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Wine Styles & Varietals

Orange Wine

Wine style and varietal guide

Reviewed by , Drinks Editor
SpecialtyOrange • Dry11–13.5% ABVMedium bodyDry sweetnessmedium-high acidityMedium tannins

Is this for me?

Choose this if…

  • ✓You prefer dry, crisp wines without residual sweetness.

Skip if…

  • ✗You prefer sweeter or off-dry wines.

What is Orange Wine?

Orange Wine is an amber-hued orange wine made from extended skin contact, showing tea-like tannins and complex dried fruit and herbal notes.

Best For

DinnerSavoury foodSpecialty

Food Pairings

Bar SnacksCheese BoardSmall PlatesTapas

Taste & Style

Dry sweetnessmedium-high acidityMedium tanninsMedium bodyEarthyFunkyStone FruitTannic

Flavour profile

Earthy(low)Funky(medium)Stone Fruit(medium)Tannic(high)

Food pairings

  • Bar SnacksBar Snacks · medium
  • Cheese BoardCheese · high
  • Small PlatesGeneral · high
  • TapasGeneral · medium

Best for

  • Best with Bar Snacks
  • Best with Cheese Board
  • Best with Small Plates
  • Earthy

Frequently asked questions

What is Orange Wine?
Orange Wine is an amber-hued orange wine made from extended skin contact, showing tea-like tannins and complex dried fruit and herbal notes.
What does Orange Wine taste like?
Orange Wine is often described as Earthy, Funky, Stone Fruit, Tannic. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and vintage.
What foods pair with Orange Wine?
Orange Wine pairs well with Bar Snacks, Cheese Board, Small Plates, Tapas. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
How strong is Orange Wine?
Orange Wine typically has an ABV of 11–13.5%. Strength varies by producer and vintage.
When should I drink Orange Wine?
Orange Wine works well as an aperitif, with a meal, or as a standalone sipping wine. The ideal occasion depends on the body and sweetness level — lighter styles suit casual dining while fuller-bodied wines complement heartier dishes.
What wines are similar to Orange Wine?
If you enjoy Orange Wine, explore other wine styles with a similar body and flavour profile using the sensory bars as a guide. Wines with matching acidity and tannin scores will feel closest in character.
Does Orange Wine improve with age?
Cellaring potential for Orange Wine depends on the producer, vintage and storage conditions. Most everyday expressions are best enjoyed within 3–5 years of release. Premium examples may benefit from longer ageing — check producer notes for guidance.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Tannin/Bitterness (soft to grippy), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent), Boldness (delicate to bold) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare wine styles at a glance.
How do I use the sensory profile to find wines I like?
If you enjoy light, crisp wines look for Light Body with Crisp Acidity. For bold, rich wines choose Full Body with Grippy Tannin. Compare Orange Wine with similar wine styles to find your next favourite.

Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.