Raising a glass to Viognier may seem a bit out of place in the mix of wine holidays. The white French Rhone variety isn’t the region’s most widely produced white wine, as it is often co-blended with Syrah to make a red wine. However, outside of France, producers have been highlighting the grape in single-varietal, full-bodied wines, like those produced in Australia by Yalumba. Yalumba is so passionate about its Viognier wines. They actually can be thanked for the creation of the wine’s holiday, taking place today on the last Friday in April annually. Let’s raise a glass to Viognier!

Since the first vineyard plantings in 1849, Yalumba has been a staple of Australian winemaking. The brand is known for its minimal intervention winemaking, allowing its vines to grow without interference and creating wines that represent the land they come from. The winery’s signature Yalumba Virgilius Viognier showcases this representation with a wine that has incredible complexity and depth while remaining light, lush, and lively. The wine opens with notes of white peaches, apricots, white pepper, and honeysuckle aromas, followed by well-rounded layers of stone fruit, blanched almonds, and savory spices that are slowly revealed throughout the enjoyment of a glass. This is a beautiful wine to sip slowly on its own, taking in each of the aromas and flavors or for pairing with seafood or shellfish.

Bricoleur Vineyards delivers its signature elegance in a bottle with its Kickranch Vineyard Viognier from the Fountaingrove District AVA. Bright and fresh, with energetic acidity that wraps around the variety’s well-rounded weight, creating a highly refreshing and deeply satisfying wine. On the open, floral notes of white flowers and honeysuckle meld into stone fruit, citrus, and a hint of crushed stone.

From Paso Robles, Clos Selene elevates Rhone variety grapes ripened in sun-drenched California days in vineyards rich with shale and limestone, creating mineral-driven, elevated wines. Clos Selene Hommage Blanc blends Viognier with Roussanne and a touch of Grenache Blanc, creating a balanced union of juicy fruit notes with fresh, aromatic floral notes, crushes stone, and well-balanced acidity. The palate is textured, with a subtle creaminess enhanced by a brief period of barrel and amphora aging, giving extra complexity to the lovely wine.

Fess Parker Rodney’s Vineyard Viognier from Santa Barbara County is a full-bodied, rich, expression of the grape variety.  The viognier leans into the classic apricot, peach, and melon flavors warm sunshine-filled days bring to the ripening fruit. The wine is barrel-fermented and aged for 8 months in neutral oak, adding structure, texture, and a touch of spice. This is the wine to enjoy with rich or spicy dishes, like a Thai curry or braised chicken thighs with dates and apricots.