August 4th is International White Wine Day and wine lovers across the world are toasting to the beauty of white wines. This day is all about celebrating the diversity, sophistication and fun of white wines. From zippy Sauvignon Blanc to buttery Chardonnay, white wines have something for every palate. Here we’ll look at the history of International White Wine Day, the characteristics of popular white wine varietals and how to celebrate.

History of International White Wine Day

International White Wine Day was created to celebrate and enjoy all the white wines of the world. The exact origin of this day is unknown but it’s become a day for wine lovers to drink their favourite white wines, learn about different varietals and share with others. No matter where you are in the world, now is the perfect time to pour a glass of white wine.

Characteristics of Popular White Wine Varietals

White wines are made from many different grape types, each with its own characteristics. Here are some of the most popular white wine varietals:

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is the most famous and widely planted white wine grape in the world. From the Burgundy region of France, Chardonnay is a chameleon grape that can produce many different styles, from lean and mineral driven to rich and oaky. Key characteristics of Chardonnay are green apple, pear, citrus and tropical fruit with buttery and vanilla notes from oak.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is known for its high acidity and zesty flavors. This grape is grown in many regions including France’s Loire Valley and Bordeaux, New Zealand and California. Sauvignon Blanc wines have flavors of lime, green apple, passion fruit and gooseberry with herbaceous and grassy notes. The crispness of Sauvignon Blanc makes it perfect for warm weather and seafood.

Riesling

Riesling is an aromatic and versatile grape that can produce wines from bone dry to lusciously sweet. From Germany, Riesling is now grown in many regions including Alsace, Austria, Australia and the US. Dry Rieslings have high acidity and flavors of green apple, lime and apricot with a minerality. Sweet Rieslings have honeyed notes and tropical fruit flavors.

Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris

Pinot Grigio, also known as Pinot Gris, is a popular white wine with a light, crisp and refreshing profile. This grape is grown extensively in Italy where it produces Pinot Grigio wines that are light bodied with flavors of lemon, green apple and almond. In Alsace, France the same grape is called Pinot Gris and produces wines that are richer and more aromatic with flavors of peach, pear and honey.

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a versatile grape that can produce many different wine styles from sparkling to sweet dessert wines. It’s most famous in the Loire Valley of France where it produces wines with high acidity and flavors of apple, quince and honey. South Africa is another major producer of Chenin Blanc, often making wines with tropical fruit flavors and a full bodied texture.

International White Wine Day

International White Wine Day is a great excuse to try and enjoy the many different white wines out there. Here are some ideas to celebrate:

Host a White Wine Tasting

Get friends and family together for a white wine tasting. Choose a few white wines from different regions and varietals and provide tasting notes for each. Have guests share their thoughts and preferences and consider pairing the wines with food to make it more fun.

Food Pairings

White wines are very food friendly. Try pairing different white wines with different dishes to find new flavor combinations. For example Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with goat cheese and fresh salads, Chardonnay with creamy pasta and grilled chicken. Riesling is great with spicy Asian food and Pinot Grigio with seafood and light appetizers.

Visit a Winery

If you can, visit a local winery to learn more about white wine and taste wines directly from the source. Many wineries offer tours and tastings that will give you insight into the winemaking process, the history of the vineyard and the wines they produce. This is a fun and educational way to celebrate International White Wine Day.

Try Something New

Use International White Wine Day as an excuse to try a white wine you’ve never had before. Whether it’s a lesser known varietal like Viognier or Albariño or a white wine from an unfamiliar region, trying new wines is an adventure for your palate.

Share on Social Media

Join in on the online fun by sharing your International White Wine Day on social media. Use #InternationalWhiteWineDay and #WhiteWine to connect with other wine lovers and see how others are celebrating. Share photos, tasting notes and food pairing ideas to inspire others and spread the white wine love.

Happy International White Wine Day!