National Red Wine Day
August 28
About National Red Wine Day
National Red Wine Day falls on 28 August each year in the United States, offering wine enthusiasts a dedicated occasion to explore, taste, and celebrate the rich world of red wine. Created in 2013, the day encourages people to discover new varieties, visit local wineries, and enjoy a glass responsibly with friends and food.
What is National Red Wine Day?
National Red Wine Day is an annual US food and drink celebration observed on 28 August, dedicated to the appreciation of red wine in all its forms. The day was created by Jace Shoemaker-Galloway, known as the “Queen of Holidays”, a prolific freelance writer and editor who has established numerous beverage-related food days including National Mimosa Day, National White Wine Day, and National Cocktail Day. Established in 2013, the day encourages people to explore different red wine varieties, learn about wine production, and enjoy their favourite bottles responsibly.
When is National Red Wine Day?
National Red Wine Day falls on Friday, 28 August 2026. It is observed every year on the fixed date of 28 August.
Why Red Wine Deserves Its Own Day
Red wine is one of the world’s oldest and most culturally significant drinks, produced for thousands of years across dozens of countries. From the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated wines of Bordeaux to the elegant Pinot Noirs of Burgundy and the bold Malbecs of Argentina, the world of red wine offers extraordinary variety in flavour, aroma, and style. National Red Wine Day creates a moment to step outside the familiar and explore what the global wine industry has to offer.
How to Celebrate National Red Wine Day
There are countless enjoyable ways to raise a glass on 28 August:
- Host a red wine tasting – Select five to seven different red wines from various regions and grape varieties, and invite friends or family to taste and compare. Provide tasting notes or guide sheets to make it educational as well as enjoyable. Serve each wine at the correct temperature for best results.
- Visit a local winery – Many wineries offer tours, tastings, and behind-the-scenes access to their production process. Check your local area for vineyard open days or tasting room events that may coincide with the date.
- Pair red wine with food – Use the occasion to experiment with classic pairings. Full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon work well with red meat; Pinot Noir suits duck and mushroom dishes; Sangiovese complements tomato-based Italian cooking.
- Try a new grape variety – If you tend to default to the same bottle, challenge yourself to try something unfamiliar: an Argentinian Malbec, a Spanish Tempranillo, a South African Pinotage, or an Italian Nebbiolo.
- Cook with red wine – Incorporate red wine into a recipe such as a beef bourguignon, a rich pasta sauce, or a red wine reduction for a steak. Cooking with wine adds depth and complexity to savoury dishes.
- Learn about the winemaking process – Spend some time reading about how red wine is made, from grape growing through fermentation and ageing. Understanding what goes into a bottle adds to the appreciation of what’s in the glass.
- Share your favourites on social media – Post your chosen bottle or tasting flight using #NationalRedWineDay and discover what others are enjoying around the country.
The History of National Red Wine Day
Red wine has been produced and consumed by humans for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that wine production dates back to at least 6000 BCE, with some of the earliest evidence found in the South Caucasus region. Ancient Greek and Roman civilisations made wine central to their cultures, using it in religious ceremonies, medicine, and everyday dining. The Romans spread viticulture throughout Europe, establishing vineyards in France, Spain, and Germany that formed the foundation of the modern wine industry.
The development of different red wine grape varieties over centuries gave rise to the extraordinary regional diversity that defines the wine world today. Pinot Noir in Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux, Sangiovese in Tuscany, and Tempranillo in Spain each emerged as defining varieties for their respective regions, shaped by soil, climate, and generations of winemaking knowledge.
National Red Wine Day was created in 2013 by Jace Shoemaker-Galloway. Based in the United States and known for her work creating food and beverage holidays, Shoemaker-Galloway wanted to carve out a specific moment in the calendar for red wine, distinct from the general wine celebrations that already existed. The date, 28 August, sits in late summer, when red wine is often enjoyed outdoors as evenings begin to cool.
Noteworthy Facts About Red Wine
- Red wine gets its colour from a plant pigment called anthocyanin, found in the skins of red grapes. White wine is made without extended skin contact, which is why it remains pale.
- Red wine contains resveratrol, an antioxidant compound found in grape skins that has been the subject of research into cardiovascular health.
- Tannins in red wine, which create the dry sensation in the mouth, come primarily from grape skins, seeds, and stems, as well as from oak barrels used during ageing.
- The world’s most expensive bottle of red wine ever sold was a 1945 Romanee-Conti, which fetched $558,000 at auction in 2018.
- France, Italy, and Spain together account for around half of global wine production each year.
- The United States is one of the world’s largest consumers of wine by total volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Red Wine Day?
National Red Wine Day is an annual US celebration observed on 28 August, created in 2013 by Jace Shoemaker-Galloway. It encourages people to explore different red wine varieties, learn about wine production, and enjoy their favourite bottles responsibly.
When is National Red Wine Day in 2026?
National Red Wine Day in 2026 falls on Friday, 28 August 2026.
Who created National Red Wine Day?
National Red Wine Day was created in 2013 by Jace Shoemaker-Galloway, a prolific food and drink holiday creator known as the “Queen of Holidays”, who has established numerous beverage celebration days on the US calendar.
Hashtags
Share your National Red Wine Day celebrations on social media using the hashtags #NationalRedWineDay and #NationalRedWineDay2026. Post your chosen bottle, your tasting notes, or your favourite food pairing and inspire others to explore the world of red wine.
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