Pinot Noir Day

Pinot Noir Day, observed annually on August 18, celebrates the Pinot Noir grape and the wines made from it. Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned red grape known for its delicate character and the care required in the vineyard. Its name comes from the French words for “pine” and “black,” referring to its dark, tightly clustered, pinecone-shaped grapes.A history of Pinot Noir from Burgundy to the world explains that the variety has long been associated with Burgundy, while notable expressions are also produced in cool-climate regions such as Oregon, New Zealand, and Canada.

Pinot Noir’s roots reach back to the Middle Ages, when Burgundian monks cultivated it in the Côte d’Or. The same source says the grape was first mentioned in writing in 1283, under the name Moreillon. Its sensitivity to soil, climate, and winemaking makes it challenging to grow, but also helps produce wines with varied regional character.

The holiday’s own beginnings are less certain. According to the Burgundy wine history, August 18 became established as an informal wine-world observance in the late 1980s, emerging organically among winemakers, sommeliers, and wine lovers rather than from a clearly identified founder or official organization. Pinot Noir Day offers an opportunity to appreciate the grape’s history and compare wines from different regions.

How to Observe Pinot Noir Day

Celebrate by tasting Pinot Noirs from two or more regions and comparing their aromas and flavors. Pair the wine with salmon, duck, mushrooms, cheese, or another favorite meal; these foods are cited as suitable companions for Pinot Noir in the 2025 wine days calendar. You could also visit a winery or wine bar, learn about the grape’s Burgundian history, or choose a non-alcoholic Pinot Noir option if you prefer. If you drink alcohol, enjoy it responsibly.

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