Why Orange Wine Belongs on Every NYC Wine Shelf

Orange wine isn’t just having a moment; it’s carving out a rightful place on wine shelves across New York City. If your collection is missing this golden-hued gem, consider this your invitation to explore something different. It’s not just eye-catching in the glass.  This skin-contact style is full of character, crafted with intention, and rooted in tradition. At Vino Fine Wine & Spirits, we’re all about wines that are thoughtful, story-driven, and made by people who care deeply about what they do. This bottle fits that description beautifully.

So, What Is Orange Wine?

Despite its name, it has nothing to do with citrus. It’s white wine made using red winemaking techniques. The juice from white grapes is left in contact with the grape skins and seeds during fermentation, which adds texture, depth, and color. This process, known as skin-contact, can last a few days or stretch into months, depending on the winemaker’s vision.

The result is a wine that lands somewhere between white and red in flavor and feel. Expect a gorgeous amber or copper tint and a wide range of flavors, from dried apricot and orange peel to tea leaf and gentle tannins. If white wine is like a refreshing breeze, orange wine is like autumn sunlight: a little richer, a little warmer, and full of personality.

A Style Rooted in History

Orange wine may seem new, but it’s anything but. This is one of the oldest styles of wine, dating back thousands of years. Winemakers in Georgia have been fermenting wine in clay vessels called qvevri for centuries, using techniques that are still honored today. In more recent years, producers in northeastern Italy, Slovenia, and beyond have revived these methods, and a new generation of winemakers around the world is building on those traditions.

These bottles have gained momentum thanks to thoughtful, passionate producers and wine lovers who value heritage, minimal intervention, and wines that reflect their place. At Vino Fine Wine & Spirits,  those are the kinds of bottles we gravitate toward.

Why Orange Wine Belongs on Your NYC Wine Shelf

New York wine drinkers are curious. We like wines that challenge us a little, start conversations, and offer something different. This wine does exactly that. It walks the line between familiarity and surprise, making it an ideal pick for anyone looking to break out of a wine rut.

Whether you’re sipping it on a Brooklyn stoop, bringing it to a dinner in the West Village, or pairing it with dim sum in Flushing, orange wine shows up ready to impress. Its texture and depth make it food-friendly and flexible, while its unique profile brings something unexpected to the table.

Flavor Notes: Funk, Fruit, and Everything in Between

Every bottle has its own voice. Some are bright and citrusy, while others lean into savory herbs, honey, or even umami. Many have a gentle grip from tannins, giving them a slight red wine-like quality that makes them ideal for pairing with richer dishes.

Expect Flavor Profiles Like:

• Dried apricot
• Orange peel
• Herbal tea
• Honey
• Soft spice
• Earthy or nutty undertones
  

Let it breathe and you’ll notice new layers emerging. This is a wine that rewards patience and curiosity.

Made by Makers Who Care

Most of the orange wines we carry come from small, independent producers who farm responsibly and work naturally in the cellar. These are winemakers with a point of view. They often use native yeasts, avoid additives, and focus on letting the grapes and terroir speak for themselves.

Origins of the Style

• Georgia – Ancient qvevri-fermented traditions
• Slovenia & Friuli (Italy) – Crisp and textural
• Austria & Portugal – Elegant and food-friendly
• California & New York State – Bold, creative takes on tradition
  

Your Fall Go-To

As the air gets crisp and the comfort foods come out, orange wine is exactly what we want in our glasses. It pairs beautifully with seasonal dishes like:

• Roasted squash
• Mushroom risotto
• Charcuterie boards
• Lentil stew
• Roast chicken
• Thanksgiving dishes
  

Serve it slightly chilled and give it a few swirls. Think of this wine as the sweater weather of wine, cozy, layered, and a little unexpected.

What We’re Pouring at Vino Fine Wine & Spirits

Our shelves are stocked with golden-hued favorites that showcase the character and diversity of this style. Each bottle has its own story, flavor, and personality. Here are a few we’re especially excited about right now.

Gulp Hablo Orange 2024

A juicy, approachable skin-contact blend often praised for its tropical lift and savory citrus peel notes. Think orange blossom, jackfruit, and apricot with a little texture and funk.

Photo Courtesy: @drinkgulphablo

Behind the Bottle: Crafted by the Parra family in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. They farm biodynamically on high-desert plateaus and ferment naturally with ambient yeasts. This bottle reflects their bold but sustainable approach to natural winemaking.

Abbondanza Biddizza Skin Contact

Mandarin and peach fuzz on the nose, with bright acidity and a savory Mediterranean finish. Textural and lifted, with a skin-contact grip that doesn’t overpower.

Photo Courtesy: @oracollective_wines

Behind the Bottle: Made by organic growers in Sicily who focus on native grapes and natural fermentation, expressing the island’s sunny, sea-cooled terroir.

Domaine Dirler-Cadé Alsace Aromate 2020

A refined Alsatian orange wine, showing floral aromatics and a palate of orange peel, honeysuckle, and stone fruit. Gentle tannins round out the finish.

Photo Courtesy: @ivan_gonzalez_t_edward_wines

Behind the Bottle: From Dirler-Cadé, a biodynamic estate in Alsace with holdings in Grand Cru vineyards. Their Muscat and Gewurztraminer parcels bring precision and lift.

The Prince In His Caves 2019, Scholium Project

Skin-fermented Sauvignon Blanc with serious structure. Expect herbal citrus, grip, and layers of savory fruit and minerality.

Behind the Bottle: A cult classic from California's Scholium Project, known for pushing boundaries with skin-contact and amphora-aged wines. This may be their last vintage from the Farina vineyard.

Rosha Timothee Rkats-Mtsvane Kakheti

Pale amber in color with notes of quince, ripe apple, and a touch of honeyed depth. Balanced and quietly complex.

Photo Courtesy: @roshavino

Behind the Bottle: Made in Georgia’s Kakheti region using traditional qvevri fermentation. A soulful blend of Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane grapes, rooted in centuries-old technique.

Curious? Come Taste

If you’re curious about stepping into the world of skin-contact wines, we’re here to guide you. Stop by the shop and let us share a few of our favorites. Whether your taste leans clean and crisp or bold and funky, there’s a bottle waiting for you.

Orange wine isn’t just another passing style. With history, heart, and plenty of personality, it invites curiosity, sparks conversation, and brings something truly different to the table.

So go ahead and add a golden-hued gem to your NYC wine shelf. This is more than a trend. It’s a timeless addition worth exploring.