16 Wine Facts You Should Know

Wine is a fascinating and complex drink with a rich history that dates back to the Neolithic period. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of wine, here are some interesting wine facts you should know.

1. Wine Has a Long History

Humans have produced and enjoyed wine for millennia, with the earliest evidence of winemaking dating back to 6000 B.C. in what is now the country of Georgia. Wine has played a key role in social, religious and cultural events throughout history—and it continues to be an important part of many celebrations today.

2. Wine Color Comes from Grape Skins

The color of wine comes from the skins of the grapes used to make it—the grape juice itself is generally colorless.

Red wine is made with red or black grapes, which have red skins. White wine is typically made with green or yellow grapes, although some white wines, including Champagne, are made with red grapes. Rosé wine is made by leaving the red grape skins in contact with the juice for a short period, resulting in a pink color instead of a red color.

Bonus wine fact: Did you know that the longer grape skins are steeped in the juice during the winemaking process, the darker the wine’s color will be?

3. Wine Can Improve with Age

Some wines should be enjoyed right away, while others—like many things in life—improve with age. Aging allows the wine to develop more complex flavors and aromas. However, not all wines are meant to be aged, and aging wine requires proper storage conditions to avoid spoilage.

4. Wine Grapes Are Different from Table Grapes

The grapes used to make wine differ from those we eat as a snack or add to fruit salads. Wine grapes have thicker skins, smaller berries and contain more seeds. They are also grown in different regions and climates than table grapes.

5. Wine Grapes Come in Many Varieties

There are more than 10,000 wine grape varieties grown across the world. The most widely planted grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, which are easy to grow in different climates and used to create various wine styles.

6. A Standard Bottle of Wine Contains Five Glasses

A standard wine bottle contains 750ml, or about 25 ounces, of wine. A standard serving of 5 ounces means that a standard bottle holds five glasses of wine.

Bonus wine fact: A magnum wine bottle is 1.5 liters and holds 10 glasses of wine, making it perfect for serving friends at home during a backyard cookout.

Learn more about wine bottle sizes.

7. Pair Wine with Food to Enhance Flavors

Wine can be paired with food to enhance the flavors of both. A good rule of thumb: red wine generally pairs well with red meat, while white wine pairs well with fish and chicken. Sweet wine pairs well with desserts, while sparkling wine pairs well with appetizers,

8. Your Choice of Wine Glass Can Affect the Taste of Wine

The shape of a wine glass can affect how the wine tastes.

A glass with a wide bowl can help to aerate the wine, releasing its aromas. A narrower glass can concentrate the aromas and flavors, making the wine taste more intense.

9. Champagne Comes Only from Champagne, France

The must-have wine for any celebration, Champagne is produced exclusively in the Champagne region of France. Sparkling white wine can be made anywhere and is sometimes referred to as ‘champagne,’ but it’s not technically Champagne unless made in that region and, therefore, cannot be labeled as such.

10. Champagne Gets Its Bubbles in the Bottle

Champagne is a still wine (meaning it has no bubbles) when bottled. During the bottling process, yeast and sugar are added. They interact to create carbon dioxide as the wine is left to mature for at least 15 months, creating the bubbles. That’s why Champagne bottles are made from thicker glass, as this helps to resist the pressure created by this carbonation.

Got an important celebration coming up? Shop now for a bottle of Champagne to make the event extra special.

11. Aeration Can Improve Wine’s Flavor

Aeration is the process of infusing oxygen into the wine, also known as allowing the wine to ‘breathe’ before drinking.

Contact with the oxygen in the air allows the wine to develop and balance its flavors. This can be achieved by either decanting the wine from the bottle to a wine decanter or pouring it into a large glass and allowing it to sit for at least ten to twenty minutes. Most red wines benefit from aerating, while white and rosé wines typically do not.

Discover when you should aerate red wine in our helpful guide.

12. Wine Grown in Warmer Climates Is Sweeter

In warmer climates, grapes ripen fully and develop higher sugar levels, making the wines produced in these regions taste sweeter and richer in fruit flavors.

13. A Wine Bottle’s Cork Can Affect the Taste of the Wine

The cork of a wine bottle can affect how the wine tastes. Cork can introduce a small amount of oxygen into the wine, which can help it age properly. However, if the cork is tainted, it can cause the wine to have a musty, unpleasant flavor.

14. Most Wine Isn’t Vegan

Despite being made from grapes, wines are not inherently vegan or even vegetarian-friendly. This is due to how the wine is clarified—a process called ‘fining’. Many winemakers use animal-based fining agents, like egg whites, to soften astringency and filter sediments—but vegan alternatives exist. If you follow a plant-based diet or have other dietary needs, look for wines clearly labeled as suitable for vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free diets.

Shop our full range of vegan wines.

15. Wine Bottles Should Be Stored Horizontally

For bottles with corks, store your wine horizontally in a wine rack, as this will keep the cork moist. This is particularly important for long-term storage as a dried-out cork can result in seepage and premature aging.

Store your wine in a cool and dark place, away from vibration and at the proper humidity. The optimal storage temperature is between 50-59°F.

16. Wine May Have Health Benefits

Many studies have linked moderate wine consumption to several health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. Red wine is particularly high in antioxidants, which may help to reduce inflammation and protect against cellular damage.

Shop our full range of red, white, rosé and sparkling wines.

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