what the fuck is orange wine?

No seriously, what the fuck is orange wine? 

Contrary to what the name suggests, orange wine is not made with oranges. It's actually a type of white wine made by fermenting the grapes with their skins and seeds, just like red wine. This skin-contact process gives the wine that distinctive orange color—hence the name ORANGE WINE.

Despite its recent surge in popularity (in every natural wine bar on planet earth), the history behind orange wine can be traced back thousands of years, and its birthplace is generally credited to the Caucasus region, particularly in the country of Georgia. 

So why all the buzz about orange wine? 

Well, it's partly because it breaks the mold of what we expect from the traditional “stuffy” wine industry. She is the rebel of the wine list, which appeals to younger consumers. Plus, it is versatile, pairing fabulously with everything from spicy dishes to hearty meats. 

So what does it taste like?

Let’s talk flavor. Orange wines are known for their bold and complex flavor profiles—remember, we are breaking the mold of traditional white wine practices. Instead of bright fresh fruit flavors, orange wines tend to have more mature flavors like dried apricots, nuts, honey, and maybe a little funk. 

Leaving the grape skins on during fermentation gives these wines more tannins, and more structure than your typical crisp white wine.

Are all orange wines natural? 

Sure, orange wine is the ‘it girl’ of the natural wine movement. But you don’t have to be a hardcore natural wine fan to appreciate it. While the majority of orange wines are made with minimal intervention, you can also find versions produced with more traditional winemaking methods.

So there you have it—orange wine in a nutshell. For the adventurous sippers, who don’t always want to stick to the wine status-quo. Stay tuned for more content coming your way, and as always, sip responsibly. Cheers! 🥂🍊