12 Wine Flight Ideas (Plus Free Template)

I wouldn't say I'm "extra" in general. Most things in my life are fairly average. Until wine gets involved, and then things go from basic to excessive really quick. "Doing the most," as the kids would say. (Or me, a 30-something.)

Wine flights amplify my "extra" to the extreme. Friends or family will ask me, "Do you mind picking out wine for (fill in event or holiday)?" Instead of doing just that, I pair my careful selections with brief educational materials. I just can't help myself! It's a great opportunity to help people connect with wine.

With a little time, creativity, and knowledge, you can also create a fun wine experience for yourself and your companions at your next gathering. Below you'll find the tools you need to get started: multi- and single-variety flight ideas for every type of wine lover, as well as a free, downloadable template with instructions. Go forth and get extra!

Multi-Variety Flights

Hail a Cab

• Cabernet Franc: Loire Valley, France
• Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend: Left-Bank Bordeaux, France
• Cabernet Sauvignon: Napa Valley, California

Old World Reds

• Merlot-based blend: Right-Bank Bordeaux, France
• Aglianico: Taurasi or Iripinia, Italy
• Tempranillo-based blend: Rioja Reserva, Spain

New World Reds

• Pinot Noir: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Zinfandel: Sonoma County, California
• Carmenere: Rapel Valley, Chile

Pinot Power

• Pinot Grigio: Alto Adige, Italy
• Pinot Gris: Alsace, France
• Pinot Noir: Burgundy, France or Willamette Valley, Oregon

Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are two styles of one grape.

Not All Sparkling Wine is Champagne

• Franciacorta: Lombardy, Italy
• Cava: Catalonia, Spain
• Crémant de Limoux: Languedoc, France

Cool Climate Whites

• Riesling: Finger Lakes, New York
• Riesling: Mosel, Germany
• Grüner Veltliner: Wachau or Kamptal, Austria

Rosé-Colored Glasses

• Mourvèdre-based blend: Provence, France
• Grenache/Garnacha-based blend: Provence, France or Spain
• Pinot Noir: Willamette Valley, Oregon or California

Single-Variety Flights

Tour of Beaujolais (Gamay)

• Fleurie, Beaujolais France
• Morgon, Beaujolais, France
• Moulin-à-Vent, Beaujolais, France

Shades of Syrah/Shiraz

• Northern Rhône, France
• Paso Robles, California
• Barossa Valley, Australia

Chardonnay All Day

• Burgundy, France
• Sonoma Coast, California
• Mendoza, Argentina

Chenin, Chenin, Chenin Blanc

• Loire Valley, France
• Stellenbosch, South Africa
• Santa Ynez Valley or Mendocino, California

Sippin' on Sauvignon Blanc

• Sancerre, France
• Marlborough, New Zealand
• Casablanca Valley, Chile

Download your free template!