National Red Wine Day

Elegant wine glasses clinking together, people dressed in classy attire, sophisticated city skyline in the background.. — National red wine day illustration

Hello, wine lovers! We hope your glasses are empty and your corkscrews at the ready, because National Red Wine Day is a day of superb sipping that you don’t want to miss. We've found it cropping up in online chatter like a juicy Cabernet sauvignon at a dinner party. On 28 Aug 2020, more people than ever were clinking glasses (or more likely, sending wine glass emojis) to celebrate this glorious grape goodness.

When is Red Wine Day?

It's national red wine day on the 28th August.

History Behind National Red Wine Day

It's not clear who first had the genius idea to dedicate an entire 24 hours to celebrating red wine, but whoever they were, we'd certainly like to buy them a bottle. Red wine’s history alone is worthy of a toast; it's been around for a whopping 7,000-8,000 years and has been enjoyed everywhere from ancient Egypt to the Roman Empire. But it's only in the internet age that National Red Wine Day really began to froth with life.

28 August 2020: A Vintage Year for National Red Wine Day

In internet history, National Red Wine Day started appearing in tweets, posts, and statuses in the early 2010s, and it's been fermenting nicely ever since. On 28 August 2020, it reached its vintage point with 5623 mentions across the web. It seems like folks swapped their usual summer rosé for a deep, full-bodied red and what a party that must have been!

Celebrating National Red Wine Day

Now, how does one celebrate it? Thankfully, the rules are not complex. It's not like making a soufflé or mastering the violin. The steps are simple: 1) Open bottle, 2) Pour wine, 3) Sip and enjoy. Whether you prefer a light Pinot Noir or a spicy Shiraz, remember that a shared bottle of wine is happiness tasted and time well spent.

History behind the term 'Red Wine'

6000 BC

Early Beginnings

As far back as 6000 BC, evidence suggests that fermented grape juice was being produced in ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia and the Caucasus region. These early civilizations likely stumbled upon the process of making red wine by allowing crushed grapes to ferment naturally in clay jars or wooden barrels. The resulting liquid became a staple of their diets and gradually gained popularity.

1200 BC

The Discovery of Aging

Around 1200 BC, the Egyptians began to realize that aging red wine in wooden barrels improved its taste and preservation. This discovery was a significant turning point in the history of red wine as it brought about a new level of complexity to the flavor profile. The wooden barrels allowed the wine to develop unique characteristics due to oxidation and interaction with the wood.

600 BC

The Rise of Greek Wine Culture

In ancient Greece, wine became an integral part of their culture and society. The Greeks perfected the art of winemaking and introduced vineyards on a large scale. They even established rituals and festivities dedicated to the enjoyment of wine. Greek red wine, particularly wines from the island of Lesbos, gained renown throughout the Mediterranean.

200 AD

Roman Influence

During the Roman Empire, red wine achieved widespread popularity and became a symbol of luxury and social status. The Romans expanded the cultivation of vineyards and introduced advancements in winemaking techniques, such as the use of wooden barrels for fermentation and aging. Their empire acted as a conduit for the spread and dissemination of red wine culture across Europe.

16th Century

New World Discoveries

In the 16th century, European explorers like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama discovered new lands rich in vines, including the Americas. As colonization ensued, vineyards were established in places like Argentina, Chile, California, and other parts of South America. These regions became known for producing some of the finest red wines in the world, bringing a new dimension to the global wine market.

19th Century

Phylloxera Epidemic

In the late 19th century, the wine industry faced a devastating setback with the outbreak of the phylloxera epidemic, a pest that attacks grapevines. This crisis affected vineyards in Europe and other parts of the world, resulting in the loss of numerous grape varieties. However, it also led to the development of resistant rootstocks and improved understanding of viticulture, ultimately leading to the resurgence of the red wine industry.

Present

Continued Popularity

Today, red wine continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world. It has become a symbol of sophistication and is appreciated for its diverse flavors and health benefits. From full-bodied and robust Cabernet Sauvignons to smooth and elegant Pinot Noirs, red wines have a rich and extensive variety that caters to every palate. Whether sipped during special occasions or as a casual indulgence, red wine remains an enduring part of our cultural heritage.

Did you know?

Did you know that amongst wine professionals, red wine is often the first choice not just for its taste but its health benefits too? They believe that a glass of red wine a day keeps the doctor away!