The Best Wines for Après-Ski Vibes
I’ve been waiting years for winter, my favorite season, to be trendy. Given the ballooning number of après ski-inspired outfits, activities, and even restaurants, it’s safe to say that winter vibes are officially popular. That’s not to imply that après ski is a new concept! According to Ski Basics, the custom originated in the 1950s in Norway and then migrated to France, the country most closely associated with après ski.
What does this tradition-turned-trend entail? I’m sure an exact definition exists somewhere but let’s just boil it down to the simplest form: social activities after (après) skiing, typically centered around boozy beverages. Hot drinks, wine, beer, and cocktails are all popular options. Whether enjoyed in a cozy lodge, on a snowy slope-side, or in your own home, après ski is as much a mentality as it is an activity. Just went for a wintery walk? Après. Built a snowman with your kids? Après. Shoveled your neighbor’s driveway? Après—you earned it!
What does a wine lover in pursuit of après-ski vibes sip? Wines from Alpine and Alpine-adjacent regions, of course. (And Champagne, because Champagne.) Here are five of my favorite wine regions for achieving ultimate après-ski vibes.
Savoie, France
Savoie wine may not be well-known to the masses, but many Alpine skiers are certainly familiar. Located near the famous peak of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in western Europe, you’re sure to enjoy Savoie wines on a French ski trip. Good news: You can indulge at home, too! Any of these high-acid wines will pair with rich fondue or raclette in front of a fireplace.
White grapes to know: Jacquère, Roussanne, Altesse, Gringet
Red grape to know: Mondeuse
Recommendations:
Champagne, France
For the fanciest and chicest take on après ski, Champagne is best. Although Champagne the region isn’t known for skiing—or proximity to skiing—Champagne the wine is the premier choice of many skiers. In fact, there are Champagne lounges, bars, yurts, and chalets at ski resorts across Europe. Emulate luxe, resort-style relaxation with a charcuterie board of French favorites like pâtés, saucissons, and rillettes paired with a nice bottle of bubbles.
White grape to know: Chardonnay
Red grapes to know: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
Recommendations:
Piedmont, Italy
Although wines from famous Piedmont appellations like Barolo and Barbaresco would be delicious after a chilly day on piste, those aren’t the topic of this post. Rather, we are heading further north in Piedmont to the appellation of Gattinara. Known for its elegant red wines, this small province is located north of Turin and Milan, thus very close to the Italian Alps and neighboring Switzerland. Pair with a traditional, fresh egg pasta or risotto.
Red grapes to know: Nebbiolo, Uva Rara, Vespolina
Recommendations:
Lombardy, Italy
Lombardy, the home of fashionable Milan, is another gateway to the Italian Alps. It is also home to a myriad of fine wines, including Franciacorta and Valtellina. Franciacorta is sparkling wine made in the traditional method (i.e. like Champagne) from the Lombardian province of Brescia. Valtellina is both an Alpine valley and a Nebbiolo-based wine named for the region. Pair either wine with traditional dishes of Lombardy like ossobuco and gorgonzola.
Franciacorta grapes to know: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc
Valtellina grape to know: Nebbiolo (locally called Chiavennasca)
Recommendations:
Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
Heading further east along the northern border of Italy, the next region you’ll discover is Trentino-Alto Adige. This winter wonderland is home to many wines, including those of the Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT. The Dolomite Alps (Dolomiti) are a mountain range between Italy and Austria. They are known for cool-climate wines that pair with the local cuisine featuring game meat, polenta, and an abundance of dairy.
White grapes to know: Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer
Red grapes to know: Teroldego, Lagrein, Schiava, Pinot Noir
Recommendations:
