Orange Wine

Orange wine is a unique category that brings ancient winemaking traditions into the modern age. Produced by fermenting white grape varieties with their skins, these wines offer a distinctive amber hue and a complex flavor profile. Explore our curated selection and learn more about what makes orange wine a truly special experience.

The Origins and Traditions of Orange Wine

The history of orange wine spans thousands of years, tracing back to ancient winemaking practices in regions like Georgia, where it is believed to have originated. Traditionally, these wines were made in qvevri, large clay vessels buried underground, allowing the wine to age naturally with minimal intervention. Today, winemakers across the world are reviving these ancient methods, producing wines that are both traditional and modern in character.

About Orange Wine Banner -  Born in Georgia Discover the Unique Characteristics of Orange Wines
About Orange Wine Banner - Comprehensive Information on Orange Wines - Ancient Winemaking Techniques

Ancient Winemaking Techniques for Modern Palates

Orange wine is crafted using methods that differ significantly from those used for typical white wines. The key process involves fermenting white grapes with their skins and seeds, similar to how red wines are made. This extended maceration period results in wines that have a tannic structure and deep, complex flavors. Explore the traditional techniques like the use of qvevri in Georgia, as well as modern adaptations by winemakers around the globe.

Regional Profiles of Orange Wine

Orange wines reflect the unique terroirs and winemaking traditions of their regions. From the clay vessels of Georgia to the rolling vineyards of Italy, each bottle tells a story of the land and the people who craft it. Learn about the distinct characteristics of orange wines from different parts of the world in this section.

Atlantique Vineyards - Vineyards in the Atlantic Coast Wine Region of France png
Atlantique

Atlantique, a French wine region, is recognized for its fresh and fruity white and red wines. The primary grape varieties are Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. Atlantique wines are appreciated for their vibrant flavors and aromatic notes.

Catalunya Vineyards - Expansive Vineyards in the Catalonia Region of Spain png
Catalunya

Catalunya, located in northern Spain, is a diverse wine region producing a variety of wines, including Cava and Priorat. Key grape varieties include Garnacha and Macabeo. Catalan wines are known for their quality and diversity.

Montsant Vineyards - Vineyards in the Montsant Wine Region of Catalonia, Spain png
Montsant

Montsant, a Spanish wine region adjacent to Priorat, is known for its intense and high-acidity wines. The main grape varieties are Garnacha and Cariñena. Montsant wines are noted for their rich flavors and robust structure.

Niederösterreich Vineyards - Expansive Vineyards in the Lower Austria Wine Region png
Niederösterreich

Niederösterreich, or Lower Austria, is a significant Austrian wine region with eight subzones. Known for its fresh and mineral wines, the primary grape varieties are Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.

Bordeaux Vineyards - Iconic Vineyards in the Bordeaux Wine Region of France png
Bordeaux

Bordeaux, one of France's most famous wine regions, produces a wide range of wines, including red, white, and dessert wines. Key grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. Bordeaux wines are celebrated for their complexity and quality.

Manchuela Vineyards - Traditional Vineyards in the Manchuela Wine Region of Spain png
Manchuela

Manchuela, located in Spain, is renowned for its balanced white and red wines. The main grape varieties are Bobal and Albillo. Manchuela's wines are distinguished by their harmonious flavors and floral aromas.

Viile Timisului Vineyards - Scenic Vineyards in the Timis County of Romania png
Viile Timisului

Viile Timisului, a Romanian wine region, is known for its fresh and fruity white wines. The primary grape variety is Fetească Regală. Wines from this region are characterized by their vibrant acidity and aromatic complexity.

Sicily Vineyards - Traditional Vineyards in the Sicilian Wine Region of Italy png
Sicily

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, is a prominent Italian wine region. It produces diverse wines, including Nero d'Avola and Grillo. Sicilian wines are noted for their intense flavors and aromatic profiles.

Alicante Vineyards - Picturesque Vineyards in the Alicante Region of Spain png
Alicante

Alicante, a Spanish wine region, is famous for its rich and aromatic wines. The primary grape varieties are Monastrell and Moscatel. Alicante's wines are known for their robust flavors and excellent aging potential.

Imereti Vineyards - Scenic Vineyards in the Imereti Region of Georgia png
Imereti

Imereti, in western Georgia, is recognized for its hilly terrain and humid subtropical climate. This region produces fresh, aromatic wines with balanced acidity. Key grape varieties include Tsitska, Tsolikouri, and Krakhuna.

