Pinot Noir Day Date in the current year: August 18, 2024

Pinot Noir, also known as Pinot Nero, Blauburgunder, Spätburgunder and under a number of other names, is a red grape variety of the common grape vine (Vitis vinifera). This grape is primarily associated with the Burgundy region of eastern France, but it is grown in many other wine-making regions around the world due to being easy to cultivate. The name Pinot Noir also refers to wines that are created exclusively or predominantly from this grape variety.

Pinot Noir is grown in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Hungary, Moldova, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Uruguay.

Pinot Noir is used to produce light- to medium-bodied red wines with low tannins and notes of red fruit (cherries, strawberries, raspberries), flowers and spice. It should be noted, however, that this wine can produce a broad range of bouquets and ages quite unpredictably. Pinot Noir can be blended with other grapes, for example, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Gamay, Malbec, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Poulsard, Syrah, and Trousseau.

Pinot Noir one of the few red grape varieties used to produce sparkling wines, rosés, and even white wines. White Pinot Noir is produced by some wineries in the Champagne and Alsace regions of France, Germany, Italy, and the United States. As for sparkling wines, Pinot Noir is used to produce Champagne, most English sparkling wines, and Franciacorta sparkling wines.

The origin of Pinot Noir Day is unclear, but there are mentions of it being celebrated in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, the Czech Republic, Australia, and other countries, so the holiday definitely has the right to be referred to as International Pinot Noir Day.

How to observe Pinot Noir Day? Of course, the easiest way to celebrate the holiday is by indulging in a glass or two of Pinot Noir or sharing a bottle with a friend. Pinot Noir pairs well with cold meats (charcuterie), roast turkey, chicken or duck, grilled red meats, mushroom dishes, grilled or roasted salmon, and a wide variety of cheeses, for example, sheep milk cheeses, blue cheeses, Emmenthal, Gouda, Gruyère, and more.

You also can celebrate Pinot Noir Day by attending a wine tasting, booking a vineyard or winery tour, throwing a wine-themed party where you can sample Pinot Noirs from around the world (ask everyone invited to bring a bottle and don’t forget to coordinate to make sure no two bottles are the same), or giving a bottle of Pinot Noir to someone special as a gift to introduce them to this delicious wine. And, of course, don’t forget to spread the word about the holiday on social media with the hashtag #PinotNoirDay.