A Beginner’s Guide to Orange Wine: Flavour, Pairings, and Origins
Table of Contents
Introduction
So, What Exactly Is Orange Wine?
Where Did Orange Wine Come From?
The Winemaking Process Behind Orange Wine
What Does Orange Wine Taste Like?
Pairing Orange Wine with Food
Myths and Misunderstandings
Why Orange Wine Deserves a Place on Your Table
A Journey Worth Taking
Introduction
If you're just beginning your wine journey or have already dipped your toes into reds, whites, and rosés, there's another category that’s quietly challenging expectations — orange wine. Despite the name, this style has absolutely nothing to do with citrus fruit. Instead, it’s a fascinating result of ancient winemaking methods that have found a new audience in today’s ever-curious community of wine lovers.
Among those catering to this growing interest is Forest Wines, a trusted destination for natural and artisan wines. Their carefully curated range has introduced many to orange wine for the very first time, guiding newcomers with approachable expertise and thoughtful recommendations.
So, What Exactly Is Orange Wine?
To put it simply, orange wine is made from white grapes that are fermented with their skins on. In conventional white winemaking, the skins are removed before fermentation begins. With orange wine, the skins — and sometimes even the seeds — stay in contact with the juice, lending it a distinctive colour, texture, and flavour.
The name "orange wine" refers to the colour that develops through this process. It’s not a bright tangerine hue, but rather a spectrum that can range from deep gold and copper to rust and amber. It’s this extended skin contact that creates something entirely different from your standard white wine.
Where Did Orange Wine Come From?
Though it might seem like the latest niche trend, orange wine has ancient origins. The technique of fermenting white grapes with their skins intact dates back over 5,000 years, most notably in the Caucasus region — particularly modern-day Georgia. There, traditional clay vessels called qvevri were buried underground and used to age wine, a practice that continues to this day.
Over time, this style found its way into parts of Italy, Slovenia, and beyond, only to be rediscovered and embraced by contemporary winemakers looking to honour tradition while bringing something new to the table.
The Winemaking Process Behind Orange Wine
The key difference between orange wine and other styles is how it’s made. After white grapes are harvested, they’re crushed and left to ferment with their skins, much like how red wines are produced. This can take place over a few days or several months, depending on the winemaker’s intent.
This skin contact imparts both colour and tannins — the compounds that give red wines their grip and structure. As a result, orange wine often has a mouthfeel and complexity more associated with reds, despite being made from white grapes.
The fermentation process may occur in a variety of vessels: oak barrels, steel tanks, clay amphorae, or traditional qvevri. Each material contributes its own influence on the final profile, adding layers of character to the wine.
What Does Orange Wine Taste Like?
If you’re expecting a slightly fruitier white, prepare to be surprised. Orange wine doesn’t play by those rules. Its flavour profile can be wild, textured, and deeply aromatic. While it still carries fruit-driven notes, they’re often complemented by more savoury, oxidative, and earthy elements.
Common flavour notes include:
Dried apricot and orange peel
Tea leaves and herbs
Nuts and toasted grains
Apple skins and wildflower honey
Subtle spice, sometimes with a slight funk or saline edge
The intensity varies. Some orange wines are bold and rustic, others are lighter and more refined. It all depends on the grapes used, the region, and how long the skin contact lasted.
Pairing Orange Wine with Food
One of the best things about orange wine is how well it stands up to food — often even better than traditional whites or rosés. Thanks to its structure and complexity, it pairs beautifully with dishes that can otherwise overwhelm lighter wines.
Some food pairing ideas to consider:
Hearty vegetarian dishes such as butternut squash risotto, lentil stew, or roasted aubergine
Fermented and pickled foods including kimchi, sauerkraut, and miso-based recipes
Spiced or aromatic dishes from Middle Eastern, Indian, or North African cuisines
Aged cheeses and cured meats, particularly those with nutty, savoury flavours
Rich poultry or fish dishes, especially when grilled or smoked
Its versatility makes orange wine a brilliant companion for complex meals — or even as a talking point at a dinner party.
Myths and Misunderstandings
Because of its unfamiliar name and appearance, orange wine often gets misinterpreted. A few of the most common myths include:
It contains oranges – It doesn’t. Not even a drop.
It’s just a marketing gimmick – Quite the opposite. It’s one of the oldest wine styles in history.
It’s always funky or cloudy – While some natural examples lean that way, many are clean, refined, and elegant.
It’s difficult to enjoy – Like anything new, it may take a moment to adjust. But with an open mind, orange wine becomes a rewarding experience.
Why Orange Wine Deserves a Place on Your Table
Orange wine isn’t here to replace your favourite red or white — it’s here to add a new dimension to your wine experience. It’s for those moments when you want something textural, layered, and a little out of the ordinary.
Its appeal lies in its balance of old-world wisdom and modern intrigue. Whether you're pouring a glass to enjoy on its own or planning a bold food pairing, orange wine offers something distinctly different. It sparks conversation, surprises the senses, and lingers on the palate in all the right ways.
Even better, it reflects a growing interest in wines made with care, character, and transparency. If you're someone who enjoys natural, minimal-intervention bottles or simply want to taste something outside the mainstream, orange wine ticks all the boxes.
A Journey Worth Taking
Orange wine might not be love at first sip for everyone — and that’s perfectly fine. What it offers is the chance to experience wine through a new lens, to reset your palate, and to appreciate centuries-old methods that still feel relevant today.
For those who crave flavour with depth, texture with purpose, and stories in every bottle, orange wine is an invitation worth accepting. So next time you’re browsing your wine options, give it a go. Let it challenge your assumptions — and maybe even become your next favourite discovery.
