Your No-Fuss Guide to the Main Types of Wine (and Then Some)

Whether you're new to wine or just looking to brush up on the basics, this guide breaks down the main wine styles - from reds and whites to sparkling, rosé, and orange - in a fun, easy-to-digest way. Paired with a handy infographic, it's the perfect starting point for exploring the bottles you know and discovering a few new favourites along the way.

Red Wine

Red wines come from red grapes - easy enough, right? Now let’s talk about the heavyweights of the wine world. These are the names you’ve definitely heard before, even if it was just someone confidently ordering a glass at dinner. Think Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon (aka Cab Sav), Pinot Noir, and Grenache. Sure, there’s a whole galaxy of other reds out there, but we’ll swirl our way into those later. For now, know this: these wines bring the flavour and the flair. They’re bold, complex, and best enjoyed at room temperature - unless your “room” is in the Arctic or deep in the desert. In that case, maybe use a little common sense.

White wine

White wines? Made from white grapes - no skin contact, no deep colour. That’s because all the pigment lives in the skins, and when juice and skin don’t mingle, you get those pale, crisp beauties we all know and love. We’re talking Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Pinot Gris - the Big 4 of the white wine world. Sure, there are plenty more out there, but we’ll sip our way to those later. These are best chilled, straight from the fridge - though every now and then, letting them warm up a touch can really bring out the magic.

Sparkling

Fizzy wine - whether it’s a splash of everyday Prosecco or a bottle of vintage Champagne - brings the party. This bubbly corner of the wine world includes staples like Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, Aussie Sparkling, and Moscato. They’re all sparkling, but how do they get their fizz? That’s a whole other story - ranging from years of ageing to just a blast of added gas. Each one’s got its own vibe.

Orange Wine

Orange wine might sound like it’s made from oranges, but it’s actually white wine produced in a very different way. Instead of pressing the grapes and quickly removing the skins (like with most white wines), the juice is left to ferment with the skins - just like red wine. This extra skin contact gives the wine its signature amber or orange hue, along with bold aromas, a bit of grip, and a more textured, savoury character. It’s a little funky, often a bit wild, and definitely not your average white - but that’s exactly why people love it.

Rose wine

All right, let's talk a little more about that skin contact thing we were on about before. Rosés are made from red wine grapes but with only a teeny tiny little bit of skin contact. Rarely, you can find a rosé that is a blend of red and white wine together (like you're at a house party and getting creative), but the first method is more common. The red grape skins hang out with the juice for just a few hours, imparting that lovely pale blush colour we all know and love.

That’s your crash course in the main wine styles - just enough to get you swirling, sipping, and maybe even showing off a little. Whether you’re team red, white, bubbly, or curious about orange, there’s a whole world of flavour to explore. Want to take things further? We offer Wine Tasting Experiences across the UK, perfect for diving deeper into the styles you love (and discovering a few new favourites along the way).