Orange Wine Season Is Here: A Beginner’s Guide to This Funky Favorite

It’s that time of year again—the sun’s out, the layers come off, and your wine glass should be anything but basic. Enter orange wine, the unexpected showstopper of the warm-weather wine scene. It's not citrusy, it's not a spritzer, and it's definitely not what your aunt pours at Thanksgiving. But it is buzzy, bold, and totally worth your attention.

Welcome to orange wine season—where ancient techniques meet Instagram-worthy pours and funky flavors rule the glass.

Wait, What Is Orange Wine?

First things first: orange wine is not made from oranges. (We know, it threw us too.) It’s actually white wine made like a red. The secret? Leaving the grape skins and seeds in contact with the juice during fermentation—a process called “skin-contact,” which gives the wine that rich amber hue and a structure that’s more edgy than elegant.

Think of it as the rebel cousin in the wine family—raw, unfiltered, and always the most interesting one at the party.

The vibe: a little wild, a little earthy, with notes of dried apricot, spice, tea, and even a savory edge. It’s not shy, and that’s the point.

Why It’s Blowing Up Right Now

Orange wine isn't new—it's ancient, actually, with roots going back thousands of years to Georgia (the country, not the state), where winemakers fermented grapes in giant clay vessels called qvevri. But it’s having a very modern moment.

It checks all the boxes today’s drinkers crave:

• Natural winemaking? Yep.

• Bold flavors? Definitely.

• Instagrammable color? You know it.

In a wine world that’s become increasingly polished and predictable, orange wine brings the funk, the texture, and the story. It’s the drink of choice for people who want to sip something real—and maybe just a little bit rebellious.

New to Orange Wine? Start Here.

Orange wine can be an acquired taste—but also a total game-changer once you find your groove. Here's how to ease into the trend:

• Start light. Try a bottle from Italy’s Friuli region or Slovenia for a more approachable intro. They tend to be less intense and more floral.

• Serve it cool—but not too cold. Slightly warmer than your fridge’s standard white wine temp helps the flavors pop.

• Pair boldly. Its tannins and complexity make orange wine perfect with dishes like roasted chicken, kimchi, grilled veggies, or creamy cheeses.

A Wine with a POV

Let’s be honest: orange wine isn’t for everyone—and that’s what makes it special. It doesn’t aim to please. It’s a conversation starter, a palate challenger, and a reflection of winemaking with soul.

So the next time you're browsing the wine shelf or sipping on a rooftop, skip the predictable rosé and reach for something with character. Because this summer, the coolest thing in your glass might just be orange.