Wine has been an inspiration for art, music, and poetry for centuries. Whether celebrating life’s pleasures or lamenting its challenges, wine has been a muse to many songwriters who have crafted tunes about this beloved beverage. This article compiles a list of the top 20 songs about wine that spans across different genres and time periods.
From the heartfelt ballad of Amy Winehouse’s “Love Is a Losing Game” to the fun and lively tune of UB40’s “Red Red Wine,” these songs explore the many aspects of wine: its effects, history, and cultural significance. Wine has been a symbol of luxury, social status, and pleasure. In this list, we will explore how songwriters have approached these topics and how wine has become a staple of popular culture.
1. “Summer Wine” by Nancy Sinatra And Lee Hazlewood
“Summer Wine” is a romantic duet by Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood, released in 1967. The song tells the story of a man and a woman enjoying a glass of summer wine together while taking a walk in the sun. The catchy melody, the dreamy atmosphere, and the smooth vocals of the two artists make this song a classic. With its nostalgic and wistful vibe, “Summer Wine” captures the essence of youthful summer romance and transports the listener to a simpler time. The song has been covered by various artists and has remained a popular choice for soundtracks, commercials, and other media.
2. “White Wine” by The Vernons
“White Wine” is an upbeat indie-pop song by the Australian band The Vernons. The track features dynamic guitar riffs, catchy vocal melodies, and a driving rhythm section that makes it an easy-listening party anthem. The lyrics center around the social aspects of drinking white wine with friends, as they express the pleasures of being with good company and enjoying life’s moments. With its infectious energy and relatable lyrics, “White Wine” is a fun and lighthearted track that will appeal to fans of indie-pop, rock, and feel-good music in general.
3. “Cherry Wine” by Hozier
“Cherry Wine” by Hozier is a soulful and melancholic love song that uses wine as a metaphor for the ups and downs of a romantic relationship. The song begins with a gentle acoustic guitar and Hozier’s hauntingly beautiful voice, setting the tone for the emotional depth of the lyrics. Throughout the song, Hozier sings about the pain of a turbulent relationship and how, despite the turmoil, the love between the two partners remains strong and sweet like cherry wine. The lyrics are poetic and vivid, evoking powerful imagery and emotions that are further amplified by Hozier’s soulful delivery. Overall, “Cherry Wine” is a beautiful and moving song about the complexities of love and relationships.
4. “Yesterday’s Wine” by George Jones
“Yesterday’s Wine” is a classic country song by George Jones that tells the story of an aging man reflecting on his life and the choices he’s made while sipping on yesterday’s wine. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of melancholy and regret, as the narrator sings about his past experiences and the people he’s lost along the way. Jones’ soulful vocals and the song’s twangy instrumentation add to its nostalgic and reflective tone. “Yesterday’s Wine” is a timeless classic that explores themes of aging, loss, and the passage of time.
5. “Wine After Whiskey” by Carrie Underwood
“Wine After Whiskey” is a powerful country ballad by Carrie Underwood that explores the struggles of heartbreak and addiction. The lyrics describe the aftermath of a toxic relationship, where the protagonist turns to alcohol to numb the pain of lost love. Underwood’s emotive delivery, combined with the haunting melody, brings out the raw emotions and pain of the situation. The song effectively conveys the damaging impact of alcoholism and the struggle to break free from the cycle of addiction. The heart-wrenching vocals and lyrics make “Wine After Whiskey” a standout track in Underwood’s discography.
6. “Whiskey to Wine” by Garth Brooks
“Whiskey to Wine” is a country duet by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. The song talks about a relationship that has taken a turn for the worse, and both parties are trying to save it by making it work. The title of the song is used metaphorically to describe how the characters are trying to turn something strong and intoxicating into something a little milder and more refined. Brooks and Yearwood’s voices blend together perfectly in this heartfelt ballad, and the melody is catchy and easy to sing along to. Overall, “Whiskey to Wine” is a moving country song that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to make a relationship work.
