The Wine Style You Didn’t Know You Needed

7 minutes read

Let’s be honest: Halloween isn’t just about candy. It’s also the perfect excuse to open something… unexpected.
This year, skip the usual reds and whites. It’s time to get into something a little weird, a little wild — and totally delicious.

Let’s talk about orange wine for the curious.
This bold, skin-contact style isn’t made from oranges (promise!) — but it is perfect for anyone who’s a little tired of the usual rosés and Sauvignons. Complex yet approachable, orange wine offers texture, depth, and character, without the weight of a red or the sharp edge of a white.

To celebrate Halloween — or simply your next dinner party — I’ve picked 4 Austrian orange wines that will spark your curiosity and surprise your taste buds. If you’re craving something new, this is your sign.

First, what is Orange Wine?

It’s actually a style of white wine, but with a twist.

Orange wine is created by fermenting white grapes with their skins on, similar to how red wines are made. This process is known as skin contact. It’s what gives orange wine its deep, amber hue and a flavor profile that’s like nothing else.

How is Orange Wine Made and what is the difference with rosé?

Typically, to make white wines, you quickly separate the juice from the grape skins to keep the color light and the flavors crisp.

But with orange wine, you leave the the juice to sit with the grape skins, seeds, and sometimes even stems. This allows the wine to absorb color, texture, and tannins from the skins. This skin contact can last anywhere from a few days to several months. This results in that characteristic amber or orange shade that gives the wine its name.

We can say : orange wines are the red wine version of a white wine if you wish.

What is the difference between rosé and orange wine? Well basically, rosé is done the same way…but with red grapes and for a smaller amount of time.

What Does Orange Wine Taste Like?

Imagine a crossover between a rich, structured red wine and a bright, aromatic white. The result? A wine that’s complex, with layered flavors and a bit of tannic grip—something you don’t usually find in whites.

Here are some tasting notes you might notice with orange wine:

• Fruity and Dried Fruit Flavors: Dried apricot, peach, and citrus peel are common.
• Herbal and Floral Notes: Orange wine often carries a subtle hint of herbs, chamomile, and even a slight nuttiness.
• Earthy and Savory Undertones: Thanks to the skin contact, expect a bit of earthiness or spiciness, especially in natural or biodynamic wines.

Whether you’re into crisp whites or bold reds, orange wine offers a little bit of both.

Where is Orange Wine From?

Orange wine has a long history, originating thousands of years ago in the country of Georgia (Caucasus), where winemakers still follow ancient techniques using large clay vessels called qvevri.

Over the years, its popularity blossomed, spreading to Slovenia, Italy, and eventually France, earning the title ‘Orange Wine’ in 2000—thanks to a movement started in the United States.

Today, countries like Slovenia, Italy, the US, South Africa, New Zealand, and France are all making their mark with this expressive style.

In France, for instance, regions like the Loire, Jura, and Languedoc make a lot of orange wine each with their own distinctive interpretations. Since the term ‘orange wine’ isn’t tied to specific grape varieties, any region with white grapes can venture into this fascinating world.

So, when it comes to orange wines, variety is the name of the game!

How to Pair Orange Wine?

Orange wines are incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairings. Their bolder structure and tannins make them perfect for dishes that might typically pair with either red or white wine.

Here are a few pairing ideas for my orange wine recommendations:

• Cheese & Charcuterie: Orange wines love a cheese board! Try it with aged cheeses, nuts, and even a bit of charcuterie.
• Middle Eastern and Asian Cuisine: Think falafel, hummus, or curries. The complexity of orange wine holds up beautifully against bold spices.
• Autumn Flavors: Roasted root vegetables, squash, and hearty stews are amazing with the earthy tones in orange wine.

4 orange wines to discover now

Orange wine brings the cozy texture of red wine with the freshness of whites. It pairs like a dream with autumn dishes (squash, spices, roasted anything) — and that amber glow looks gorgeous on your Halloween table.

Heinrich Naked Orange NV

Heinrich Graue Freyheit

Muster Erde

Strohmeier TLZ Sonne Nº7

Final Thoughts : my orange wine recommendations for Halloween

So — ready to cross to the amber side?

These four Austrian bottles are a perfect introduction to orange wine for the curious. They’re natural, expressive, and full of personality — ideal for cozy evenings, bold food pairings, or just proving (once again) that French wine isn’t the only game in town.

🍊 Curious to taste one? Pick your favorite and tell me what you think.
📬 Want more off-the-beaten-path wine ideas, come say hi on Instagram: @diane_wine_voyage

Because to be irreplaceable… you’ve got to drink beyond the classics. Cheers!

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