Here Are the 13 Most Intoxicating Country Songs About Wine

Published in Food and Wine on Friday, July 25th 2025 at 16:32 GMT by Taste of Country
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Country music is well-known for its drinking songs, but they tend to focus on beer, whiskey and tequila. But there are also country songs that mention wine.

Sipping Through the Vineyards: Country Music's Love Affair with Wine

Country music has long been a genre that weaves tales of love, loss, heartache, and good times around the simple pleasures of life. Among those pleasures, wine holds a special place. Whether it's the sweet tang of a summer strawberry vintage evoking youthful romance or the bitter aftertaste of a red blend drowning sorrows after a breakup, wine serves as a potent metaphor in countless country tunes. It's not just about the drink itself; it's about the emotions it stirs—nostalgia, passion, regret, and sometimes sheer joy. In this extensive exploration, we'll dive deep into some of the most iconic country songs that celebrate, lament, or simply reference wine. These tracks span decades, from classic honky-tonk anthems to modern chart-toppers, showcasing how country artists have used wine to paint vivid pictures of the human experience. So pour yourself a glass, settle in, and let's uncork the stories behind these melodic odes to the grape.

One of the most beloved entries in this vinous playlist is Deana Carter's 1996 hit "Strawberry Wine." This song is a quintessential coming-of-age story, drenched in the innocence of first love and the hazy glow of summer. Carter's lyrics transport listeners to a dusty farm where a young girl experiences her first taste of romance under the stars, with strawberry wine as the forbidden elixir that seals the memory. Lines like "He was working through college on my grandpa's farm / I was thirstin' for knowledge and he had a car" capture that youthful yearning, while the chorus—"Strawberry wine, seventeen / The hot July moon saw everything"—evokes a sense of timeless nostalgia. The track topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and became a staple at weddings and reunions, reminding fans of simpler times. Carter's soft, twangy delivery adds to the song's charm, making it feel like a personal diary entry. Its enduring popularity lies in how it romanticizes wine not as a vice, but as a symbol of fleeting youth and bittersweet memories. Over the years, it's been covered by artists like The Wreckers, proving its staying power in the country canon.

Shifting gears to a more upbeat vibe, Brad Paisley's "Alcohol" from 2005 isn't exclusively about wine, but it gives the beverage a starring role in its humorous ode to liquid courage. Paisley personifies alcohol in all its forms, including wine, as a mischievous character that helps people "make the good times even better" but also leads to regrettable decisions. The song cleverly lists scenarios where a sip of wine might loosen lips or spark a dance, with Paisley's signature wit shining through in lines like "I can make anybody pretty / I can make you believe any lie." While it's more of a broad tribute to drinking, the wine references tie into country's tradition of lighthearted party anthems. Paisley, known for his guitar prowess and clever songwriting, performed this at countless live shows, often with a comedic flair that resonates with audiences who've had one too many glasses themselves. The track's success on the charts—peaking at No. 4—highlights how country music uses wine to blend humor with life's absurdities, making it a go-to for barbecues and tailgates.

Carrie Underwood brings a poignant twist with her 2012 song "Wine After Whiskey." This ballad delves into the aftermath of a failed relationship, where the protagonist turns to wine as a softer, yet insufficient, substitute for the stronger sting of whiskey—and by extension, the intensity of lost love. Underwood's powerful vocals soar over lyrics like "You cut me like a dagger / And you walked out the door / Now I'm just tryin' to find something a little bit smoother," painting wine as a gentle balm for a wounded heart. It's a masterclass in emotional depth, with Underwood drawing from her own experiences to convey vulnerability. The song appeared on her album *Blown Away*, which explored themes of resilience, and it struck a chord with listeners navigating heartbreak. Critics praised its maturity, noting how it elevates wine from a mere drink to a metaphor for downgrading expectations in love. Underwood's live performances of this track often leave audiences in tears, underscoring her status as a modern country powerhouse.

