National Wine Day – May 25th

No one really needs an excuse to enjoy a nice glass of wine. But if you did, National Wine Day 2025 (celebrated every year on May 25) provides the perfect one.

On this day, wine enthusiasts and casual sippers alike come together to appreciate the rich history and delightful diversity of wine – from robust reds and crisp whites to festive rosés and sparklings. The concept is simple: pour a glass of your favorite vintage, and cheers to the moment.

National Wine Day is distinct from February’s National Drink Wine Day (which focuses on the act of imbibing); May 25 is more about celebrating the wine itself – its heritage, variety, and the joy it brings to life. Wine has been a part of human culture for millennia. Archaeologists have found k. in China, and many ancient civilizations celebrated wine in their rituals and daily life.

Over the centuries, winemaking spread across Europe and eventually to the New World. Fast forward to today: there are thousands of wineries across the United States and around the globe, each crafting wines with unique character and terroir.

In fact, the U.S. wine industry has exploded in recent decades – not just in California’s famed Napa and Sonoma valleys, but in states like Oregon, Washington, New York, and Virginia, too. With wine more accessible than ever and social media ready to share our toasts, it’s no surprise that National Wine Day has gained popularity (the earliest records of the holiday date to around 2009). It’s a grassroots celebration that encourages us to slow down and savor the good things in life, one glass at a time.

How to Celebrate National Wine Day

• Host a Wine Tasting Party: Invite friends over for an at-home wine tasting. Compare varietals, regions, or go blind and guess which wine is which.
• Wine and Food Pairing Dinner: Plan a multi-course dinner with a wine paired for each dish. Follow basic pairing rules, or break them and explore.
• Visit a Winery or Vineyard: Tour local wineries or explore a new wine bar to try regional specialties.
• Try a New Varietal: Step outside your wine comfort zone. Try something totally new and learn about it as you sip.
• Make a Sangria or Wine Cocktail: Combine wine with fruit and juice for a fun twist. Try red, white, or rosé-based sangrias for seasonal flair.
• Share a Virtual Toast: Video chat with friends to share your wine picks and raise a glass together across the miles.
• Learn More About Wine: Read, watch, or listen to content that deepens your understanding of wine and its history.

Sip-worthy Recipes and Pairings

• Summery Sangria: Red or white wine mixed with fruit, sugar, and a splash of soda. Chill, serve, and enjoy with friends.
• Coq au Vin: A French stew of chicken braised in red wine with bacon, mushrooms, and herbs. A rich, warming classic.
• Wine-Poached Fruit: Pears or plums simmered in wine with spices make a simple, elegant dessert that smells incredible.

Wine Lover’s Must-Haves

• Electric Wine Opener: Makes opening bottles a breeze, especially at parties or for frequent wine drinkers.
• Wine Glass Set: Proper glassware enhances aroma and taste. Invest in shapes suited to your favorite wines.
• Decanter or Aerator: Let wine breathe to unlock complexity. Decanters are stylish; aerators are fast and effective.
• Wine Cooler or Fridge: Keeps bottles at ideal temperatures for serving and storage.
• Preservation Tools: Save leftovers with vacuum pumps or sparkling wine stoppers to extend freshness.
• Cheese Board Set: Present wine and cheese pairings with flair using a well-designed board and tools.

National Wine Day Calendar

Year	Date	Day of the Week
2025	May 25, 2025	Sunday
2026	May 25, 2026	Monday
2027	May 25, 2027	Tuesday
2028	May 25, 2028	Thursday
2029	May 25, 2029	Friday

With the right tools, delicious recipes, and great company, your National Wine Day celebration can be both memorable and meaningful. So raise a glass, savor every sip, and toast to the joy wine brings to life. And the fun doesn’t stop here—up next on the food holiday calendar are National Hamburger Day on May 28 (a perfect excuse for a juicy pairing), National Cheese Day on June 4 (hello, wine and cheese night!), and Rosé Day in early June. Each offers another delicious opportunity to celebrate good taste and good times. Cheers to National Wine Day—and to all the flavorful moments ahead!