Orange Wine’s Global Comeback
Published on May 05, 2025 in A-Wines news
Once a niche curiosity, it’s now at the forefront of modern wine lists and connoisseurs’ conversations. But what is orange wine, really? Why is it trending? And which bottles should you try first? Let’s dive into this age-old yet refreshingly new wine style — and introduce two standout California-made orange wines we proudly distribute.
What Is Orange Wine?
Despite the name, orange wine isn’t made from oranges. It’s actually a white wine made like a red. Traditionally, white wines are pressed and fermented without the skins. Orange wines, however, are crafted by fermenting white grapes with their skins and sometimes stems, just like red wines.
This skin contact — which can last anywhere from a few days to several months — gives the wine its distinct amber or orange hue, along with tannic structure, enhanced texture, and a complex array of aromas: dried fruits, citrus peel, tea leaves, herbs, nuts, and spice.
Where does it come from?
Orange wine is not a new invention. In fact, its roots trace back thousands of years to Georgia, where winemakers still ferment white grapes in clay vessels called qvevris. Today, winemakers across the globe — from Slovenia to Italy to California — are reviving and reinterpreting this ancient method.
In California, a growing number of winemakers are embracing skin-contact whites as a way to experiment with terroir expression, natural winemaking, and new flavor dimensions.
Two Californian Orange Wines You Need to Try
We’ve handpicked two incredible orange wines from California producers who are pushing boundaries and crafting wines full of character and charm.
Food and Wine pairing: How to Make It Shine?
Thanks to their structure, aromatics, and versatility, orange wines pair beautifully with a wide range of foods — especially those that challenge conventional wine pairings.
- Spice-friendly: The tannins and bold flavors can handle heat. Great with Indian, Thai, and Moroccan dishes.
- Umami-rich: Think mushrooms, soy sauce, fermented foods — orange wine complements them well.
- Cheese pairing dream: Excellent with washed rind cheeses, aged goat cheese, and funky soft cheeses.
- Vegetarian-friendly: Earthy vegetables like squash, lentils, and root veggies love orange wine’s complexity.
Orange wine offers something totally different. It’s a bridge between red and white, offering food-friendly tannins, bold aromatics, and a textural profile that stands up to eclectic pairings.