No discussion of country wine songs would be complete without mentioning Lee Brice's "Drinking Class" from 2014, which, while broader in scope, nods to wine as part of the working man's unwind. Brice celebrates the blue-collar ethos, where after a hard day's work, folks crack open a bottle—be it beer, whiskey, or wine—to toast the end of the shift. The line "We might spill a little on the couch" evokes casual evenings with a glass in hand, blending wine into the fabric of everyday relaxation. Brice's gravelly voice adds authenticity, making it an anthem for those who labor hard and play harder. The song climbed to No. 3 on the country charts, resonating with fans who see themselves in its portrayal of simple joys. It's a reminder that in country music, wine isn't always about romance; sometimes it's about camaraderie and kicking back with friends.

For a classic throwback, consider Hank Williams Jr.'s rowdy take on "Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee," a cover of the 1949 rhythm and blues hit by Stick McGhee. Williams Jr. infused it with his outlaw country energy in the 1980s, turning it into a boisterous party starter. The repetitive chorus—"Drinkin' wine spo-dee-o-dee, drinkin' wine"—is all about letting loose and forgetting troubles with a bottle of wine. Williams Jr., son of the legendary Hank Williams, used this track to bridge old-school blues with country flair, often performing it with high-octane energy at concerts. It's a testament to wine's role in revelry, far removed from the introspective ballads, and it highlights the genre's roots in folk and blues traditions. Fans love its infectious rhythm, which has kept it alive in jukeboxes and playlists for decades.

Miranda Lambert offers a feisty perspective in "White Liar" from her 2009 album *Revolution*, where wine makes a cameo in a tale of deception and revenge. The song's narrator confronts a cheating partner, slyly revealing her own secrets over what could be imagined as a tense glass of wine. Lambert's sharp lyrics, like "Here's a bombshell just for you / Turns out I've been lying too," use the setting to amplify the drama. While not centered on wine, the imagery of sharing a drink during confrontation adds a layer of intimacy to the betrayal. Lambert, a trailblazer for women in country, delivers it with her trademark sass, making it a empowering listen for anyone who's been scorned. The track's success helped solidify her as a voice for strong, independent women, and it's often cited in discussions of country's evolving narratives.

Toby Keith's "Red Solo Cup" might seem like an odd fit, but its party anthem vibe extends to all beverages, including wine poured into that iconic plastic vessel. Released in 2011, the song humorously elevates the humble cup as a symbol of fun, with Keith toasting to "beer for my horses" and implying wine for the more refined moments. His larger-than-life persona shines through, turning it into a staple at gatherings where wine flows freely. Peaking at No. 1, it became a cultural phenomenon, even inspiring merchandise. Keith's ability to make light of drinking culture keeps wine in the conversation, albeit in a playful way.

Ashley McBryde's "A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega" from 2018 paints wine as part of a serendipitous night out. The song recounts finding solace in a small-town bar, where a glass of wine might accompany stories and songs that turn a bad day around. McBryde's storytelling prowess, with lines like "Here's to the lost and found," captures the magic of unexpected connections over drinks. Her raw, authentic style has earned her acclaim, and this track's chart performance introduced wine into narratives of hope and resilience.

Dierks Bentley's "Tip It on Back" from 2012 encourages unwinding with whatever's handy, including wine, as a remedy for stress. Bentley's smooth delivery and the song's laid-back groove make it perfect for evenings on the porch, glass in hand.

Kacey Musgraves brings whimsy with "Biscuits" from 2015, where wine isn't direct, but her album's vibe often includes light-hearted toasts. However, her "Merry Go 'Round" subtly nods to small-town escapes, sometimes with wine.

In more recent years, Maren Morris's "Rich" humorously lists luxuries, implying wine-fueled good times. Morris's pop-country blend keeps the theme fresh.

Wrapping up this tour through country's wine-soaked songs, it's clear that wine transcends mere refreshment—it's a vessel for emotion, memory, and storytelling. From Deana Carter's nostalgic sip to Carrie Underwood's healing pour, these tracks invite us to reflect on our own lives. Whether you're raising a glass to celebrate or commiserate, country music has a song for every vintage. So next time you pop a cork, let these tunes be your soundtrack, reminding you that in the world of country, every bottle tells a story.

Read the Full Taste of Country Article at:
[ https://tasteofcountry.com/country-songs-about-wine/ ]

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Here Are the 13 Most Intoxicating Country Songs About Wine

Sipping Through the Vineyards: Country Music's Love Affair with Wine