# orange wine

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/orange-wine
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A type of wine made from white wine grapes whose skins are not removed.

## Examples

- I want to try a glass of orange wine tonight.
- She pours a glass of orange wine for her guest.
- The waiter recommended a dry orange wine to pair with our spicy dinner.
- Because the skins stay in the tank during fermentation, orange wine usually has a deeper color and a much bolder taste than standard white wine.
- Although many people are accustomed to traditional white or red, the unique tannins and complex profile of orange wine have gained popularity among modern enthusiasts.

## Origin

The literal term for a citrus-based wine is attested from the 19th century. The idiomatic application to grape wine emerged in the early 21st century, appearing as a marketing term derived from the distinctive hue produced by prolonged skin contact. Though the method of production has existed across various countries for centuries, the specific English-language name is a recent addition to the lexicon. Wikipedia notes further details regarding this nomenclature under the entry for orange wine, within the section titled Terminology.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.