A glass of vibrant orange wine showcasing its amber hues and natural winemaking process

Discover the World of Orange Wine

Orange wine—also known as amber, natural, or full skin-contact wine—is captivating wine enthusiasts and redefining what's possible in a glass.

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Welcome to Orange Wine

Discover Natural Orange Wines

Orange wine—also known as amber, natural, or full skin-contact wine—is captivating wine enthusiasts and redefining what's possible in a glass.

Understanding Orange Wine

What is Skin Contact?

Learn about the skin contact process that gives orange wine its unique character.

Natural Winemaking

Discover how natural wine production influences orange wine.

Amber Wine Origins

Explore the history of amber wine and its traditional methods.

Discover Traditional Winemaking

Ancient World Traditions

Unlike traditional white wines, orange wine is crafted by fermenting white wine grapes together with their skins and stems in qvevri, resulting in a vibrant amber hue and complex flavor profile.

During fermentation, natural yeasts transform the grapes' sugar content into alcohol, while lactic acid bacteria soften acidity through malolactic fermentation, introducing intriguing textures and depth.

Production Process

The extended maceration process, where grape juice remains in contact with skins and stems, is key to developing orange wine's distinctive characteristics. This process extracts tannins, phenolic compounds, and complex flavors.

This ancient winemaking method, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, represents more than just a trend—it's a celebration of traditions passed down through generations, particularly in regions like Georgia where it originated over 8,000 years ago.

Traditional Methods

Ancient vessels buried in the ground maintain optimal fermentation temperatures naturally, a technique still utilized today.

Natural Process

From grape juice to wine, the fermentation process relies on native yeasts and minimal intervention.

Diverse Styles

Traditional techniques create everything from crisp white wines to complex reds and unique amber wines.

Regional Wine Heritage

Georgian Heritage

In Kakheti, Georgia's premier wine region, traditional winemaking in qvevri involves fermenting grapes with their stems, a practice known as chacha.

Indigenous varieties like Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane have been cultivated here for millennia, perfectly adapted to produce complex amber wines.

Global Renaissance

Today's winemakers worldwide are embracing skin-contact methods, often using amphora vessels to create wines that bridge ancient and modern practices.

This revival has sparked interest in natural wine production, where minimal intervention allows the true expression of grape varieties and terroir.

Global Wine Traditions

Mediterranean Heritage

Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region produces distinctive ramato wines from Pinot Grigio, while Spain's Catalonia crafts traditional brisat wines.

  • Ribolla Gialla in Friuli
  • Malvazija Istarska in Croatia
  • Garnacha Blanca in Catalonia

Alpine Innovations

Slovenia's Goriška Brda and Austria's wine regions embrace extended maceration techniques with indigenous varieties.

  • Rebula in Slovenia
  • Grüner Veltliner in Austria
  • Welschriesling experiments

Modern Interpretations

New World regions embrace orange wine production using both traditional amphora vessels and modern techniques to craft natural wines.

  • California Vermentino
  • Oregon Pinot Gris
  • Australian experiments

Notable Grape Varieties

Pinot Gris

Copper-hued wines with rich textures

Gewürztraminer

Spicy and floral characteristics

Chardonnay

Complex tannic structure

Malvasía

Aromatic richness

Market Insights

Growing Demand

The market for natural wines continues to expand, with orange wines leading the category growth. Consumer interest in traditional winemaking methods and authentic products drives this trend.

  • Rising demand in major urban markets
  • Growing presence in fine dining
  • Increased consumer education
  • Premium positioning opportunities

Industry Growth

The U.S. market presents significant opportunities for authentic orange wines, particularly those with strong heritage stories and traditional production methods.

  • Expanding distribution networks
  • Direct-to-consumer channels
  • Educational partnerships
  • Digital marketing platforms

Sustainable Practices

Heritage Techniques

Traditional qvevri winemaking naturally aligns with sustainable practices, requiring minimal energy input and producing zero waste.

  • Natural temperature control
  • Gravity-fed processes
  • Reusable vessels
  • Low environmental impact

Vineyard Practices

Many orange wine producers embrace organic farming and biodynamic principles.

  • Natural pest management
  • Cover cropping
  • Water conservation
  • Biodiversity promotion

Innovation

Modern producers combine traditional wisdom with innovative sustainable practices.

  • Solar power integration
  • Water recycling systems
  • Sustainable packaging
  • Carbon footprint reduction

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Featured Artisanal Wines

Kakhuri Mtsvane

Levanis Marani - Kakheti, Georgia

Wine is made according to Kakhetian traditional technology, natural maceration and fermentation

Type: Orange

Grape: Kakhuri Mtsvane

Saperavi

Tanini - Kaxeti, Georgia

Rose with a lot of fresh pomegranate

Type: Red

Grape: Saperavi

POIANA FETEASCA ALBĂ

Poiana Winery - Codry, Moldova

Green apple, green pear, light field flowers

Type: White

Grape: Feteasca Albă

Shavkapito

Shavgulidze Wine Cellar - Kartli, Georgia

A perfumed nose of strawberry and cherry leads to a clean herbal palate with soft, light tannins (IWSC judging tasting notes)

