14 Wines To Enjoy On St. Patrick's Day
Wine lovers are always looking for a fun occasion to pop open a new bottle. While you can explore an array of options to pair with any old weeknight dinner, celebratory events and holidays provide an additional excuse to try something special. Whereas some holidays are centered around enjoying food with loved ones, others offer different highlights.
If you're Irish or love to drink green beer and participate in parades, St. Patrick's Day may be high in your ranking of favorite holidays. However, that doesn't mean it isn't an equally suitable occasion to serve wine. In sticking with the theme, our selection of wines suitable for the festive holiday features options that pair with traditional Irish food, others that showcase wineries with impressive sustainability practices, and a few scattered in for purely semantic reasons. Whether you're pairing your pours with hearty Irish fare or gulping them down every time the beer glasses clink, these wines are sure to enhance your St. Paddy's celebration.
1. Verdicchio
A nod at the appearance of this green grape, verdicchio is a variety primarily grown in Abruzzo and Le Marche, two regions in Central Italy on the Adriatic coast. The Italian word for green — verde — lends itself well to the grape, which produces a range of wine styles from herbal to floral to fruity, often with a streak of almond flavor in the background. If you've never heard of the grape, you're not alone. Although these wines are crisp, vibrant, and appealing to most white-wine-loving palates, the low-key nature of these wine regions compared with big players like Tuscany means the grape has yet to boom ... which is good if you're looking for an excellent and affordable white wine to enjoy solo or with food.
Umani Ronchi quickly expanded from its small beginnings and is now one of Italy's top wineries under the Istituto Grandi Marchi, promoting quality wines locally and worldwide. Its Casal di Serra Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC is made in a bright style that is pleasantly refreshing. Floral aromas mingle with stone fruits to give it a rich smooth finish. Sip on it as the St. Patrick's Day festivities begin or serve it with poultry, fish, or cheese dishes.
2. Verdejo
Another grape that wears its green name loud and proud is verdejo, which primarily grows in Rueda, Spain. It boasts zesty aromas of grapefruit and lime, with an herbaceous quality that makes it a great alternative for sauvignon blanc lovers. Thanks to its high acidity, you can sip on a glass of verdejo between bites as a tasty palate cleanser. Although it can be quite light and zingy, styles with oak aging and further maturation offer more complexity.
Family-owned Bodegas Félix Lorenzo Cachazo has been in operation for five generations, paving the way for the Designation of Origin Rueda. The winery's Carrasviñas wine has long been a product of pride, and its more modern renditions are notably fresh. Brimming with herbal aromas, a telltale element of fennel, and fruity undertones, a chilled glass of verdejo to ring in the St. Paddy's Day parade is sure to be welcome. Serve it with seafood or light snacks, or enjoy it as a flavorful aperitif.
3. Grüner veltliner
As Austria's star variety and number one growing white wine grape, grüner veltliner delivers on all fronts. Whether you're a fan of crisp fresh styles or velvety layered whites, there's a bottle of grüner for you. Its name stems from its location of origin (Veltlin) and its color (green), which make it fair game for a St. Patrick's Day palette. It's also a great option to serve with food, as it tends to pair well with certain flavors (such as pungent vegetables) that don't fare so well with just any wine.
Meinklang takes the concept of a symbiotic ecosystem and biodynamics to the next level, with its vineyard design consisting of islands complete with multiple fruit trees, creating homes for various birds, insects, and small creatures to live in union with the vines. The winery's grüner veltliner follows a low-intervention style of winemaking, producing a refreshing sipper filled with character. Stone fruit, green apple, citrus, and hints of white pepper make this an easy-drinking wine that will make the perfect accompaniment no matter your St. Patrick's Day plans.
4. Vinho Verde
If you want to keep up with the folks chugging down pints of green beer, you'll have to consider a lower-alcohol option. With some bottles reaching 16% ABV, wine is definitely not the type of drink to mindlessly sip throughout the day — even if it's St. Patrick's Day. Portuguese Vinho Verde is our go-to light and fresh wine for occasions when we might have an extra glass or two. With or without food, it's endlessly palatable and fits in with our leprechaun green theme. Another bonus is its general affordability, which is especially desirable for laidback sipping; there's no need to bring out your star bottles from the cellar.
Broadbent Selections works in tandem with family-owned wineries worldwide to bring dazzling bottles to the U.S. The Vinho Verde line is consistently well-received and a great introduction to the style. Zesty and dry with an alcohol content of 9%, this refreshing wine goes down smoothly. With fruity notes of green apple and citrus, a touch of effervescence seals off each sip.
5. Pinot gris
Some traditions are less about the authentic history and more about the way immigrants developed customs in their new homelands. Eating corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick's Day is a fine example; although it would be natural to associate the dish with Ireland, it turns out it's an Irish-American twist. On the other side of the Atlantic, beef was commonly expensive and bacon was easily enjoyed. Stateside, corned beef was a cheaper alternative that was readily available, cementing it as the protein of choice with a plate of cabbage.
