Global Drink Wine Day: How We're Celebrating
How do you celebrate Global Drink Wine Day?
Celebrate with a bottle that means something to you, share it with good food and even better company, and explore a style or grape you haven't tried before. For The Flying Winemaker team, that means everything from vintage Port and Chardonnay to Chenin Blanc and Champagne.
Every year on 18 February, wine lovers around the world have another reason to open a bottle and celebrate.
For us at The Flying Winemaker, wine has always been about more than what's in the glass. It connects people, places, food, and memories. Every sip carries a story — from the vineyard and terroir to the winemakers, growers and communities behind it.
So, how will our team be celebrating?
A Vintage Port Moment
Founder and winemaker Eddie McDougall would head straight to his cellar for a bottle of vintage Port — ideally from the iconic 1977 vintage, made by a traditional house such as Graham's or Dow's.
“These wines are so understated and undervalued,” he says.
His perfect pairing?
Roast beef, roast potatoes and classic gravy, followed by blue cheese or aged cheddar to finish the bottle and the meal.
It's a reminder that great wine doesn't need to be complicated. Sometimes, the best pairing is simply a great bottle, comforting food and people around the table.
Chardonnay in the Australian Sun
For winemaker Lilian Carter, celebration means sharing wine over a meal with friends and family.
Her favourite grape? Chardonnay.
“I enjoy exploring all its incarnations!”
Based in Australia, Lilian will be celebrating during a warm summer day, making a chilled Chardonnay the natural choice. Her pairing: grilled seafood and light salads.
Fresh, versatile and endlessly expressive, Chardonnay is a grape that can look completely different depending on where and how it's made.
Raising a Glass of Chenin Blanc
For Kyle Oosterberg, The Flying Winemaker's Chief Operations Officer, the choice is personal: Chenin Blanc.
“As a South African, it feels like a fitting choice.”
South Africa is home to some of the world's oldest Chenin Blanc vines and a remarkable range of expressions. Kyle loves the grape for exactly that versatility — from crisp and dry styles to rich, luscious wines.
His challenge for Global Drink Wine Day?
Try something new.
If Chenin Blanc isn't already on your radar, perhaps this is the perfect excuse to discover it.
Champagne: The Ultimate Celebration Wine?
For business manager Mark Law, it's Champagne.
He points to the diversity within Champagne itself. Non-vintage Champagne offers consistency and house style, while vintage Champagne can capture the character of a particular year. Then there are styles such as Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs, alongside different levels of sweetness.
But for Mark, the real magic of Champagne isn't just what's in the bottle.
It's what happens when you open it.
Champagne encourages conversation, sparks memories, and creates new ones, making it almost impossible to separate the wine from the people and occasions surrounding it.
And on Global Drink Wine Day, that's certainly worth raising a glass to.
Wine Is Better When It's Shared
There may be countless ways to celebrate Global Drink Wine Day, but the Flying Winemaker philosophy is simple: drink something you love, eat something delicious and share the experience.
Whether it's a beautifully aged Port, chilled Chardonnay, expressive Chenin Blanc or celebratory Champagne, there's no single right wine for the occasion.
Sometimes, the best bottle is simply the one that brings everyone to the table.
Cheers to wine, food, friendship and the stories in every glass.
Words: Annabel Jackson
FAQs
What is Global Drink Wine Day?
Global Drink Wine Day is celebrated annually on 18 February, giving wine lovers an opportunity to appreciate wine, food, culture and the people behind every bottle.
How should you celebrate Global Drink Wine Day?
Open a bottle you enjoy, pair it with good food, share it with friends or family, and use the occasion to discover a new grape, region or wine style.
What wine pairs well with roast beef?
Vintage Port can be an excellent choice alongside rich roast dishes, while blue cheese or aged cheddar can provide a classic finish.
What food pairs well with Chardonnay?
Chilled Chardonnay works particularly well with grilled seafood, salads, and other lighter dishes, depending on the wine's style.
Why is Chenin Blanc a versatile wine?
Chenin Blanc can be produced in styles ranging from crisp and dry to rich and luscious, making it suitable for a wide variety of foods and occasions.
Why is Champagne good for celebrations?
Beyond its sparkling character, Champagne is associated with conviviality and social occasions, making it particularly suited to gatherings, conversation, and memorable moments.