Wine grapes have been cultivated for over 2000 years… that’s a long time! This tradition, deeply rooted in history, has found a vibrant new life in the digital age. In the last decade, the celebration of wine has entered the dynamic world of social media, flourishing with hashtags and online festivities. In fact, every month has at least one “wine day,” each offering a toast to the rich diversity of this beloved beverage.
“I only drink wine on the days that end with a ‘y’.”
No one knows how all these official wine days started, and no one seems to really care. It’s as though you can almost make up any old wine holiday nowadays—international, national, or whatever you like. Don’t like Zinfandel? No problem, because Tempranillo Day is less than a week after. A fan of Moscato? There’s an official day to celebrate it. From the obscure to the historical and everything in between, we’ve put together a calendar of the most celebrated national and international wine days (and a few others) to note. If you don’t see a day you think should be recognized, why not start your own?
This versatile grape has many fans around the world, so whether you like it savory or fruit-forward, you’ll want to enjoy a glass or two to celebrate. #SyrahDay
Grab a glass and pour yourself something delicious to join fellow wine lovers across the globe as they pay homage to the fine art of drinking wine. #DrinkWineDay
While it might make more sense for this holiday to take place in January or February, mulled wine is nevertheless a tasty way to warm up from that winter chill. See a recipe for spiced mulled wine here! #MulledWineDay
Don’t be fooled into thinking Riesling is just another sweet wine; this incredible grape makes wines of many styles and some of the most age-worthy bottlings in the world. #RieslingDay
Also known as World Malbec Day, this day celebrates the French red wine grape that thrives in Argentina. On April 17, 1853, the president of Argentina began an initiative to transform the wine industry there. Hence, Malbec Day was started to commemorate that push. #WorldMalbecDay
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Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine grape that is planted in many different places around the world, but it grows especially well in New Zealand. Early May is harvest time in New Zealand and is a fitting time to celebrate Sauvignon Blanc Day, which takes place on the first Friday in May each year. #SauvBlancDay
With more people than you would imagine drinking this light-bodied sweet wine, it’s a good thing there’s a day for Moscato fans to celebrate, too. #WorldMoscatoDay
Whether you like your Chardonnay extra oaky and buttery or crisp and clean, you’ll want to note that Chardonnay Day is designated the Thursday before Memorial Day in the U.S. #Chardday
A day to commemorate the wines of California making their world debut in France is a big deal. We say drink a great California Chardonnay or Cabernet to celebrate, which are the wines that beat out their French counterparts in this infamous competition nearly 50 years ago.
May is a busy month for wine lovers, but if you’re only going to celebrate one national wine holiday this month, don’t miss this one. #NationalWineDay
Rosé Day is interesting because no one can agree on exactly which day it should be, but most celebrate it on the second Saturday of June each year. We think a summer holiday to recognize the pink stuff only makes sense, as there’s nothing better than a chilled glass of Rosé on a hot day! #NationalRoseDay
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Chenin Blanc is a white wine grape from the Loire Valley of France. With naturally high acid and the ability to adapt to different styles and sweetness, it tends to be a favorite among serious wine enthusiasts looking for versatility. #DrinkCheninDay
This wine from Italy is really quite delicious. It can be either sweet, dry, or off-dry and it is always effervescent or slightly sparkling. Lambrusco fans have campaigned for it to have its own day worldwide, so if you haven’t already, try it—it is a refreshing option on a warm summer day and pairs well with many foods. #WorldLambruscoDay
Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine made from the Glera grape. This spumante bubbly is characteristically pretty affordable with a subtle hint of sweetness. #ProseccoDay
Pinot Noir Day is always at the end of August. Kicking off Pinot Noir’s celebratory day is the International Pinot Noir Celebration, which takes place at the end of July in McMinnville, Oregon. It is said to be the best wine event of its kind anywhere, so proclaimed by the author of The World Atlas of Wine, Jancis Robinson, but even if you can’t make it, be sure to pop the cork on a favorite bottling. #PinotNoirDay
Cabernet Day is the Thursday before Labor Day in the U.S., a preemptive start to what we would normally consider red wine season: fall and winter. #CabernetDay
Established by The Grenache Association to celebrate this diverse grape, it’s a great day to enjoy a bottle of a Grenache or Grenache blend. After all, Grenache is one of the most widely planted red wine grape varieties in the world. #InternationalGrenacheDay
Tempranillo Day is another one of the few holidays that has a real honest beginning and was created by a wine association; not made up by some social media or marketing wizard. #TempranilloDay
National Zinfandel Day takes place on the third Wednesday of each November. This wine pairs great with holiday meals, so be sure to stock up on a few Zinfandels to enjoy long after this particular day has passed. #NationalZinfandelDay
Champagne Day has been appropriately designated December 31st, however, the first day of the year could get off to a better start with a little bubbly, too, don’t you think? #ChampagneDay
Regardless if you are a die-hard wine holiday follower or keep it more light-hearted, you really don’t need a day to drink wine, do you? Perhaps the best way to celebrate these international and national wine days is to simply support your local producers, wine shops, and wine bars throughout the year, and if you can, visit a local winery or vineyard. Cheers!
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