Say it With Flowers: A Guide to Floral Wines

I live in Washington D.C.’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, which is adorned with the most incredible flowering trees. Come April, D.C.’s famous pink and white cherry blossoms get most of the attention. But each spring the city is also home to bountiful pink magnolias, purple azaleas and wisteria, and delicate dogwoods. It’s hell for allergies, but heaven for the eyes—and evocative of those special wines that are a bouquet in a glass.

💡 Fun Fact: The first 3,000 cherry blossom trees planted in D.C. were a gift from Japan in 1912, symbolizing friendship between the two cities. D.C. and Tokyo are also on similar latitudes, meaning they share similar climates despite being across the world—allowing the cherry trees to thrive in both places. 

There’s something so transporting about a wine that smells like a garden in bloom. Floral wines can range from delicate and perfumed to heady and intoxicating, and they often give a wine that little bit of magic—like you’re sipping springtime in a glass. 

Here are some of the most floral wines out there, plus a little on what makes them smell so good:

1. Gewürztraminer

Region(s): Alsace (France), Germany, Northern Italy, U.S. (especially Oregon and California)
Floral vibes: Rose petals, orange blossom, honeysuckle

Gewürztraminer is a bold and aromatic white wine with a bouquet that’s unmistakably floral. Rose is usually front and center, but you’re also likely to pick up notes of lychee (my go-to “tell” it’s a Gewürzt), spice, and even a whiff of perfume. This is a wine that wears its scent like a fancy french perfume—loud, proud, and totally unforgettable.

2. Moscato (Muscat)

Region(s): Italy (Moscato d’Asti), France (Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise), California
Floral vibes: Orange blossom, jasmine, rosewater

Sweet and effervescent, Moscato is often the first floral wine people fall in love with. Its heady nose of jasmine and orange blossom is like walking past a citrus tree in bloom. Light, refreshing, and low in alcohol, it’s a perfect choice for brunch or dessert. Look for lightly sparkling styles like Moscato d’Asti for the ultimate floral treat.

💡 Pro Tip: There’s one flower that you (usually) don’t want. Geranium taint in wine is typically considered a fault, caused by the breakdown of sorbic acid (a wine preservative) by lactic acid bacteria, resulting in an artificial, floral aroma reminiscent of crushed geranium leaves. It’s most often found in sweet or semi-sweet wines that were improperly stabilized. While geranium-like notes can appear naturally in some aromatic white wines like Muscat or Gewürztraminer, those aromas tend to be delicate and balanced with other floral elements. If the scent is sharp, pungent, or chemically floral, it’s likely a flaw and not a varietal characteristic.

3. Viognier

Region(s): Rhône Valley (France), U.S. (California, Virginia), Australia
Floral vibes: Honeysuckle, acacia, peach blossom

Local darling Viognier is a fuller-bodied white wine with a lush texture and vibrant floral character. It often shows honeysuckle and ripe stone fruit on the nose, with a silky feel on the palate. A good Viognier walks the line between richness and elegance, and each sip is like a magician pulling a bouquet of white flowers out of his hat.

For fellow D.C. residents, it’s also a local darling with Viognier starring in many Virginia wines.

4. Rosé (certain styles)

Region(s): Provence, Southern Italy, California
Floral vibes: Lavender, rose petal, peony

Not all rosé is floral, but many lighter, Provence-style rosés show a fragrant profile with subtle hints of lavender and peony. These wines are crisp, dry, and often mineral-driven, with just enough flower blossom on the nose to feel romantic. They’re a great go-to for spring picnics or lazy afternoons.

5. Nebbiolo

Region(s): Piedmont, Italy (Barolo, Barbaresco)
Floral vibes: Dried rose, violet

Nebbiolo is proof that floral notes aren’t just for white wines. This powerful red grape often shows classic aromas of dried rose petals and violets, along with tar, cherry, and leather. Barolo and Barbaresco, the most famous Nebbiolo-based wines, are age-worthy and complex—but even a young Langhe Nebbiolo (i.e., “young Nebbiolo”) can offer that signature floral scent of young violets. Older bottles are can give aromas of dried violets.

Final Sips (and Sniffs)

Floral wines aren’t just pretty—they’re complex, expressive, and full of personality. Whether you gravitate toward soft and subtle blossoms or bold bouquets, there’s a wine out there waiting to charm your senses.

Next time you’re shopping for a bottle, follow your nose and look for wines with tasting notes that mention flowers, perfume, or aromatics. Then, pop it open in the park like no one’s watching—for added vibes.

Floral Wines I’m Reaching For:

M. Chapoutier La Combe Pilate Viognier ($30) France, Rhône Valley: M. Chapoutier La Combe Pilate Viognier is an expressive, biodynamic floral wine that beautifully captures the essence of the Northern Rhône. On the nose, it opens with fragrant notes of ripe apricot, white peach, tropical fruits and honeysuckle blossoms, with a touch of fresh ginger. The palate is smooth and elegant, offering a silky texture and balanced acidity that lifts the stone fruit flavors. A subtle hint of minerality adds depth, while the finish lingers with floral and citrusy grace. It’s a refined, aromatic and decidedly floral Viognier that will have you thinking of spring flowers.

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Brandborg Gewürztraminer ($20) Oregon, Umpqua Valley: Sourced from Elkton Oregon AVA’s Bradley and Anindor Vineyards, this floral wine showcases the region’s cool, coastal climate and alluvial soils. The nose is an instant bouquet—think rose petals, lychee, and a swirl of orange blossom that practically dances out of the glass. Juicy stone fruit and honeyed citrus follow on the palate, with a hint of ginger spice that keeps things interesting. It’s plush and floral without being overly sweet, thanks to a nice zip of acidity. This floral wine loves bold flavors—try it with Thai curry, spicy tuna rolls, or even funky cheeses. Also perfect for sipping solo while planning your next garden party.

Veritas Viogner ($25) Virginia, Monticello: This Virginia Viogner hails from one of my favorite Charlottesville wineries, Veritas. It’s large group friendly with dozens of outdoor picnic tables and outdoor fire pits and as many great wines taste while lounging. This Virginia wine is like spring in a glass—lush, floral, and totally charming. It opens with dreamy floral aromas of honeysuckle, ripe peach, and a whisper of orange blossom. On the palate, it’s silky and vibrant, medium to full bodied with juicy notes of apricot, melon, and a touch of spice that lingers just long enough to keep you coming back. A beautiful Virginia-grown Viognier that feels like a little luxury—but isn’t so spendy to need an occasion.

Let me know what floral wines you’re reaching for this spring, and what trees you’re planning to sip them under?