Your Guide to Purchasing Limited Edition Eclipse-Themed Wine for a Unique Celestial Celebration

Cheers with wine glasses of couple in a beautiful sunset and lens flare on beach background

We now know, down to the second, when, where, and for how long a total solar eclipse will occur hundreds of years into the future. How ancient people—including those who saw the first recorded such event on November 30, 3340 BC, in Ireland—would have reacted is unknown, but it’s likely that they behaved like many eclipse chasers still do today and had a stiff drink.

“Wine may have been used as much to numb the populace from fear that the world was about to end, as it was to appease the unhappy heavenly powers,” said Joseph Daniel, an eclipse chaser and winemaker at Tiny Vineyards Wine Company in Sonoma, California, who has produced a commemorative $40 “Eclipse Malbec” for April’s 8 return to North America of the moon’s central shadow. “But that doesn’t mean a little salute to those solar deities of mythology isn’t a wise move.”

Daniel—a veteran of five total solar eclipses—isn’t the only one trying to tap into the market for commemorative bottles of wine, either to drink while watching the eclipse or to buy as a keepsake.

The eclipse-obsessed owner of Tiny Vineyards Wine Company in Sonoma, California has created a commemorative $40 “Eclipse Malbec” in honor of April 8’s total solar eclipse.

Countless vineyards across Texas, New York, Ontario, and Canada are hosting events, many featuring specially themed eclipse wines. Pillar Bluff Vineyards in Lampasas, Texas, for instance, is holding an event costing $500 which includes a bottle of “Cabernet Sauvignon Total Eclipse” wine, a barbecue dinner and space to park your RV. Similarly, William Chris Vineyards is conducting another event in Hye, Texas, for $375 featuring country music and “Eclipse” wine.

Moving 1,500 miles north, Heron Hill Winery situated on Keuka Lake, New York, just outside the southern limit of the path of totality, is selling “Eclipse Red,” “Eclipse White,” and “Eclipse Rosé” each for $18.50. In northeast Ohio, Ferrante Winery, located on the path of totality, is selling its “Eclipse” table wine for $20.24. They’re among a dozen vineyards in the region participating in a special “Total Eclipse Wine Trail” from April 5-7, priced at $70. Along the way, eclipse wine enthusiasts can enjoy delicacies such as “Corona Chicken Sliders,” “Moonshine-Roasted Mushrooms,” and “Total Eclipse of the Cheesecake Tart.”

Wines and spirits crafted specifically for total solar eclipses are currently trending globally, with previous years seeing eclipse-themed Pisco in Chile and Malbec in Argentina. The latter was what sparked the idea for Daniel, who has plans to be in Texas this April. “I made a wine for this upcoming eclipse because I saw how interested people were in wines made for the ‘Great American Eclipse’ in 2017, especially in Oregon, and the 2019 eclipse in Argentina and Chile,” he shared.

Daniel witnessed 2019’s total solar eclipse close to Mendoza, the epicenter of Malbec, where he spent time visiting several of the top wineries. His own version of the “black wine” is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. What catches the eye immediately is the label—a beautiful composite image of an actual total solar eclipse, as shot by Daniel from Bella Vista, Argentina. “It was a crazy scene with loud tango music and venders selling asado—Argentine barbecue—and cups of wine,” he said.

Having a bottle of wine to commemorate a solar eclipse will, to many prospective observers, seem crazy. Isn’t that something you do at your own wedding? What’s to commemorate? The 42 million-plus who live within—or travel to—the 115 miles wide path of totality on April 8 will find out when they experience a moment they will want to remember for the rest of their life.

Clear skies allowing, of course.

For the latest on the total solar eclipse—including travel and lodging options—check my page for new articles daily.

Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!