When you’re shopping for wine, you’ve probably seen terms like “vintage” or “non-vintage” on the label. But what do these terms mean, and why should you care? Here’s a breakdown of the main differences between these two types of wines and what makes each unique.

Grape Vines Growing in a Vineyard in Northern MichiganWhat Is a Vintage Wine?

A vintage wine is made exclusively from grapes harvested in a single year, which is why you’ll see a specific year displayed prominently on the bottle. That year, called the “vintage,” often reflects the unique climatic conditions of that season.

For example, a 2015 vintage wine means all the grapes were harvested during the 2015 growing season. Because the quality of grapes depends heavily on weather, a stellar vintage can produce exceptional wines. However, if the weather was less favorable that year, it could impact the wine’s quality.

What Is a Non-Vintage Wine?

Non-vintage wines are crafted by blending grapes (or wines) from multiple harvest years. This allows winemakers to create a consistent flavor profile from bottle to bottle, year after year. You’ll often find this in sparkling wines like Champagne, labeled with “N.V.” to indicate “non-vintage.”

Bottom-up shot of a beautiful couple tasting wine of different varieties at a wineryKey Differences:

  1. Harvest Year: Vintage wines come from a single harvest, while non-vintage wines blend multiple harvests.
  2. Consistency: Non-vintage wines ensure a stable taste across years, whereas vintage wines capture the essence of a specific growing season.
  3. Price: Vintage wines, especially from exceptional years, tend to be pricier and more collectible. Non-vintage wines are often more affordable.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re looking for a wine with unique character and are curious about how a specific year influences taste, go vintage. For reliability and a familiar flavor, non-vintage is the way to go. Either way, you can’t go wrong—it all comes down to personal preference and occasion!