7. “Poison & Wine” by The Civil Wars
“Poison & Wine” is a haunting duet by The Civil Wars. The song is a heartbreaking exploration of a troubled relationship that has become both toxic and inescapable, as the two singers trade lines of regret and longing. The stripped-down instrumentation allows the vocals to take center stage, with the gentle acoustic guitar providing a soft foundation for the duo’s harmonies. The sparse arrangement contributes to the song’s haunting and emotionally raw atmosphere. The melancholy lyrics, combined with the duo’s stunning vocal performances, make “Poison & Wine” a captivating and memorable addition to the world of songs about love and heartache.
8. “Lilac Wine” by Miley Cyrus
“Lilac Wine” is a song originally written and recorded by James Shelton in the 1950s, but it was Miley Cyrus who brought it back to the spotlight in 2012 with her stunning cover. Cyrus’s version of the song is hauntingly beautiful and showcases her powerful, soulful voice. The melancholic melody and poetic lyrics compare the heady feeling of love to the intoxicating effects of wine, creating a bittersweet and emotional experience for the listener. The stripped-down acoustic arrangement highlights the raw emotion in Cyrus’s voice, making “Lilac Wine” a standout track in her discography.
9. “God of Wine” by Third Eye Blind
“God of Wine” by Third Eye Blind is a moody, atmospheric rock song with introspective lyrics that explore themes of addiction, disillusionment, and searching for something to believe in. The song features layered guitar riffs, hypnotic drums, and lead singer Stephan Jenkins’ distinctive vocals, which switch from soft and intimate to soaring and intense. As the song builds to its climax, it becomes more urgent and emotional, with Jenkins repeating the refrain “the god of wine comes crashing through the headlights of a car that took you farther than you thought you’d ever want to go.” The result is a haunting and memorable track that captures the complex emotions of a troubled soul.
10. “Sangria Wine” by Camila Cabello and Pharrell Williams
“Sangria Wine” is an upbeat song by Camila Cabello and Pharrell Williams that features a catchy Latin-infused rhythm with heavy percussion and horns. The song’s title is a reference to a popular Spanish wine, and the lyrics are full of sensual imagery and metaphors. Cabello’s sultry vocals are the highlight of the song, as she sings about the seductive power of music and dance. The song is a fun and lighthearted party track that is perfect for dancing and enjoying a glass of sangria with friends.
11. “I Drink Wine” by Adele
“I Drink Wine” is a soulful ballad from Adele’s 2021 album “30”. The song features Adele’s signature powerful vocals and lyrics that speak of self-reflection and personal growth. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who is dealing with the aftermath of a broken relationship, but has found solace in a glass of wine. The song is stripped down, with a simple piano melody that allows Adele’s vocals to take center stage. The emotional depth of the song and Adele’s impeccable vocal delivery make “I Drink Wine” a standout track on the album.
12. “Water in His Wine Glass” by Maddie & Tae
“Water in His Wine Glass” is a song by American country music duo Maddie & Tae. The lyrics describe a man who struggles to control his drinking, with the woman in the relationship forced to deal with the aftermath. The title refers to the woman watering down her partner’s wine to reduce his alcohol intake. The song features acoustic guitar and banjo instrumentation, with the duo’s signature harmonies bringing a sense of sweetness to the bittersweet tale. It is a poignant and emotional portrayal of the struggle with addiction and the impact it has on relationships.
13. “Two More Bottles of Wine” by Emmylou Harris
“Two More Bottles of Wine” is a classic country song recorded by Emmylou Harris in 1978. The upbeat track was written by Delbert McClinton and tells the story of a woman who uses wine to drown her sorrows over a lost love. The song features Harris’ signature harmonies and a strong backing band, including guitar legend Albert Lee. The catchy chorus is sure to get listeners singing along, while the twangy guitar riffs add a touch of classic country charm. With its lively beat and relatable lyrics, “Two More Bottles of Wine” is a standout in Harris’ extensive discography.
