wine is one of the oldest winemaking styles in the world, yet it feels brand new thanks to its resurgence in trendy wine bars and adventurous restaurants. Let’s break down what orange wine is, how it’s made, and why it’s capturing so much attention.

What Exactly Is Orange Wine?

Orange wine is a white wine made like a red wine.Normally, white wine is made by pressing grapes and separating the juice from the skins right away. With orange wine, the juice is left in contact with the grape skins for days, weeks, or even months. This process—called skin contact, gives the wine its amber-orange hue, bolder flavours, and sometimes a slightly tannic grip.

Think of it as the missing link between white and red wine.

How Is It Made?

The style dates back thousands of years to the country of Georgia, where wine was traditionally fermented in large clay vessels called qvevri buried underground. Today, winemakers around the world use various methods, but the basic idea is the same:

1. Harvest white grapes (like Pinot Grigio, Ribolla Gialla, or Sauvignon Blanc).

2. Crush them and let the juice ferment with the skins.

3. The longer the contact, the deeper the color and flavor.

The result? A wine with the freshness of a white, the body of a red, and the complexity of something entirely unique.

What Does Orange Wine Taste Like?

Orange wines vary widely, but you can often expect:

• Aromas: dried fruit, citrus peel, honey, nuts, or tea leaves

• Flavors: savory, spicy, sometimes earthy or funky

• Texture: more body than a white, sometimes tannic like a red

They can be a little wild compared to classic white wines, perfect if you love trying something different.

Why Is Orange Wine Trending?

• Natural Wine Movement: Many orange wines are made with minimal intervention, appealing to those seeking authenticity.

• Food Pairing Flexibility: Their bold flavours and texture pair with foods that stump sommeliers...think curries, kimchi, or roasted root vegetables.

• Curiosity Factor: The striking colour and “ancient yet modern” story make orange wine a conversation starter.

Where to Find It

Regions to explore include:

• Friuli, Italy: Home to pioneers like Josko Gravner and Radikon.

• Georgia: The birthplace of skin-contact wine, with a 6,000-year history.

• Slovenia & Croatia: Neighbors producing distinctive, rustic examples.

• California & Oregon: New World winemakers experimenting with skin contact styles.

The Final Sip

Orange wine isn’t just a passing fad, it’s a revival of an ancient winemaking tradition. Whether you fall in love with its bold, funky flavours or simply enjoy the story behind it, orange wine invites us to see wine in a new light (literally).

Next time you see it on a menu, be adventurous, order a glass. You may discover that orange really is the new red (or white).