Kakheti Vineyards - Renowned Vineyards in the Kakheti Wine Region of Georgia png
Kakheti

Kakheti, located in eastern Georgia, is the country's largest wine-producing region. Known for its traditional Qvevri winemaking method, Kakheti produces robust wines with high acidity. Key grape varieties include Saperavi and Rkatsiteli.

Grape Varieties Behind Orange Wine

The character of orange wine is deeply influenced by the grape varieties used in its production. This section highlights the most common grape varieties used in orange wine, such as Rkatsiteli, Malvasia, and Ribolla Gialla, detailing the flavors and characteristics each brings to the wine.

Feteasca Alba Grapes - Romanian White Grape Variety Known for Floral and Fruity Wines png
Feteasca Alba

This ancient white grape from Romania offers subtle flavors of green apple and citrus with floral notes.

Chardonnay Grapes - Key Variety Used in White Wine Production png
Chardonnay

This versatile white grape produces wines ranging from fruity to oaky, and is commonly used in sparkling wines like Champagne.

Tamioasa-Romaneasca Grapes - Aromatic White Grape Variety Indigenous to Romania - grape png
Tamioasa Romaneasca

This ancient white grape from Romania is highly aromatic, with flavors of wildflowers, linden, acacia, and honey, often producing sweet wines.

Muscat Grapes - Aromatic Grape Variety Used in Sweet and Dry Wines Worldwide png
Muscat

This aromatic grape family is known for sweet flavors and floral aromas, producing wines ranging from dry to dessert styles with notes of peach and orange blossom.

Semillon Grapes - Versatile White Grape Variety Used in Both Dry and Sweet Wines png
Semillon

This white grape variety is known for its lemon, lime, and honey flavors, with a waxy mouthfeel, producing both dry and sweet wines.

Sauvignon Blanc Grapes - Popular White Grape Variety Known for Crisp and Aromatic Wines png
Sauvignon Blanc

This white grape variety is known for its crisp, aromatic wines with citrus, green fruit, and herbaceous flavors, often made in a fresh, unoaked style.

Grüner Veltliner Grapes - Austrian White Grape Variety Known for Crisp and Peppery Wines png
Gruner Veltliner

This Austrian white grape is known for its refreshing citrus and stone fruit flavors with a hint of white pepper, producing full-bodied, zesty wines.

Catarratto Grapes - Sicilian White Grape Variety Known for High-Acidity Wines png
Catarratto

This Sicilian white grape produces full-bodied wines with flavors of lemon, green apple, and honey, often used in dry wines and sweet Marsala.

Garnacha Blanca Grapes - Spanish White Grape Variety Known for Rich, Full-Bodied Wines png
Garnacha Blanca

This versatile white grape from Spain produces full-bodied wines with flavors of white fruits, citrus, and Mediterranean herbs, known for their rich, oily texture.

Kisi Grapes - Ancient Georgian White Grape Variety Known for Orange Wines png
Kisi

This rare Georgian white grape offers aromatic flavors of flowers, dried pears, and apples, producing both light straw-colored and amber wines.

Krahuna Grapes - Georgian White Grape Variety Used in Rich and Complex Wines png
Krakhuna

This traditional Georgian white grape produces full-bodied wines with aromas of ripe banana, apricot, and honey, offering both crisp and complex styles.

Tsolikauri Grapes - Indigenous Georgian White Grape Variety Used in Dry and Semi-Sweet Wines png
Tsolikauri

This traditional Georgian white grape offers bright acidity and subtle flavors of yellow fruits and melon, producing medium- to full-bodied wines.

Tsitska Grapes - Georgian White Grape Variety Used in Sparkling and Still Wines png
Tsitska

This traditional Georgian white grape is known for its bright acidity and subtle flavors of green apple, pear, and citrus, often used in light-bodied, refreshing wines.

Khikhvi Grapes - Rare Georgian White Grape Variety Used in Both Dry and Sweet Wines png
Khikhvi

This rare Georgian white grape offers a rich texture with floral and fruity notes, featuring flavors of apricot, honey, and almond.

Mtsvane Grapes - Ancient Georgian White Grape Variety Known for Fresh and Fruity Wines png
Mtsvane

This highly aromatic Georgian white grape offers vibrant acidity with lush floral aromas and flavors of ripe peach and apricot.