Salty and fatty meat paired with an odoriferous vegetable calls for a well-balanced wine. Although you might have a lukewarm opinion of citrusy pinot grigios, pinot gris from Alsace is in a league of its own. Domaine Zind Humbrecht is a union of two families with centuries worth of experience guiding the production. The winery makes a variety of pinot gris wines from its various vineyards, including Rotenberg. Stone fruit, citrus, and a mineral backbone from the limestone soils make this wine a vivacious option to lighten up a hearty meal. Additionally, the high acidity makes it an excellent palate cleanser between each salty bite.
6. Chardonnay
Potatoes are certainly a cornerstone of Irish cuisine, and the versatile root vegetable shows up in many classic dishes. Potato soup is a top choice in the comfort food department, and perfect if your celebrations are lasting well into the night. Not to mention, a warm soup is more than welcome since many areas in the Northern hemisphere experience chilly conditions in mid-March. While there are endless variations on a standard potato soup recipe, Irish renditions often consist of a creamy base with potatoes, leek, and a sharp punch of flavor from cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
We recommend serving a hearty potato soup with a textured and balanced chardonnay wine from the French Alpine region of Jura. The higher altitude viticulture region is the ideal setting for fresh yet complex chardonnays layered with fruity aromas. Domaine Baud has been sharing its expertise in the region for nine generations, and its Cuvée Flor is a lively take on the popular grape. Peach, pear, apple, and quince mingle with floral notes and minerality in this vibrant wine. The gentle acidity makes an excellent palate cleanser for the creamy soup while complementing its earthy taste.
7. Châteauneuf-du-Pape
It doesn't get much heartier than beef and Guinness pie. As a twist on a British steak pie, the Irish version makes use of one of its star stout beers to add some richness. The remaining ingredients are standard for meat pie fillings and include carrots, celery, onions, and seasonings like bay leaf, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. A flaky crust contains it all, making for a wholesome meal to keep your belly padded throughout your St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
To match this weighty dish, a bold red wine is a natural pairing. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a small region in France's Southern Rhône valley known for its complex wines. With more than a dozen permitted grapes in the blend, winemakers can achieve balance and highlight desired qualities. Domaine Roger-Perrin's blend is primarily composed of grenache grapes, with some syrah, mourvèdre, and small quantities of local grapes to complete. Notes of red and black fruits, spices, and a hint of vanilla round out this smooth wine. Although it packs a punch, it maintains an excellent balance that makes it all-around enjoyable.
8. Syrah
Comfort food is appreciated across the board, whether it consists of a bag of chips or the chicken noodle soup your mom made when you were sick. Shepherd's pie is a traditional Irish dish everyone needs to try at least once since it has all the components of a heartwarming meal, with its layers of mashed potatoes and ground beef (or lamb traditionally) with vegetables (peas, onions, carrots, you name it). The recipe offers many regional variations but the creamy result is a consistent feature. Prepare a tray of Shepherd's pie for a St. Patrick's Day gathering or enjoy it at an Irish pub.
While it'll probably be accompanied by a pint if you're dining at the pub, syrah wines make a great pairing for this wholesome dish. Particularly, if your signature meat is lamb, the gamey notes are a natural match for syrah's peppery undertones. Qupé winery in California's Central Coast experiences a cool climate thanks to cooling breezes from the Pacific Ocean that reach the valley vineyards. Specializing in France's Rhône varieties, the winery's syrah is a worthy pairing for a plate of Shepherd's pie. Notes of black fruit, coffee, leather, spice, and vanilla fill the palate, enhancing every bite of pie.
9. Piquette
If you like snacking on carbs, a loaf of soda bread is a must for St. Patrick's Day. Named for its baking soda content, the easy recipe has been an inexpensive staple in Ireland since the 1800s and a saving grace throughout the potato famine. You'll only need a few ingredients to whip up a loaf: flour, salt, baking soda, and an acidic element such as buttermilk to cause the dough to rise. From the frugal origins of soda bread that actually go back to the days of St. Patrick himself, it is still enjoyed regardless of the circumstance, often slathered in butter or flavored with raisins. A crusty slice will also serve you well when scooping up every last bite of stew.
If you're munching on the hearty bread during your St. Patrick's Day celebrations, piquette is a great option to wash it down. While it isn't exactly wine, the beverage is made using by-products of grape fermentation. Grapes are pressed to collect the juice, leaving behind the skins which are eventually discarded or used as vineyard compost. Piquette is made by refermenting the extra skins (aka pomace) with water, resulting in a low alcohol and lightly effervescent drink. California winery Field Recordings describes its piquette, Tang, as wine tea. With notes of clementines and white jasmine tea, this 7.1% ABV creation is a great way to ease your way into the festivities.
