National Pinot Noir Day: Pour One for the (Delicate) Diva

August 18th is National Pinot Noir Day, and we’re ready to swirl, sip, and celebrate this finicky yet fabulous grape that’s beloved around the world.

Often called the “heartbreak grape” for its thin skin and tricky growing temperament, Pinot Noir rewards the patient with wines of elegance, nuance, and sheer drinkability. Whether, earthy and restrained or fruit-forward and plush, its style is as varied as the regions it comes from.

So, whether you’re a longtime Pinot devotee or just discovering its charms, there’s no better time to explore its many expressions—from the volcanic soils of Oregon’s Willamette Valley to the foggy coastlines of California and the rolling hills of Burgundy.

Regional Highlights: Where Pinot Noir Shines

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Stateside, known as America’s Burgundy, Oregon’s Willamette Valley has built its reputation on world-class Pinot Noir. Thanks to its cool climate and volcanic soils, the wines here lean toward finesse—think bright red berries, forest floor, and a signature note of mushroom or earthiness. Willamette Pinots often show a silky texture and refreshing acidity that make them incredibly food-friendly.

This region is divided into several nested AVAs like Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, and Yamhill-Carlton, each adding its own twist to the profile. Whether you prefer a lighter, elegant style or something with a little more structure, Willamette has a Pinot for you.

🍽️ Pair it with: grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, roast chicken with herbs.

Wines to Try:

• Alexana Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 (~$64) Complex and expressive with dark cherry, baking spice, and forest floor notes.
• Ken Wright Cellars 2021 Bonnie Jean Pinot Noir (~$45) Elegant and structured with dark cherry, clove, and earthy undertones, this Willamette Valley Pinot is a standout from the Yamhill-Carlton AVA.

Sonoma Coast & Russian River Valley, California

California Pinot Noir can be a bit more generous—with riper cherry fruit, baking spice, and a lush mouthfeel. However, cooler-climate spots like Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley balance that richness with acidity, making for bold but balanced wines.

🍽️ Pair it with: pork tenderloin, duck breast, or even a truffle grilled cheese.

Wines to Try:

• Sojourn Wohler Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023 (~$56) A Russian River beauty with dark cherry, savory spice, and a long, structured finish.
• Buena Vista Geza’s Selection Pinot Noir 2023 (~$52) Offers lush raspberry, violet, and spice with a refined, elegant finish.

Burgundy, France

The birthplace of Pinot Noir. Here, terroir is everything. Burgundian Pinots—especially those from Côte de Nuits—offer earthy, savory depth with tart red fruit and a whisper of spice. These wines tend to be more restrained and built to evolve in the glass (and cellar). Moreover, the region’s long history of viticulture and strict classification system make it a benchmark for Pinot lovers around the world.

🍽️ Pair it with: coq au vin, beef bourguignon, or a simple roast duck.

Wines to Try:

• Domaine Borgeot Bourgogne Rouge 2023 (~$37) Bright cherry, a touch of spice, and smooth tannins make this a fantastic intro to Burgundy. A beautiful everyday bottle with classic character.
• Domaine Michel Gros Bourgogne Pinot Noir (~$40) Ripe red berries, earth, and gentle oak—this wine offers a glimpse into the heart of Vosne-Romanée at a fraction of the price.

Central Otago, New Zealand

Then, known for dramatic landscapes and bold wines, Central Otago delivers high-acid, fruit-driven Pinot Noirs with flavors of cherry, plum, and spice. They’re plush and expressive—perfect for those who like a little drama in their glass.

🍽️ Pair it with: lamb chops, teriyaki-glazed salmon, or grilled portobellos.

Wines to Try:

• Mohua Pinot Noir 2020 (~$24) A certified sustainable wine with cherry, clove, and a smooth, medium body.
• Two Paddocks Picnic Pinot Noir 2022 (~$30) From actor Sam Neill’s winery, this playful Pinot brings bright berry and soft spice.

South Africa

Meanwhile, South African Pinot Noir is often overlooked, but regions like Walker Bay and Elgin are turning heads. In particular, these areas offer a compelling mix of Old and New World qualities—elegant fruit, spice, and freshness, often at a great value.

🍽️ Pair it with: mushroom flatbread, braai-style meats, or aged gouda.

Wines to Try:

• Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir (~$50) – A benchmark wine from Hemel-en-Aarde with savory spice, bright cherry, and earth.
• Kara-Tara Pinot Noir 2023 (~$22) – Crafted by acclaimed winemaker Rüdger van Wyk, this is a juicy, easygoing Pinot with a serious side.

Cheers to Pinot!

Whether you’re popping a bottle from Oregon or Burgundy, Pinot Noir is a grape that brings people together—and keeps you coming back for just one more sip. So pour a glass, light a candle, and let this delicate diva shine.

✨ Looking for more wine inspiration? Check out a few of my other guides filled with tasting notes, regional tips, and bottle picks under $60:

👉 Best Rosé Wines for National Rosé Day (Under $60)
👉 Celebrate National Sauvignon Blanc Day With These Wines