Rkatsiteli Grapes - Traditional Georgian White Grape Variety Known for High Acidity Wines png
Rkatsiteli

This ancient Georgian white grape is known for its high acidity and flavors of green apple, quince, and citrus, often with floral and herbal notes.

Meet the Wineries Behind Our Selection

Our selection of orange wines comes from a carefully curated group of wineries known for their dedication to quality and tradition. Learn about the winemakers, their philosophies, and the unique environments where these wines are crafted, from the hills of Tuscany to the valleys of Georgia.

Shumi Winery Logo - Renowned Georgian Winery Known for Orange and Red Wines
Shumi Winery

Shumi Winery - Georgian winery producing elegant and aromatic wines from local grape varieties. Preserving traditions.

Giuaani Winery Logo - Historic Georgian Winery Established in 1894
Giuaani Winery

Giuaani Winery - Georgian winery producing high-quality wines from Manavi grapes since 1894. Traditional and modern methods.

Dugladze Winery Logo - Georgian Winery Known for a Range of Traditional Wines
Dugladze Winery

Dugladze Winery - Georgian winery producing diverse wines, including Qvevri wines.

Marani Logo - Leading Georgian Winery Specializing in Qvevri and Traditional Wines
Marani Winery

Marani Winery - Georgian winery in Kakheti producing high-quality wines using traditional and modern methods.

Shilda Winery Logo - Georgian Winery Specializing in Traditional and Orange Wines
Shilda Winery

Shilda Winery - Georgian winery in Kakheti producing high-quality wines from local grape varieties. Traditional methods.

Baia's Wine Logo - Boutique Georgian Winery Specializing in Organic and Orange Wines
Baia's Wines

Baia's Wines - Georgian winery using Cardano blockchain for wine authentication. Natural wines from own vineyards, preserving traditions and embracing innovation.

Pepe Mendoza Logo - Spanish Winery Specializing in Mediterranean Wines
Pepe Mendoza

Pepe Mendoza - Alicante winery producing organic and artisanal wines with respect for the environment and traditions.

Château Olivier Logo - Bordeaux Grand Cru Classé Winery with Historic Chateau
Olivier Cazenave et Château

Olivier Cazenave et Château - Bordeaux winery producing original and affordable wines using biodynamic methods.

Celler de Capçanes Logo - Catalan Winery Known for Kosher and Organic Wines
Celler de Capçanes

Celler de Capçanes - Catalan winery producing complex and deep wines since 1933. Diverse soil types.

Rallo Azienda Agricola Logo - Historic Sicilian Winery Specializing in Organic Wines
Rallo Azienda Agricola

Rallo Azienda Agricola - Sicilian winery producing organic wines from local grape varieties. Aromatic and fresh wines.

Bodegas Altolandon Logo - Spanish Winery Known for Natural and Organic Wines
Bodegas Altolandon

Bodegas Altolandon - Spanish winery in Manchuela producing unique wines from high-altitude vineyards. Traditional and modern methods.

Funkstille Winery Logo - Austrian Winery Specializing in Natural and Orange Wines
Funkstille

Funkstille - Austrian winery producing modern and creative wines with vibrant aromas and freshness. Ideal for contemporary wine lovers.

Fabrizio Vella Logo - Italian Organic Winery Known for Natural Wines
Fabrizio Vella

Fabrizio Vella - natural wines from Sicily, produced using biodynamic methods and natural yeasts. Organic and additive-free.

Cramele Recaș Logo - Romanian Winery Known for a Diverse Selection of Quality Wines
Cramele Recas

Cramele Recaș - Romanian winery producing high-quality wines using traditional and modern methods. Wide range of wines.

Cultural Heritage of Orange Wine

Orange wine is more than just a beverage; it is a symbol of ancient traditions and cultural heritage that spans across various regions, from Georgia to Italy. In many cultures, orange wine plays a central role in rituals, celebrations, and communal gatherings, where its unique flavors and deep amber hue are appreciated as much as the craftsmanship behind it. Whether it's the traditional Georgian "supra" feast or the Italian harvest festival, orange wine connects people to their roots and to each other. Discover the rich legacy and passion behind orange winemaking. Whether you're an experienced wine connoisseur or a curious beginner, we invite you to explore the unique world of orange wines and savor their unparalleled flavors.