Winter is upon us and it’s the perfect time to slow down and contemplate the year that’s passed, gather with friends and loved ones in front of a fireplace and enjoy a glass of full-bodied wine. If this doesn’t conjure up images of the perfect moment for cosiness, then we don’t know what will. Although there are different types of wines, some are better for the winter season than others.

So, if you’re wondering why do people drink red wine in winter or what wines to pair different winter dishes with, you’ve come to the right place. Before you buy red wines online, make sure to check why this specific type of wine is ideal for this season.

Why is red wine good for winter?

Many people wonder “is red wine a winter drink?” The answer is that it will vary from person to person and palate to palate but the truth is it is possibly the best option for a cool winter’s day. The reasons for this are varied.

For starters, drinking red wine in moderation can be healthy for you and in addition to health-related reasons to consume it, it also goes deliciously well with various winter foods. (But for more on this, take a look at our discussion below.) Therefore, if you’re curious about when should you drink red wine, the answer is that you should definitely pour yourself a glass (possibly a Tall Horse Merlot 2020 or Tall Horse Pinotage 2020) during the winter months. Even though it can be enjoyed on hotter days as well.

5 Reasons to Sip a Glass of Wine on a Snowy Day

And now, as promised and without further ado, here are some of the main reasons why you should drink red wine on a snowy winter’s day.

It’s good for your blood circulation and heart – If you needed any reason to drink a glass of red wine, this one is for you. Drinking red wine in moderation has been shown to have health benefits. Not least of which is improved blood circulation and a healthier heart.
It will warm you up and give you rosy cheeks – Red wine is also perfect for warming you up internally and this can stimulate the appearance of rosy cheeks. You’ll be the picture of health after you enjoy a glass of full-bodied red wine!
It’s a great way to enjoy lovely company – Imagine sitting in front of a fireplace with great company and a bottle of red wine to share. Isn’t this the perfect way to end off a day at work, sit down, have a chat and share in some laughter?
It can decrease the presence of germs – Another important reason why drinking red wine can be good for you is because it can decrease the presence of germs in your body. This is because wine contains antioxidants that fight germs. This can ultimately be good for your immune system and overall health and well-being.
It’s perfect for celebrating the holiday spirit – And last but not least, drinking red wine is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit and truly celebrating it. There’s nothing better than putting on your oldest, ugliest Christmas sweater, dressing up cosy, and topping off the evening with a glass of red to the soundtrack of carols in the background.

Food and Wine Pairing

Now that you have all the reasons in the world to enjoy a glass of red in winter, what about pairing your wine with the right foods to get just the right flavours to emerge and delight your taste buds? If you’re curious about how to drink wine in winter, here are a few suggestions we have for you.

Pairing red wine with food can lead to an amazing amalgamation of flavours. For example, you can enjoy lamb ragu, coq au vin pie or a beef rib roast with a glass of red to truly bring out the flavours and enjoy a richer taste experience. Contrary to popular belief though, red wine should not always be consumed at room temperature.

Instead, consider chilling it for about 30 minutes before serving so that you can enjoy its aromas better instead of having the strength of the alcohol permeate the flavour of the wine. The type of glass it’s served in can also make a difference so be sure to use glasses with stems, wider bodies and narrower tops so that the wine’s tannins are not as strong and that the hints of alcohol do not dominate.

But what about Rose wines or white wines? Don’t worry! We won’t leave these wine lovers out of the equation. White wine, for example, is another great wine type to drink during cold winter months. This is especially the case in ski resorts where dishes like tartiflette, Savoyard fondues and raclettes are served almost as a rule. White wine (although rose is also a huge contender) is very well paired with cold meats, cheeses and crackers and it should not be left off your shopping list when you go out to purchase your winter wines.

Cheers to warmth and laughter!

As you raise your glass to toast the celebration of the new year or to enjoy a lovely hot roast during the cold winter months, think of all the health benefits that come with moderate consumption of a glass of red wine in winter. Many people wonder is wine good to drink in winter and our answer is a resounding “yes”!

Apart from health benefits, it can truly put you in the holiday mood, giving you the opportunity to make lasting memories and share laughter with loved ones. We truly understand the traditions that arise during the winter months and the importance of having a glass of wine accompany almost any occasion. This is why we have a broad and fine selection of wines on offer – from reds to whites to Roses – to give your taste buds a delightful treat.