Type: Red

Grape: Shavkapito

Negru De Tomai

Tomai Vinex - Valul lui Traian, Moldova

Color: dark red with ruby tint. Aroma: complex spicy-fruity, with notes of violet, spices, red fruits (pomegranate, dogwood, black currant, prunes), complemented by the aroma of aging in oak barrels with a predominance of vanilla and chocolate shades

Type: Red

Grape: Cabernet 50%, Merlot 25%, Saperavi 25%

Qvevris Rkatsiteli

Telavi Old Cellar LTD - Kakheti, Telavi, Georgia

Dry fruit aromas. Taste of peach and walnuts

Type: Orange

Grape: Rkatsiteli

Tsolikouri

Minadze's Marani Phersvi - Imereti, Georgia

Tsolikauri is a dry, light amber wine produced under the Imeretian rule with no more 30% skin contact. This wine is characterised by its pleasant acidity, long-lasting taste and aromas of pear and citrus

Type: Orange

Grape: Tsolikouri

Kisi Qvevri

Babunidze wines - Kakheti, Georgia

It is distinguished by the aroma of forest fruits and spices; tannin rich body harmoniously complements its lingering finish

Type: Orange

Grape: Kisi

Saperavi Qvevri

Babunidze wines - Kakheti, Georgia

This wine of a happy ruby tone and an intense berry fruit character offers up plenty of bright and rich flavors

Type: Red

Grape: Saperavi

Rkatsiteli Qvevri

Kardanakhi Estate - Kakheti, Georgia

Dry amber wine with medium body, velvety acidity, and round tannins. Aromas of ripe peach, pear, melon, quince, and dried papaya, complemented by sweet spiciness.

Type: Amber

Grape: Rkatsiteli

Shop Orange Wines

Les Vins De Pirouette 'Eros' by Vincent 2023

Les Vins De Pirouette 'Eros' by Vincent 2023

Familie Bauer "Urig" 2021

Familie Bauer "Urig" 2021

Podere Pradarolo "Vej" Brut Cuvée NV

Podere Pradarolo "Vej" Brut Cuvée NV

Swick Wines "The Flood" 2023

Swick Wines "The Flood" 2023

Nespor Rajsky x Orange Glou Sylvaner 2020

Nespor Rajsky x Orange Glou Sylvaner 2020

L'Octavin "Mus'Cat" 2022

L'Octavin "Mus'Cat" 2022

Orange Glou x Nespor & Rajsky Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Orange Glou x Nespor & Rajsky Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Satsnakheli Kisi Kakhuri Mstvane
Qvevri Kisi Mstvane

Satsnakheli Kisi Kakhuri Mstvane

Satsnakheli

Rkatsiteli Qvevri
Qvevri Amber Skin-Contact

Rkatsiteli Qvevri

Kardanakhi Estates

Kakheti, Georgia

Saperavi Qvevri
Qvevri Red Skin-Contact

Saperavi Qvevri

Kardanakhi Estates

Kakheti, Georgia

Rkatsiteli Tavankara
Qvevri Amber Skin-Contact

Rkatsiteli Tavankara

Kardanakhi Estates

Kakheti, Georgia

Amber Rkatsiteli 2023
Amber Skin-Contact Georgian

Amber Rkatsiteli 2023

Dr. Konstantin Frank

Finger Lakes, NY

2023 Khikhvi White Dry
Qvevri Georgian Skin-Contact

2023 Khikhvi White Dry

Vinitor Mukuzani Winery

Gurjaani, Kakheti, Georgia

Les Vins De Pirouette 'Eros' by Vincent 2023

Les Vins De Pirouette 'Eros' by Vincent 2023

Familie Bauer "Urig" 2021

Familie Bauer "Urig" 2021

Podere Pradarolo "Vej" Brut Cuvée NV

Podere Pradarolo "Vej" Brut Cuvée NV

Swick Wines "The Flood" 2023

Swick Wines "The Flood" 2023

Nespor Rajsky x Orange Glou Sylvaner 2020

Nespor Rajsky x Orange Glou Sylvaner 2020

L'Octavin "Mus'Cat" 2022

L'Octavin "Mus'Cat" 2022

Orange Glou x Nespor & Rajsky Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Orange Glou x Nespor & Rajsky Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Satsnakheli Kisi Kakhuri Mstvane
Qvevri Kisi Mstvane

Satsnakheli Kisi Kakhuri Mstvane

Satsnakheli

Rkatsiteli Qvevri
Qvevri Amber Skin-Contact

Rkatsiteli Qvevri

Kardanakhi Estates

Kakheti, Georgia

Saperavi Qvevri
Qvevri Red Skin-Contact

Saperavi Qvevri

Kardanakhi Estates

Kakheti, Georgia

Rkatsiteli Tavankara
Qvevri Amber Skin-Contact

Rkatsiteli Tavankara

Kardanakhi Estates

Kakheti, Georgia

Amber Rkatsiteli 2023
Amber Skin-Contact Georgian

Amber Rkatsiteli 2023

Dr. Konstantin Frank

Finger Lakes, NY

2023 Khikhvi White Dry
Qvevri Georgian Skin-Contact

2023 Khikhvi White Dry

Vinitor Mukuzani Winery

Gurjaani, Kakheti, Georgia

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