February 18th: National Drink Wine Day

national drink wine day

Does anyone really need an excuse to crack open a bottle of their favorite red or white wine after a long, soul-draining day?

Probably not.

But hey, if a day devoted to wine gives us a reason to make it extra special, who are we to argue? Welcome to National Drink Wine Day, the official holiday for vino lovers everywhere. Cheers to that!


How to Celebrate National Drink Wine Day

Ernest Hemingway once mused that wine offers “a greater range of enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing.” And if Hemingway says it, it must be true. So, let’s honor his wisdom with some classy (and possibly tipsy) ideas:

Sip Something Special

Let’s face it — you deserve better than that bargain bottle you grabbed out of habit. On this fine day, treat yourself to something a bit more luxurious. A rich Bordeaux? A crisp Sauvignon Blanc? Or maybe even a bold Zinfandel that matches your personality? Whatever your choice, remember: this isn’t just drinking; it’s an experience.

Host a Wine Night

Friends, food, and wine. What more could you want? Invite your crew over for a wine-tasting soirée or a cozy dinner party. Pair wines with delicious snacks like cheese platters, charcuterie boards, or even chocolate. And if you don’t know how to pair wine with food? Well, Google was invented for moments like this.

Wine for Two? Yes, Please.

Feeling romantic? Pour a glass (or two) for you and your partner. Red wine has been praised for its aphrodisiac properties, so let the sparks fly. Nothing says “date night” like sipping Merlot by candlelight while pretending you know what “notes of cherry and tobacco” actually mean.

Toast to the Wine Gods

Raise your glass to Dionysus (or Bacchus, if you’re feeling Roman), the god of wine and merrymaking. If the ancient gods deemed wine worthy of divine worship, who are we to disagree? Bonus points if you toast in a toga.


The Juicy History of National Drink Wine Day

Wine and humans go way back — like, 8,000 years back.

It all started in modern-day Georgia (the country, not the state) with some very ambitious grape farmers. Soon after, ancient civilizations like the Romans, Greeks, and Persians got in on the action. Fun fact: the Romans popularized the tradition of clinking glasses to say “cheers,” but back then it was to prove your wine wasn’t poisoned.

Fast forward to 2007 when Todd McCalla, a wine-loving visionary, decided the world needed National Drink Wine Day. His goal? To spread love for the simple yet profound joy of sipping wine. Spoiler: it worked.


Wine and Health: A Toast to Benefits

Sure, wine is awesome anyway, but did you know it might also be good for you?

Here are some grape-flavored reasons to indulge responsibly:

  • Heart Health: Red wine is known to reduce the risk of heart disease. (It’s like cardio, but with less sweating.)
  • Stress Relief: A glass of wine can help you relax after a tough day. Just don’t drink the whole bottle, or tomorrow will be tougher.
  • Antioxidants: Red wine contains resveratrol, which sounds fancy and fights free radicals.
  • Social Bonding: Wine brings people together. That’s science.

Fun Wine Facts to Impress Your Friends

  • The average adult consumes about 45.6 gallons of wine per year. That’s 20 miles per gallon if you’re walking.
  • Nearly 20 million acres of land are dedicated to grape farming. Cheers to the farmers!
  • Mead and fruit wines existed long before Cabernet and Chardonnay were cool. Respect your elders.
  • Tapping glasses when saying “cheers” was invented to prove your wine wasn’t poisoned. Talk about trust issues.

National Drink Wine Day is your chance to celebrate one of life’s basic pleasures with humor, and just a little indulgence. Whether you’re swirling a Cabernet, sipping a Riesling, or popping a bottle of Champagne, remember – it’s not just about the wine, it’s about the company.

Raise your glass and toast to some good times over a bottle of your favourite tipple.

Check out some more February drinking days of the year.