What’s The Deal With Orange Wine And Why Is It So Popular In Boston Now?

Where have I been? Recently the subject came up because it was a featured day in the National Day Calendar. Full disclosure, I have never even heard of orange wine, let alone had knowledge there was a day to celebrate it. And I am a wine drinker! Granted, I usually stick to my favorites of Sauvignon Blanc in warm weather and cabernet in cold weather. So, what's the deal with orange wine and why is it so popular now in Massachusetts?

As covered in a recent Boston.com article, apparently it's "showing up everywhere in Boston" now. What is it, exactly? Apparently it's an ancient method of winemaking. Ok, so it's been around for thousands of years, and I'm just hearing of it. I have to get out more.

Despite the name, Orange wine is NOT made from oranges. The National Day Calendar said, "the wine comes by its color naturally. Fermented from white wine grapes, the orange wine develops through more skin contact during the fermentation process. Makers treat the white grapes like red grapes preserving the bolder body and tannins. As a result, the ordinarily white wine will deepen into a brandy orange color." Ahh, ok. I'm getting the picture now.

Orange wine is said to be very bold in flavor. It's called orange wine simply because of it's amber hues. It's also know as  "skin-contact wine or amber wine," I'm sorry...ewww on the name "skin-contact wine." Let's go with Orange. It is October, after all. It's referred to skin-contact because the wine is fermented with grape skins on, which is unusual to how we usually hear about wine making. It's also fermented from several hours to months.

When it comes to Orange wine, Boston is said to be late to the game. It's been around forever, and in New York it's been "a thing" for nearly a decade. But, according to the Boston.com story, it's now showing up Boston. "Boston may have been late to the party in adopting it, but now, it feels like it’s available at every wine bar or restaurants with exciting beverage programs," as perfectly stated in the article. Check your local wine/liquor stores to see what they offer. Food & Wine suggests THESE brands.

Today is national wine day. To celebrate, we'll highlight three Massachusetts wine establishments you need to know about.

In Boston, there are plenty of options to indulge in your wine cravings. Whether it is pairing your favorite glass with a delicious meal in the North End or frequenting one the best wine bars. Rooftop gatherings are also popular wine spots. With the weather warming up, the city provides an excellent backdrop for a few sips at golden hour.

Furthermore, there are numerous wineries in Massachusetts. Some of these small businesses, like Nantucket Vineyard (Cisco), distribute throughout the New England region, while others remain local to New England only. Massachusetts is also the home state of operations like the Boston Showcase Company. They have a long history of designing and distributing products like wine glasses to restaurants in bulk.

In addition, it has become common for wine to be available at stadium events. Fenway Park, TD Garden, Gillette Stadium and all major concert venues offer a wine variation at their ticketed events.

Earlier this year, Forbes published a detailed report on the positive projections for the wine industry in 2023. "U.S. Wine Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Project,” sales of wine (domestic and imported) topped $66.97 billion, with table wines dominating, followed by sparkling wines (most domestic), whose projected sales will rise 7.7% from 2022 to 2030 and the U.S. wine market size is expected to reach USD 115.03 billion by 2030," the article quotes.

You can locally partake in national wine day in various ways. Options include simply uncorking your favorite bottle at home, venturing out to a winery, or simply showing your support through ordering online.

In our list highlighting Massachusetts wine establishments to know about, we touch upon three different fields.

Located on Cape Cod between the bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Truro Vineyard opened under new ownership in 2007. They are family-owned and operated. The vineyard itself dates back to 1992, however. They produce and offer four different red wines and three white wines. They have a lighthouse wine series, plus special seasonal releases. You can visit Truro Vineyard seven days a week.

"Located in Boston, the Urban Grape is one of the most successful and award-winning wine stores in America. UG is a Black-owned and woman-owned small business dedicated to building community through beverage," their website states. They offer a popular wine club, all run out of their Boston location. The wine club comes with a monthly subscription option, where numerous select bottles are shipped right to you. The Urban Grape also has a connoisseur club option for those looking for a deeper knowledge of higher-end wines.

City Winery perfectly combines a love of wine with entertainment. This restaurant also serves as a live music venue. They are part of the City Winery chain with similar establishments in other major cities (such as New York and Nashville). They source their grapes from over 30 vineyards around the world. Their food menu also is designed to pair well with the numerous wine options they pour onsite. The Boston City Winery is near the North End and TD Garden. They offer private events, tastings, and full service at their ticketed entertainment shows.