National Drink Wine Day is held each year on February 18, so get ready to unwind with a glass or two of your favorite Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay. Wine has been a staple in human culture since its invention in 7000 BC. Some ancient societies enjoyed their wine so much, they even worshiped it! These days, hundreds of types of wine are produced all over the world, so there’s an endless variety to choose from.
History of National Drink Wine Day
While we know humans have been making wine for thousands of years, no one is certain who was the first to ferment grapes into the beverage we now call wine. Evidence of ancient wine production has been found in China, the Middle East, and Greece, so it appears many different cultures discovered the process at nearly the same time. The oldest known winery was found in a cave in Armenia, and is over 4,000 years old — The vinters there were using a grape still used to make wine today! Barrels of wine have been found in the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs, and the Ancient Greeks used wine in secret religious ceremonies. Although wine has taken all sorts of different forms throughout the ages, the process has changed very little in the thousands of years since its invention. Grapes are crushed, pressed, and fermented, and the mixture is sealed into barrels. The mixture is aged, and then bottled. Using these simple steps, an infinite variety of wines can be created, and different regions of the world are known for the distinctive vintages they produce. Things like soil, temperature, and weather all affect the way wine grapes grow, and make each batch unique. Two bottles of the same wine from the same vineyard might taste totally different depending on the year they were produced, and some vintages become highly sought after as a result. Use this National Drink Wine Day to try a new bottle, and relax with the knowledge that you’re celebrating a long, long human tradition.
National Drink Wine Day timeline
People across the Middle East and Asia begin to mass-produce wine.
The King of France hosts the world’s first wine-tasting event.
The French Government establishes the National Institute for the Origins and Quality of Wine.
The most expensive bottle of wine ever sold — the 1869 Lafite-Rothschild — goes for $269,000.
National Drink Wine Day - Survey Results
National Drink Wine Day Traditions
Drink wine
Get some friends together and uncork your favorite bottle of wine. Or simply enjoy it while watching a movie on the couch.
Try a new wine
Splurge a little on that bottle of wine that’s slightly above your budget but that you’ve always wanted to buy for yourself. Enjoy a glass or two and then save the rest for a special occasion.
Sip it in an unusual place
In the bath, at sunset on a mountain, or on a picnic blanket in your garden. Create a new wine-drinking experience for yourself.
National Drink Wine Day By Numbers
$269,000 – the price of the most expensive bottle of wine ever sold.
2019 – the year in which Italy was the leading exporter of wine worldwide.
$40.2 billion – the sales of wine in California in 2018.
68.9% – the percentage of wineries that benefited from wine tourism.
4,613 – the number of wineries in California.
812 – the number of wineries in runner-up state Washington.
8.4 million – the hectoliters of wine produced by wine companies in Argentina.
2–7 – the number of glasses of wine you need to drink per week to help lower depression.
74.7% – the percentage of men who consume wine in France.
60.5% – the percentage of women who consume wine in France.
National Drink Wine Day FAQs
What is the best way to learn about new wines?
Heading to your local wine store or wine bar is a great way to learn about new wines. The staff there will have expert opinions to share on their favorite bottles, and you might make some new friends in the process.
What’s the best kind of wine?
That’s a matter of personal preference. There are so many different varieties of wine that it would be impossible to try them all. Instead, find a type you like — such as Merlot or Zinfandel — and explore wines in that category. Then, you can start to branch out.
Does wine have to be expensive to be good?
Wine does not have to be expensive to be good. There are plenty of inexpensive options that are still delicious and interesting. Ask at your local wine store for their recommendations. Find a per-bottle price point that works for you and start looking at bottles in that range. Happy hunting!
National Drink Wine Day Activities
Go for a wine tasting
A wine tasting is a great way to sample different varieties of wine, all while receiving instruction from a certified sommelier. This will help you develop your palate and your appreciation for wine.
Take a winery tour
Many wineries run tours of their vineyards and cellars. Seeing where and how they make your favorite wine is an excellent way to learn more about the art of winemaking.
Head out to a wine bar
Spending time at a wine bar is a great way to hang out with friends and family and sip some amazing wine to boot. Additionally, most wine bars serve local wines, so you can get a taste of what’s happening in your area’s wine scene.
5 Amazing Facts About The Science Of Wine
Wine is complex
There are more organic compounds in a glass of wine than in your blood.
It’s good for you
The tannins found in red wine are a powerful antioxidant, and have been shown to lower blood pressure and risk of strokes, diabetes, and heart disease.
Different wine, different temperatures
Due to their chemical makeup, white wines taste better slightly chilled, whereas reds are better at room temperature.
It can power a car
Prince Charles owns an Aston Martin powered by wine-based biofuel.
It affects men and women differently
Due to a difference in stomach enzymes, women are more susceptible to the intoxicating effects of wine.
Why We Love National Drink Wine Day
There are so many varieties
Wine comes in different colors, tastes, and vintages. There’s always a new wine to enjoy.
Wine can be healthy
Boasting dozens of powerful antioxidant compounds, wine can actually be quite healthy. Science has shown that a glass of red wine a day has numerous health benefits.
Wine can be fun
It’s simple, but it’s true. Relaxing with friends and family over a nice glass is a wonderful way to spend an evening. Whether it's at home in front of a fire, or out at a trendy wine bar, wine brings us together.
National Drink Wine Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 18 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | February 18 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | February 18 | Thursday |
| 2028 | February 18 | Friday |
| 2029 | February 18 | Sunday |
National Drink Wine Day related holidays
National Drink Wine Day Featured Video
Wine's Best Moments
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