When you hear wine professionals talk about “cool” or “warm” climates, they’re not referring to fashion trends or tropical vacations. They’re talking about where the grapes are grown—and this plays a major role in how your wine smells, tastes, and feels.

Let’s break it down simply so that next time you take a sip, you’ll know what kind of climate your wine is coming from and what to expect in your glass.

Warm Climate Wines: Rich, Ripe, and Bold

Warm climate wine regions get more consistent sunshine and higher average temperatures during the growing season. Grapes here ripen more fully, developing more sugars and losing more acidity. This often results in wines that are:

• Fruit-forward (think ripe plum, blackberry, tropical fruits)

• Full-bodied

• Higher in alcohol

• Lower in acidity

Typical Warm Climate Regions:

• California (e.g. Napa Valley)

• Australia (e.g. Barossa Valley)

• Southern Italy

• Central Spain

• South Africa

Common Warm Climate Grapes:

• Cabernet Sauvignon

• Zinfandel

• Shiraz/Syrah

• Grenache

• Chardonnay (more tropical style)

What it tastes like:
Imagine biting into a sun-ripened mango or a juicy fig. These wines are often lush and generous—perfect for BBQs or sipping by the fire.

Cool Climate Wines: Fresh, Crisp, and Elegant

Cool climate wine regions have lower average temperatures and shorter growing seasons. Grapes ripen slowly here, preserving more of their natural acidity and developing more subtle, nuanced aromas. Expect wines that are:

• Crisp and high in acidity

• Lighter in body

• Lower in alcohol

• More savory or herbaceous in flavor

Typical Cool Climate Regions:

• France (e.g. Burgundy, Champagne, Loire Valley)

• Germany

• Northern Italy (e.g. Alto Adige)

• Oregon

• New Zealand

• Coastal Chile

Common Cool Climate Grapes:

• Pinot Noir

• Riesling

• Sauvignon Blanc

• Chardonnay (more citrusy/mineral style)

• Grüner Veltliner

What it tastes like:
Think of a tart green apple, freshly cut herbs, or a splash of lemon juice. These wines are refreshing and elegant—perfect for seafood dinners or summer afternoons.

Same Grape, Different Climate

Here’s the cool part: the same grape variety can taste totally different depending on the climate it’s grown in.

For example, Chardonnay from:

• Warm climate (like California): rich, creamy, with tropical fruit and often oak influence

• Cool climate (like Chablis in France): lean, citrusy, with sharp minerality and higher acidity

Same grape. Different place. Totally different vibe.

Why This Matters When Choosing Wine

Knowing whether a wine comes from a cool or warm climate can help you:

• Pick wines that match your taste (crisp vs. bold)

• Find better food pairings

• Understand labels (especially if they mention region or climate)

• Explore new regions more confidently

Pro Tip from Take A Sip

Next time you're trying a new bottle, ask yourself:
Is this wine more fresh and zippy or rich and ripe?
That one clue will already tell you something about the climate—and open the door to discovering wines you truly love.