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National Red Wine Day :: Uncorking JOY

  • Writer: Josie Hough
    Josie Hough
  • Aug 28
  • 3 min read

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Sip Happens

Today we raise our glasses in celebration of National Red Wine Day, a day dedicated to one of the oldest and most beloved beverages in the world. While the origins of this specific holiday aren’t centuries-old like the drink itself, wine lovers across the U.S. have marked August 28th as a moment to pause and savor a pour of something bold, rich, and timeless.


A Sip of History


Red wine has been part of human culture for thousands of years - archeologists have traced its production back to around 6000 BC in what is now Georgia (the country, not the state). From the vineyards of ancient Greece and Rome to the rolling hills of Bordeaux and Tuscany, red wine has always been more than a drink - it’s been a companion to meals, conversations, celebrations, and family tradition.


Fun Facts to Toast With


    •    The world’s oldest known winery is over 6,000 years old, discovered in an Armenian cave.

    •    Studies often link moderate red wine consumption (hello, antioxidants in resveratrol!) with heart health.

    •    The most planted grape in the world? Cabernet Sauvignon.

    •    Fun twist: despite the romantic image of red wine being aged forever, most bottles are actually meant to be enjoyed within five years of release.


My Favorites, As Noted By Me


Over the years on my blog, I’ve had the joy of sharing a few reds that stand out for their flavor and the memories that come with them. A couple of my favorites I’ve written about on As Noted By Me include:


    •    A silky Pinot Noir perfect for cozy fall dinners.

Amici Pinot Noir 2022 - $44.99

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This is one of the best Pinot Noir's I've ever tasted. I'm thankful the expert at Total Wine led me here :) It is a legit sexy sip and feels balanced with berries, a hint of spice, and a velvety finish. This will be on my Thanksgiving table - it is made for that "big time" meal. I hope you love it just as much!


    •    A bold Cabernet Sauvignon that paired beautifully with a celebratory meal.

Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles $54.97

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This is the perfect wine to serve on Thanksgiving. Austin Hope's Cab has been a favorite at many special moments the last 10 years of my life. It is smooth, dark and complex without being "too much" of all those things that make a Cab just a bit "more" than other reds. I enjoy the fruit, warm spice and the very subtle touch of mocha, tea and tobacco. If you have not tried this pour, run out NOW and treat yourself on Turkey Day or on a day to celebrate an exceptionally good wine.


    •    And a Zinfandel that reminded me just how versatile red wine can be.


Frog's Leap Zinfandel 2020 - $46.99

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Powerful and spicy, this incredible favorite of mine has more body than most Zinfandels but still has the fruity notes you expect from the varietal. With mild hints of vanilla and black pepper it makes this a lovely wine with spicy dishes, beef, game, and bbq. If you're wanting to celebrate something special, choose this one and if you're in Napa Valley you should visit the Frog's Leap Winery. It is at the top of my list each time we visit. The wine tasting and grounds are incredibly well done, and their gardens are a must see!


These bottles weren’t just about taste - they were about moments shared with friends and family, meals made more memorable, and little notes of life I’ve collected along the way.


A Final Toast


So whether you’re uncorking a bottle of your tried-and-true favorite or exploring a new varietal, today is the perfect excuse to slow down, sip, and savor. Red wine has always been about connection - between people, between food and flavor, between past and present.


Here’s to celebrating the stories in every glass.


Until next pour,

Jos

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