National Red Wine Day
Rich, velvety flavor and bold notes — this drink is the perfect complement to any occasion, from an elegant dinner to a cozy night in.
Pour a lovely glass of Bordeaux, take a sip of a Cabernet Sauvignon or open a bottle of Shiraz because it’s time for National Red Wine Day!
History of National Red Wine Day
National Red Wine Day is an ideal time to take a look at the past of the red wine industry and see how it developed into modern times.
Wine’s history goes back several thousand years. It is estimated that Chinese people in the Henana province may have been the first ones to create something like red wine, perhaps around 7000 BC. This would have been a drink that was made of wild grapes as well as honey and rice as well as hawthorn fruit. The concoction was stored in clay jars with yeast on the skins causing it to be fermented.
The history of wine continues through the centuries. A recent discovery in 2007 in Armenia dates the first winery in the world at around 6100 BC. This earliest, prehistoric form of wine production took place in a cave was discovered by archaeologists from Armenia as well as Ireland.
Since ancient times, red wine has been part of many cultures throughout the world. As civilization has developed, so has the technology for growing the right grapes and turning it into this delicious beverage. Through the old world and the new world, red wine has come to be more than simply a drink, but it also symbolizes transformation, happiness and friendship, as well as sustenance and life.
National Red Wine Day symbolizes all of these and more. It was founded in 2014 by Jace Shoemaker-Galloway with the idea of celebrating the beauty of magnificence that is red wine. As the grapes begin to ripen and autumn begins to loom large, National Red Wine Day offers a time to enjoy and celebrate.
National Red Wine Day Timeline
6000 BC
Red Wine is made in South Caucasus
People in Georgia discover that red wine can be made by burying grape juice underground during the winter.[1]
3100
Ancient Egyptians make wine
Early versions of red wine are made from red grapes in ancient Egypt, coming along with superstitions about red wine as it resembles blood.[2]
71 AD
Bordeaux Wines are first recorded
Pliny the Elder makes the first written recorded evidence of vineyards in Bordeaux, which is in modern-day France.[3]
1619
French grape cultivation begins in Virginia
Bringing their grapevines from France, the French cultivate their grapes in Virginia.[4]
2014
National Red Wine Day begins
Founded by Jace Shoemaker-Galloway, the first Red Wine Day is celebrated on August 28 of this year.
How to Celebrate National Red Wine Day
Enjoying and celebrating National Red Wine Day is really no trouble at all! Don’t forget to share the experience with family and friends. Try out some of these ideas to make the most of National Red Wine Day:
Drink a Glass of Red Wine
If this isn’t the perfect day to enjoy a glass of red wine, then what is?! Whether opening up a bottle of Merlot to enjoy at home with dinner, or going out to order a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, National Red Wine Day offers a special opportunity to pay honor to this alcoholic beverage that is both ancient and modern.
Head Out to a Wine Tasting or Vineyard (or Both!)
National Red Wine Day is the ideal time to schedule a trip to wine country to enjoy a tour or a wine tasting. A visit to a vineyard would be amazing, whether it is Texas Hill Country, Arizona’s Valle Verde or Northern & Central Virginia where grapes for America’s first red wines were originally grown. Of course, California produces about 80% of the wine in the United States, so Sonoma County, Napa Valley, Santa Barbara County and Edna Valley might make the visit to a vineyard even more accessible.
Learn More About Red Wine
Use National Red Wine Day to celebrate and take advantage of opportunities to learn more about this unique beverage. A nice way to start might be to learn a bit about the different kinds of red wine. Take a look at these varieties and try one out in honor of the day:
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Merlot
The second most planted grape in the world, Merlot is an easy wine to drink. It’s rather fruity and has a wide range of flavors, from black berries and black cherries to plums and cocoa, from herbs and graphite to vanilla and cedar. It’s a versatile wine that is great for beginners to enjoy and experience. Merlot is a red wine that is lovely to drink while eating poultry such as chicken or duck.
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Cabernet Sauvignon
This is the most planted grape on the planet and it is easy to see why it is so beloved. Cabernet is a fairly safe wine that is easy to share at a table because almost everyone will enjoy it. It might have a fruity taste, with French versions showing as a bit more herby. Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine that is great when paired with meats.
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Malbec
While the grapes for Malbec wine were originally grown in France, most of this variety that is produced today comes from Argentina. With its deep purple color and fruity flavors of plum and cherry, many people enjoy the ending flavors that offer a hint of smoke. Malbec is a red wine that goes well when paired with lean meats as well as with spicy foods like Indian or Mexican.
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Pinot Noir
This delicate red wine offers a lighter body that is less shocking and pushy. It has a silky feel in the mouth and often has a bright berry taste, similar to raspberries or cranberries. Pinot Noir is a red wine that, surprisingly, is delicious when paired with fish, like salmon dishes or sushi.
Make a Playlist of “Red Wine” Songs
Try out some of these red wine themed songs to create a playlist in honor of National Red Wine Day:
- Red, Red Wine by UB40 (1983). This classic eighties classic song is typically remembered for its funky sound, but it’s actually a cover from a Neil Diamond Song from 1967.
- Melva’s Wine by Johnny Cash (1972) A country music song by musical legend Johnny Cash, Melva’s Wine is a song remembering the batch of wine made by a woman from the singer’s past.
- Old Red Wine by The Who (2004). Written by Pete Townsend in memory of John Entwistle who had been a bass player for the band. Entwistle, who died in 2002 just before this song was written, was a lover of red wine.
- Cherry Red Wine by Luther Allison (1995). A blues bass guitarist, Luther Allison plays and sing this song that is mostly a blend of his super fantastic guitar riffs and some minimal lyrics.
National Red Wine Day FAQs
Is red wine good for you?
Drinking an occasional glass of red wine might be healthy, with antioxidants that protect against heart disease and inflammation.[1]
How many calories in a glass of red wine?
A 100 gram glass of red wine contains approximately 85 grams.
Can red wine go bad?
An unopened bottle of red wine can last 2-3 years past the expiration date printed on the bottle.[2]
Does red wine need to be refrigerated after opening?
Yes! Refrigerating red wine slows down the chemical processes that make wine spoil.[3]
Is red wine keto?
People on a keto diet can drink a very dry red wine in moderation on their keto diet.[4]
