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National Red Wine Day
Beyond the Glass: Red Wine Favorites & Fresh Takes
Red wine has long carried an air of mystery. For some, it’s a deep, tannic pour next to a steak dinner. For others, it’s a light, chilled glass that refreshes on a summer afternoon. The truth is—it can be both, and everything in between. On National Red Wine Day, we’re celebrating that diversity with insights from USBG members and industry experts who are passionate about what red wine really has to offer.
📅 Red Wine Isn’t Just “Big and Heavy”
One of the most common misconceptions about red wine is that it’s always dense, tannic, and meant to be enjoyed at room temperature. “That couldn’t be further from the truth,” says Christian Oggenfuss, Founder and CEO of Napa Valley Wine Academy. He points out that reds like Gamay from Beaujolais, Grenache, and Pinot Noir can be light, fresh, and even better with a slight chill. And serving temperature matters: “Most reds taste fresher, more balanced, and more aromatic when served a few degrees cooler than a typical indoor setting.”
Catherine Bugue, VP of Education and Co-founder of the Napa Valley Wine Academy, sees the same misconception when she teaches. “That they are all big, tannic, and high in alcohol,” she says with a smile. “But the world is filled with so many fun reds in all different styles.” For someone who says they don’t like red wine, Catherine doesn’t push. Instead, she offers an invitation: try a fruity, low-tannin wine like Beaujolais. Made from Gamay, it’s juicy, bright, and approachable—sometimes even showing extra layers of flavor and texture if you venture into subregions like Moulin-à-Vent. “Wine exploration is really fun,” she adds.
What We’re Drinking Now 🍷
Did you know that nearly half of all American wine drinkers prefer red over white—49% choose red wine versus 36% who go for white? Red wine’s enduring popularity isn’t just about tradition—it’s also about the diversity it brings, from bold, structured pours to chillable, playful sips.
USBG members bring their own favorites to the table:
Alok Chaughule, Head Mixologist at Indian Table Restaurant, Brooklyn, NY and member of the USBG New York Chapter, reaches for Malbec when he wants something plush and satisfying. Blackberry, plum, black cherry, and smooth tannins make it both bold and approachable. Oak can lend spice, chocolate, or a smoky note that deepens the experience. For Alok, it’s the perfect partner for Goan dishes like Pork Vindaloo or Sausage Pulao.
Alexander Lopez, Resort Beverage Director at Tryon Equestrian Center and member of the USBG Charlotte Chapter, keeps coming back to Beaujolais. Whether lightly chilled in summer or poured alongside Thanksgiving dinner, it always seems to fit. “I’m all about Beaujolais,” he says. “Yann Bertrand is definitely one of the producers that I can always get behind.
Trends Shaping Red Wine 🌍
Christian has been watching the broader market evolve. “In the past five to seven years, I have observed a shift toward lighter-bodied, lower-alcohol reds, particularly among younger wine drinkers and sommeliers,” he explains. Grapes like Gamay, Cinsault, and Mencía are gaining traction, while regions such as Sicily, Portugal’s Dão and Bairrada, and even parts of Eastern Europe are enjoying a renaissance. Sustainability and authenticity are also influencing choices, with more demand for organically farmed, minimal-intervention wines. And perhaps most notably, people are embracing reds year-round—often at cooler serving temperatures.
Catherine sees it too, especially in how consumers approach new wines. “I hear more people say, ‘Sure I’ll try that’ or ‘I’m looking forward to trying that’ when faced with lesser-known grape varieties,” she notes. “The best thing about wine is that you can travel by glass, right from your kitchen table. When you discover a new region, you are meeting its people, its culture, its landscape and more.”
Alok and Alexander echo this sense of discovery in their own way. Alok highlights Gamay from Beaujolais as one of the most underrated grapes—playful, food-friendly, and versatile enough to pair even with seafood curries. Alexander stands up for Napa Valley Merlot, which he insists is having a well-deserved comeback: “Forget Sideways (it's been 20 years), Merlot should be your daily red. It pairs across the board and never bores.”
The Memories That Stay ❤️
Of course, the most powerful case for red wine isn’t just trends or tasting notes—it’s the experiences they create. For Alok, it was watching a guest’s face light up after pairing Garnacha with a fragrant Goan curry, the red fruit and gentle tannins lifting the dish without overwhelming it. For Alexander, it was an unforgettable blind tasting in grad school, when he and his wife were surprised with a pour of 1949 La Mission de Haut-Brion. “It brought me to tears,” he admits.
Much like the nostalgic essence captured in Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine, where the simple act of making dandelion wine becomes a metaphor for distilling the joys of summer, these wine experiences transcend the moment, becoming cherished memories that linger long after the last sip.
Facing Headwinds—but the Future Looks Bright 🌅
It's true: the consumption of red wine has declined in recent years. In the U.S., total wine volume dropped by around 6% in 2024, hitting 33.3 million hectoliters, with per capita consumption falling from 4.7 to 4.5 liters (Vinetur). Globally, wine consumption also declined—down 5.8% in the U.S. and contributing to a 3.3% worldwide drop, reaching its lowest level since 1961 (Decanter). Analysts point to shifting demographics, health-conscious lifestyles, and alternative drink trends as central factors
According to Wine Enthusiast, there’s good news, too. The volume decline appears to be slowing—dropping 9% in 2023, then easing to a 4% drop in 2024. Meanwhile, the value of the market grew by 4%, showing that consumers may be drinking less often, but opting for better bottles. That premiumization is especially visible in red wine priced above $50, where growth continues despite headwinds
So what does this mean? Red wine may be under pressure in volume, but its soul remains—anchored in memory, in discovery, and in the moments it elevates. Those who seek it out with intention—drinking less, but choosing better, and embracing its story—are keeping the spirit of red wine alive.
A Toast to Red Wine 🍷
Whether it’s the comfort of Malbec, the freshness of Gamay, the comeback of Merlot, or the thrill of discovering a grape you’ve never heard of, red wine continues to evolve—and surprise us. On this National Red Wine Day, we celebrate not only the wines themselves but the conversations, discoveries, and shared moments they inspire.
Cheers to red wine, and to all the ways it brings us together. 🍷✨
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