International Viognier Day – 26 April 2024

International Viognier Day is one of the newer days on the international wine days calendar. It was started in 2021 by the team at Yalumba Wines who are synonymous with making Viognier in Australia.

Viognier Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April every year, so make sure it’s in your calendar for next year 😉

25 fun facts about Viognier to get the celebrations pouring

• Viognier is a white grape variety that is believed to have originated in the Rhône Valley region of France.
• Yalumba first planted Viognier vines in Australia in 1980 in South Australia’s Eden Valley. They have some of the oldest Viognier vines in the country.
• It is an incredibly versatile grape variety which makes wines that go fantastically with a really wide range of foods.
• Viognier is known for its aromatic qualities, with notes of apricot, peach, and honeysuckle.
• Viognier is a difficult grape to grow, as it is susceptible to disease and requires a long growing season.
• Viognier is often used in blends, particularly with the red grape Syrah, to add aromatics and body to the wine.
• Viognier is often considered a “winter white” because it pairs well with heavier winter dishes, like roasted meats and root vegetables.
• Viognier is also sometimes used to make sweet wines, particularly in the Condrieu region of France.
• Viognier is also used to make sweet dessert wines, such as Muscat de Beaumes de Venise and Rivesaltes.
• The name “Viognier” is believed to come from the French word for “violet,” due to the grape’s violet-like aroma. However I have also read that the name is thought to come from the Roman term “via Gehennae,” meaning “road to hell,” due to the grape’s difficult cultivation.
• Viognier is grown in several countries around the world, including France, the United States, Australia, and South Africa.
• Viognier is one of the few white wines that can age well, with some examples becoming even more complex and flavourful over time.
• Viognier is a relatively low-acid grape, which can make it challenging to balance in the winemaking process.
• Viognier is sometimes called the “Queen of Aromatics” due to its powerful floral and fruit notes.
• Viognier is often compared to Chardonnay, but with more pronounced aromatics and less buttery, oaky flavours.
• Viognier is often served chilled, but not too cold, to allow the aromatics to fully develop.
• Viognier is sometimes used in brandy production, particularly in the Armagnac region of France.
• Viognier is sometimes blended with other white grape varieties, such as Roussanne and Marsanne, to add complexity and balance.
• Viognier is sometimes used in aromatherapy due to its powerful scent.
• Viognier is sometimes called the “forgotten grape” because it fell out of favour in the mid-20th century and nearly disappeared altogether.
• Viognier is sometimes used to make sparkling wine, particularly in South Africa and Australia.
• Viognier is a relatively low-yielding grape, which can make it more expensive to produce than other white wines.
• Viognier is a versatile grape that can be used to produce a range of styles, from dry and crisp to sweet and syrupy.
• Viognier is a low-yielding grape variety, which can make it expensive to produce and therefore often expensive to purchase.
• The aroma of Viognier has been described as “hedonistic” and “intoxicating,” with a unique blend of floral, fruit, and spice notes.
• The most well-known regions in Australia for Viognier production include the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Adelaide Hills in South Australia, as well as the Yarra Valley and Heathcote in Victoria.
• Viognier is a wine that is worth exploring, as it offers a unique and complex flavour profile that is different from other white wines.

Fun ways to celebrate International Viognier Day

So now you know a bit more about Viognier, how should you celebrate this great wine grape on International Viognier Day? Here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling:

1. Host a wine tasting: Invite some friends over and have a Viognier tasting party. Purchase several bottles of Viognier from different regions and compare the aromas and flavors. You can also pair the wine with different foods to see how it complements different dishes.
2. Visit a winery: Take a trip to a local winery that produces Viognier. Many wineries offer tours and tastings where you can learn about the winemaking process and sample different wines.
3. Cook with Viognier: Use Viognier as an ingredient in your cooking. It’s a great addition to recipes for seafood, chicken, and vegetable dishes. You can also use it to make a delicious risotto or creamy sauce.
4. Enjoy a bottle of Viognier with friends or family: Sit back, relax, and enjoy a bottle of Viognier with your loved ones. Take the time to savor the wine’s unique flavours and aromas.
5. Share your love of Viognier on social media: Use the hashtag #InternationalViognierDay or #ViognierDay and post pictures of your celebrations on social media to share your love of this delicious wine with others.

Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the wine and appreciate its unique character. Happy International Viognier Day!

Let us know what wine you’ll be drinking for International Viognier Day below.