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National Pinot Grigio Day

The popular white wine known as Pinot Grigio comes from a mix of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Visit a winery, host a tasting event, or simply enjoy a glass.

Alcohol Food & Drink Wine62

Marketing angleinferred

Drive May wine sales and tasting events by positioning Pinot Grigio as an accessible, versatile white wine for both casual enjoyment and culinary experimentation.

Relevance 62high intent

Host a multi-region Pinot Grigio tasting to showcase global varieties and terroir differences
Create refreshing cocktail recipes (Hugo Spritzer) and baking applications to expand usage occasions beyond the glass
Partner with wineries and retailers to offer limited-time May promotions and exclusive regional selections
Leverage user-generated content from home tastings and cocktail creations to build community engagement

History

This event was established in 2017 by the Cavit winery in Trentino, Italy. But Pinot Grigio itself has a long history and shares part of its genetic heritage with Pinot Noir.

As the years went by it came to be one of the most popular vintages to be grown and produced, with over 15,000 Hectares are being used to grow the grape necessary to produce it.

If you’ve never had this fine wine and want to know how it tastes, it has been described as having an acidic, lighter-bodied flavor, most of it noted as having a recognizable ‘spiciness’ to them.

Depending on where you’re getting your Pinot Grigio from, it may come under a different name, with examples being the Auxerrois Gris from Alsace, the Grauer Monch from Germany, and the Rulander from Romania.

While the basic profile of the wine remains the same, there are variations based on where and how its produced that lead to sweeter and drier varieties being available.

National Pinot Grigio Day is your opportunity to go out and buy a bottle or ten and start sampling a delicious variety of what the world has to offer in the way of excellent wines!

How to celebrate

Enjoy Some Pinot Grigio

There’s no better way to celebrate this day than by getting yourself a fine bottle of Pinot Grigio and pouring it out with some friends.

Host a Wine Tasting

Given that there are multiple varieties of this wine, it could be good to schedule a wine tasting where everyone brings a bottle of Pinot Grigio from a different region to ensure that everyone gets the chance to enjoy the wide world of Pinot Grigio. Don’t let this holiday pass you by without taking the time to appreciate one of viticulture’s finest products!

Make Some Creative Cocktails

Why not create your own cocktail with Pinot Grigio? There are some amazing Pinot Grigio cocktails on the Internet. One of our favorites is a Hugo Spritzer. To make this cocktail, you will need your favorite Pinot Grigio (or any old bottle!) combined with soda water, elderflower syrup, mint leaves, some wedges of lime, and some ice. It’s a refreshing cocktail, which goes down a treat.

Bake with Pinot Grigio

Did you know that you can use Pinot Grigio in a pie and tart crust? You have probably heard about creating a tender pie crust with vodka but you can also use this delicious white wine because the science is very similar. Unlike water, gluten is not created when flour and alcohol are mixed together. If you overwork gluten, baked goods can end up tough—but you can enjoy a much more tender crust if you use less gluten. Moreover, the touch of Pinot Grigio is going to add a bit of sweetness to the crust as well, so it’s a win-win!

FAQ

Did you know Pinot Grigio is a mutation of Pinot Noir?

Yes, Pinot Grigio originated as a genetic mutation of the red Pinot Noir grape, resulting in its distinctive grayish-blue hue.

Why do some Pinot Grigio wines have a pinkish tint?

The grape’s skin has a grayish-blue color, which can impart a copper or pinkish hue to the wine if there’s extended skin contact during production.

How did Pinot Grigio become popular in the United States?

In the 1970s, Italian winemakers began exporting large quantities of Pinot Grigio to the U.S., where its light, easy-drinking characteristics appealed to many consumers.

What are some unique ways to celebrate Pinot Grigio Day?

Wine enthusiasts celebrate by hosting wine and paint nights, visiting wineries, or pairing the wine with diverse cuisines like seafood, spicy dishes, or even sushi.

Is Pinot Grigio more popular abroad than in Italy?

Yes, Pinot Grigio is more popular internationally, especially in the U.S., than in Italy itself.

What is the significance of May 17th for Pinot Grigio Day?

Pinot Grigio Day is celebrated annually on May 17th, a date established to honor this beloved white wine.

How does the climate affect the flavor profile of Pinot Grigio?

In cooler climates, Pinot Grigio tends to have higher acidity and more citrus flavors, while warmer climates can produce wines with richer, tropical fruit notes.

What are some common misconceptions about Pinot Grigio?

A common misconception is that Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are entirely different grapes; in fact, they are the same grape variety but produced in different styles.

Are there any notable historical figures associated with Pinot Grigio?

Emperor Charles IV, ruler of the Holy Roman Empire in the 14th century, was reportedly fond of Pinot Grigio and had the vines planted in Hungary.

What are some fun facts about Pinot Grigio’s name?

The name “Pinot Grigio” comes from the French word “pinot,” meaning pine cone, and “grigio,” meaning gray in Italian, referring to the grape’s pine cone-shaped clusters and grayish color.