National Drink Wine Day

National Drink Wine Day is observed each year on February 18. It was founded in 2007 by Todd McCalla, a beverage enthusiast who also established National Margarita Day and National Tequila Day. He created these observances out of his personal interest in these drinks and a desire to add something enjoyable to the winter season.

The day encourages people to explore different grape varieties, visit local wineries, host a wine-tasting party at home, or open a bottle they have been saving for a long time.

If you want to go a step further, try pairing a crisp white wine with crab-stuffed flounder, which is also celebrated today.

🍷 Looking for more wine-themed days? You’ll find them all collected in one easy-to-browse list.

National Wine Days Calendar

🍷 Surprising Facts About Wine

To round out National Drink Wine Day, here are six lesser-known facts about wine—drawn from history, science, and archaeology.

🍇 A Safer Drink Than Water

In earlier centuries, people often drank wine instead of water. Natural fermentation helped kill harmful microbes, making it a safer option where water supplies were contaminated.

🧬 The “Cyanide” Mystery

Ancient wild grapes contained compounds that could break down into cyanide. Through domestication and genetic mutation thousands of years ago, safer and sweeter varieties were developed for winemaking.

🍾 Champagne Under Pressure

A bottle of Champagne holds about 90 pounds per square inch (psi)—around three times that of a car tire. This high pressure explains the thick glass used for sparkling wine bottles.

🍷 White Wine from Red Grapes

White wine can be made from dark grapes such as Pinot Noir. The juice is usually clear, and the red color appears only when the skins remain in contact with the liquid during fermentation, a process called maceration.

🧠 Oenophobia Exists

While many people are oenophiles (wine lovers), a recognized condition called oenophobia describes an intense and irrational fear or dislike of wine.

🏺 A 3,000-Year-Old Wine Label

When King Tutankhamun’s tomb was opened in 1922, archaeologists found wine jars labeled with the year, region, owner, and even the winemaker’s name—details similar to modern wine labels.

How People Are Celebrating National Drink Wine Day

For National Drink Wine Day, there is no need to overthink it. Pour a glass, settle into a comfortable spot, and enjoy the moment. The day highlights wine in all its forms and encourages people to explore new flavors, share a bottle with friends, or pair a glass with a favorite meal.

Here are a few ways to mark the occasion:

Try a New Wine Region: Explore a wine from a region you haven’t tried before, like a rich Malbec from Argentina, a crisp Riesling from Germany, or a bold Shiraz from Australia. This is a fun way to broaden your wine experience.

Take a Wine Quiz: As you sip your favorite wine, why not add a bit of fun with a wine quiz? The Hourglass of Wine YouTube channel offers a quiz that’s the perfect companion for a relaxing moment, letting you enjoy your wine while testing your wine knowledge.

Enjoy a Glass with Dinner: Pair your wine with a meal that brings out its flavors. A bold red might complement a steak, while a white pairs nicely with seafood or lighter dishes.

Visit a Local Wine Bar or Winery: Many wine bars or wineries offer flights or tastings that allow you to try different wines, sometimes guided by knowledgeable staff who can offer insights.

Raise a Glass to Relax: Sometimes, the best way to celebrate is to pour yourself a glass and unwind at the end of the day. National Drink Wine Day is a great excuse to enjoy a little quiet time with a favorite wine.

World’s Oldest Wine Press has been found in Armenia.