All About Amber (wine)

Getting to Know Orange & Amber Wine

Orange wine isn’t made from oranges—it’s made from white grapes fermented with their skins, just like a red wine. You’ll also hear it called “amber wine,” especially in Georgia. Both names describe the same style, with colors that range from golden yellow to deep amber.

Orange wine has ancient roots in Georgia. There, winemakers traditionally use qvevri: large clay vessels buried underground to ferment and age their wines. The style also has a long history in Slovenia and northeastern Italy, and today it’s made all over the world. It's a fan favorite for natural-wine winemakers and wine drinkers.

So, what makes it different? For most white wines, the grape skins are removed before fermentation. With orange wine, they stay in contact with the juice, adding color, flavor and texture. They also contribute tannins—that slightly drying feeling you get from drinking tea. Some bottles are light and fresh; others are bold and savory, with flavors that might remind you of dried apricots, orange peel, herbs or warm spices. Despite those fruity aromas, they are generally dry wines.

When it comes to food, there’s plenty to play with. Try a lighter bottle with grilled vegetables or roast chicken. A fuller, more textured wine can hold its own alongside roast pork, aged cheeses or dishes with warm spices. One of our favorite pairings is fried chicken!