14. “Heaven Was a Drink of Wine” by Merle Haggard
“Heaven Was a Drink of Wine” is a country ballad by Merle Haggard, one of the most significant country music artists of the 20th century. The song is a nostalgic reflection on lost love and the pain of moving on, using wine as a metaphor for the memories and emotions associated with the relationship. Haggard’s distinctive voice and heartfelt delivery bring out the raw emotion in the lyrics, while the simple, acoustic arrangement provides a fitting accompaniment. The song is a testament to Haggard’s songwriting and storytelling abilities and a classic example of the storytelling tradition in country music.
15. “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant” by Billy Joel
“Scenes From an Italian Restaurant” by Billy Joel is a classic rock epic, telling a story of love, life and longing through three distinct movements. It opens with a nostalgic look back at the characters of Brenda and Eddie, who share a complicated relationship from their high school days. The second movement takes us to a restaurant where the narrator observes the patrons, including an old flame. The final movement brings us back to Brenda and Eddie and the eventual unraveling of their love story. With its changing tempos and moods, “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant” is a masterful piece of storytelling through music.
16. “Wine, Beer, Whiskey” by Little Big Town
“Wine, Beer, Whiskey” by Little Big Town is an upbeat country song about the good times that come from a night out with friends and loved ones. The song tells a story of a group of people enjoying themselves at a bar, dancing and laughing, and not worrying about the consequences. The catchy chorus celebrates the various alcoholic beverages and how they can bring people together and make them forget their troubles. The song features Little Big Town’s signature harmonies and a lively instrumental arrangement, making it a fun and catchy addition to any party playlist.
17. “Strawberry Wine” by Deana Carter
“Strawberry Wine” by Deana Carter is a country ballad that tells the story of a young girl’s first love and the memories that she cherishes forever. The song’s lyrics are nostalgic, recalling the sweetness of summer and the excitement of young love. Carter’s voice is soft and gentle, and the melody is a perfect match for the wistful lyrics. The song’s title references the strawberry wine that the young couple shared, serving as a symbol of their innocence and the fleeting nature of first love. “Strawberry Wine” became a huge hit when it was released in 1996 and has since become a beloved classic in the country music genre.
18. “Sangria” by Blake Shelton
“Sangria” is a romantic country song by Blake Shelton, released in 2015 as the third single from his album “Bringing Back the Sunshine.” The track features a smooth, mellow melody with a laid-back and seductive feel, which matches the song’s lyrics about indulging in a glass of sangria with a lover. The song’s chorus, “Your lips taste like sangria, your lips taste like sangria,” is catchy and has a singalong quality to it. The song was a commercial success and reached the top of the US Country Airplay chart, becoming one of Shelton’s biggest hits.
19. “Red Red Wine” by UB40
“Red Red Wine” is a classic reggae song by UB40 that has become a staple of popular culture. It was originally written and recorded by Neil Diamond in 1967, but UB40’s version in 1983 became a worldwide hit. The song has a catchy melody and a smooth, relaxed vibe that is perfect for a lazy summer day or a night out with friends. The lyrics describe the effects of drinking red wine, and how it can help to ease one’s worries and bring a sense of calm. The song’s popularity has endured over the years, and it has been covered by many other artists in various genres.
20. “The Days of Wine and Roses” by Bobby Darin
“The Days of Wine and Roses” is a classic song written by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer, which was originally composed for the film of the same name. Bobby Darin’s version, released in 1964, is a smooth and romantic interpretation that showcases his vocal prowess. The song has a nostalgic and bittersweet feel that explores the intoxicating nature of love and the pain that often accompanies it. With lush orchestration and Darin’s emotive delivery, “The Days of Wine and Roses” remains a timeless ballad that captures the joys and sorrows of the human heart.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
