National Drink Wine Day is on Thursday, February 18, 2027, and it falls on February 18 every year. It’s a day for adults 21 and over to open a bottle, try a new grape or plan a winery visit. If you choose to celebrate, do it responsibly.
When Is National Drink Wine Day?
It’s always February 18. Don’t mix it up with National Wine Day on May 25 or National Red Wine Day on August 28.
Who Started National Drink Wine Day?
No founder or start year has been documented.
Why Celebrate Wine in February?
Winter is a quiet season for wineries, so it’s a good time for small tastings with fewer crowds. The day is also a chance to try bottles from closer to home.
Where American wine comes from
Mostly California. The Wine Institute says the state makes an average of 81% of all U.S. wine. U.S. wineries produced about 647.7 million gallons in 2024, down from about 762 million gallons in 2023.
Plenty of other states grow wine grapes, too. A bottle from your own state, or a neighboring one, is an easy way to try something new.
How to Celebrate National Drink Wine Day
- Taste one grape, two places: pour a California Pinot Noir next to one from Oregon and compare.
- Host a brown-bag tasting: each guest brings a bottle in a paper bag, and everyone guesses the grape and price.
- Pair it with dinner: try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with goat cheese or a Malbec with grilled steak.
- Visit a tasting room: many wineries take reservations for small winter tastings.
- Explore a new region: try a Finger Lakes Riesling from New York or a Cabernet Franc from Virginia.
- Save leftovers for cooking: freeze extra wine in an ice cube tray for future pan sauces and stews.
- Plan the ride home: pick a designated driver or book a rideshare before the first pour.
How Much Is One Glass of Wine?
One standard drink of wine is 5 ounces at 12% alcohol, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. That’s about 14 grams of pure alcohol.
Many restaurant pours and home glasses hold more than that. Higher-alcohol wines, such as some Zinfandels, also pack more alcohol into the same 5 ounces. Fill a glass with 5 ounces of water once to see what a standard pour looks like.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an open bottle of wine last?
Recork it and refrigerate it, even red wine. Most still wines taste best within a few days of opening, while sparkling wine loses its bubbles faster.
Did the U.S. dietary guidelines change on alcohol?
Yes. The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines dropped the old one- and two-drink daily limits. Their simpler advice is to drink less alcohol for better health.
Can you celebrate without alcohol?
Yes. Non-alcoholic wines and sparkling grape juice work for a tasting, and they’re the right pick for anyone under 21, pregnant or driving.