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Pinot Noir Day

Get ready to raise a glass and toast to Pinot Noir Day - the perfect excuse to indulge in your favorite red wine and relax!

Tuesday

August 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAugust 18

OBSERVED INUnited Kingdom

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYAlcohol

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to raise a glass and celebrate Pinot Noir Day on August 18! This delightful red wine has been produced for centuries, with its origins tracing back to the Burgundy region in France. It is known for its light to medium body, delicate flavors, and versatility when it comes to food pairings. Some even refer to it as the "heartbreak grape" due to its finicky nature in the vineyard. But don't let that stop you from enjoying a glass or two of this delicious varietal on its special day. So grab a bottle, gather some friends, and cheers to Pinot Noir!

TIMELINE

Pinot Noir Day Timeline

Birth of Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir, one of the oldest grape varietals, begins to be cultivated in the Burgundy region of France during the Middle Ages.

Spread Across Europe

Throughout the 19th century, Pinot Noir spreads across Europe and is grown in regions such as Germany and northern Italy.

Arrival in the US

The first commercial planting of Pinot Noir in the United States begins in Oregon and California in the early 1960s.

Rise in Popularity

The popularity of Pinot Noir grows throughout the 1980s, with a preference for lighter, more delicate red wines taking hold among consumers.

Spike in Demand

The release of the film "Sideways," which celebrates Pinot Noir, leads to a substantial increase in demand for the varietal.

First Pinot Noir Day

The first annual Pinot Noir Day is celebrated, honoring this beloved wine on August 18.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Pinot Noir Day

Host a Pinot Noir tasting party

Gather your friends and family to taste and compare different Pinot Noir wines. Provide a variety of cheeses and snacks to pair with the wines for a complete tasting experience.

CREATE

Create a Pinot Noir-inspired menu

Put together a menu featuring dishes that pair well with Pinot Noir, such as roasted chicken, salmon, or mushroom risotto. Don't forget to include a decadent chocolate dessert to pair with the wine as well.

TAKE

Take a trip to a winery

Plan a day trip to a nearby winery that specializes in Pinot Noir. Take a tour, participate in a tasting, and maybe even bring home a bottle (or two) to enjoy on Pinot Noir Day.

ATTEND

Attend a Pinot Noir festival

Check to see if there are any Pinot Noir festivals or events happening in your area on Pinot Noir Day. This is a great opportunity to taste a variety of wines and learn more about this popular varietal.

HAVE

Have a movie night featuring Pinot Noir-themed films

Gather some friends and watch movies that feature Pinot Noir, such as "Sideways" or "Bottle Shock." Enjoy a glass of your favorite Pinot Noir while watching these films that celebrate the wine.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Pinot Noir Day

There are endless varieties to try

From classic California Pinot Noirs to lesser known varieties from regions like New Zealand or Germany, there's always something new to discover in the world of Pinot Noir. Try different vintages and terroirs to experience the full spectrum of this beloved wine!

Pinot Noir is a versatile wine

Known for its medium body and fruity flavors, Pinot Noir is a wine that can be enjoyed by many. It pairs well with a variety of foods, from salmon to mushroom dishes to roast chicken.

It's perfect for any season

Whether it's summer, fall, winter or spring - Pinot Noir is always in season. Its light-bodied nature makes it refreshing on a hot day, while its warm aromas make it a cozy choice in colder months.