10. Sauvignon blanc
Potatoes certainly play a key role in Irish cuisine, and colcannon highlights the humble spud. The savory rendition of mashed potatoes includes cabbage and other leafy green vegetables such as leek, kale, or collards, as well as plenty of cream and butter. The comforting dish enhances the basic starch, resulting in a richly flavored concoction that practically melts in your mouth. Bacon can be added to the mix for a salty punch, and colcannon is commonly served with corned beef as a complete meal.
If you're serving colcannon at your St. Patrick's Day spread, you'll want a zippy white wine to cut through the creamy goodness. Sauvignon blanc is a zesty fruity grape that takes on a range of styles depending on its origin. Chile produces some excellent versions, such as the Grand Selection by Lapostolle. Tropical aromas and citrus notes liven up the palate, while an herbaceous hint adds layers of flavor to this easy-drinking wine.
11. Schiava
The color green can evoke plenty of different notions depending on the context. Whereas dressing in green is associated with St. Patrick's Day, green is commonly used to describe environmental sustainability. Given that wine is an agricultural product first and foremost, it goes without saying that viticulture exists on a spectrum of eco-friendly practices. From farming to winery outputs and water usage, there are endless ways that winemakers can fine-tune their green status. Bottling and transportation are significant factors, as the energy and carbon emissions required to bring bottles from one location to another can be incredibly high.
Alois Lageder winery in South Tyrol, Italy, released the Summa wine bottle, which weighs just under one pound. Standard bottles vary in weight but can reach two pounds in some cases. The use of the new bottles drops the winery's transportation weights by almost 20%, reducing overall carbon emissions. Lageder currently features its classic grape varieties in this bottle, offering plenty of opportunities for customers to drink green. The schiava grape (aka vernatsch) is native to the region and produces light and fragrant red wines. Red fruits, floral aromas, and a hint of pepper stand out in this juicy wine, and with a low alcohol content of 10.5%, you can sip on it with or without food.
12. Canned wine
While it may make some wine aficionados wince, canned wine is without a doubt a more sustainable choice than glass bottles. In the guise of drinking green, it goes without saying that you should pick up a case of canned wine for your St. Patrick's Day festivities. If you have yet to try this format, you may be hesitant about the quality; after all, cans are typically used for sugary soft drinks. Thankfully, many wineries are marching forward on the sustainability trend and prioritizing containers that are lighter and require less energy to produce, expanding the range of premium products on the market.
Sipwell is a California-based wine company with a self-described "can-do spirit." Using organic grapes from the Central Coast, customers can choose from grape varieties like pinot noir and grenache, as well as sparkling white, red, and rosé wines. To add some fun to the imbibing experience, the 250-milliliter cans are labeled with quirky names such as Rock Steady, Tiny Victories, and Go Getter. No matter the type of St. Paddy's Day celebration you're enjoying, a can of Sipwell is sure to enhance it. Not to mention, the individual size is perfect if you don't want to lug around a bottle of wine.
13. Pét-Nat
Sparkling wine is easy to love thanks to its celebratory nature and extremely sippable qualities. However, you don't have to pop open a bottle of Champagne to get your fix. There are plenty of styles of bubbly, including Prosecco, Cava, and French Crémant. Pétillant naturel, aka pét-nat wine, gets a lot of buzz from natural wine fans since it is commonly made following low-intervention winemaking practices. Results can vary since the wine is bottled before the first fermentation is complete. The yeast continues to consume the residual sugar, and with nowhere to escape, the carbon dioxide byproduct of fermentation is trapped in the bottle and produces bubbles.
Delinquente is a low-intervention organic and biodynamic winery in Riverland, Australia, that primarily grows grapes native to Southern Italy. The vines thrive in hot and dry conditions, producing quality wines that have quite a following. Weeping Juan is a rosé pét-nat made with a blend of vermentino and nero d'Avola grapes. The result is light and fruity with juicy acidity, aromas of strawberries and tropical fruits, and a spicy finish. The light effervescence makes this extra refreshing and the perfect party sipper.
14. CBD-infused wine
In honor of the green-themed St. Patrick's Day festivities, you might want to forego the green beer and opt for wine infused with cannabis. It's important to note that this may not be an option in your state, so be clear on local laws before seeking it out. That being said, many people favor cannabis over alcohol in social situations. Mixing the two is not generally recommended, so wine is typically dealcoholized if cannabis is added to the blend. Different products feature either THC or CBD, two compounds that are present in cannabis.
House of Saka in Napa Valley produces "Vinfusions," highlighting optimal ratios of THC to CBD content in each bottle. The luxury beverage aims to hone in on the market for these novel products, and while the company is founded by women for women, anyone will be impressed if you show up with one of the elegant bottles. The House of Saka white blend is made with local chardonnay grapes and boasts notes of tropical fruits, oak, vanilla, and a buttery finish. With a THC content of 30 milligrams and 6 milligrams of CBD per bottle, you'll want to take your time sipping. Keep in mind that effects can begin to appear anywhere between five and 15 minutes after your first sip.