Viognier Wine

Viognier is loved by wine drinkers everywhere, thanks to its ripe fruit flavors and satisfying texture.

The grape variety can be tricky to grow, as it’s highly sensitive to its environment. But risks don’t come without reward—and the reward is an intensely fragrant wine with a rich, creamy texture that’s bursting with ripe stone fruit flavors.

Faced with declining popularity among winegrowers and being almost abandoned in the 1960s, Viognier has enjoyed a modern-day resurgence. It’s now an essential grape in many iconic blends of France’s Côtes-de-Rhône region.

Viognier wines are the perfect accompaniment for a special meal, celebration, or to enjoy as an indulgent treat. Browse our selection of Viognier wines and find the ideal bottle, whatever the occasion.

Originally from France’s Rhône Valley, Viognier is mostly grown in the Southern Rhône and Languedoc regions, but it’s also cultivated around the world in Italy, Spain, Argentina, South Africa, and South Australia.

In the U.S., Viognier vineyards can be found in California, Washington, and Virginia, among other states.

Viognier grapes are known as the ‘winemaker’s headache’ because they have low and unpredictable yields, are prone to powdery mildew, and should be picked only when fully ripe. If picked too early, winemakers risk losing the grape’s aromatic floral flavors.

While Viognier prefers warmer environments and a long growing season, this grape variety can also thrive in cooler climates if carefully tended.

Viognier wines are a luxurious treat, with intense peach and apricot flavors, complemented by fragrant aromas of honeysuckle and blossom. These medium-full-bodied whites have low acidity and tannins but a high alcohol content.

Due to their fresh, fruit-forward styles, Viognier wines are typically best enjoyed young. However, Viognier can benefit from oak aging, which gives the wines smoother textures, with vanilla and toasted spice notes.

Viognier typically offers soft, tropical fruity flavors with strong blossom notes. Flavors can range from light and zingy to bold and creamy, depending on where the wine is produced.

Viognier flavors can include:

• Mango
• Peach
• Tangerine
• Honeysuckle
• Pear
• Apricot
• Jasmine
• Violet

Secondary flavors develop when Viognier is aged in oak barrels, with notes of vanilla and other baking spices adding a creamy lushness to the wine.

When choosing a Viognier, pay attention to the region the grapes grew in, as climate can affect the wine’s acidity, sweetness, and taste profile.

Although Viognier is grown in many places worldwide, including California, Australia, and Italy, France is still generally considered the best producer of this indulgent wine.

Viogniers from cooler climates in South Africa and Australia can be elegant and silky, adopting a slightly more understated style.

When it comes to food pairing, Viognier is a versatile grape that can be paired with a variety of dishes.

Because of its natural fruitiness, Viognier is a great wine to pair with Asian dishes—think fragrant Thai rice, stewed fruits like mango chutney, pork, and sweet-and-spicy curries.

For something a little lighter, try pairing your Viognier with mild, creamy, buttery cheeses like Buratta, Ricotta, or Muenster—a delicious mid-afternoon treat.

Viognier can also be enjoyed on its own as an aperitif or with fruit or cream-based desserts.

Like Chardonnay, Viognier is best served chilled between 51-55° F. Serving warmer than this risks masking its texture, flavors, and acidity.

The ideal serving temperature brings out the wine’s natural fruitness and floral aromas. When first poured, the wine will have a clear, golden color. As it warms, the wine may become more opaque but should still retain its bright hue.