For the wine connoisseur, enjoying a glass is about more than just relaxation: it’s about transporting oneself to far away terroirs through taste, being moved by tradition and innovation, and, sometimes, finding inspiration in the way the light hits the wine. The vineyard doesn’t have to be the only place where the wine lends inspiration, either.
With some of our favorite whites and rosés in mind, we’ve sourced homes that take their design cues from the vineyard.
Chardonnay in Provence-Alpes-Côte D’Azur, France
One of the most popular wine grapes, Chardonnay is a green-skinned varietal used to make white wine. Available in both oaked and unoaked varieties, Chardonnay’s primary flavors are yellow apple, vanilla, white peach, and butter. During the wine-making process, the wine starts out as a light yellow color, which eventually turns to a rich, yellowy gold if aged in oak, a process which allows oxygen into the wine and enhances both its color and its smooth, buttery taste.
Côte d’Azur, France | Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty
Much like a chilled glass of Chardonnay, this home in Provence-Alpes-Côte D’Azur takes its design cues from shades of buttery yellow and creamy whites. Whitewashed beams overhead keep the space feeling light and airy, while custom rounded French doors open out to the poolside lounge area. The use of pale yellow paint on the main living room walls is a subtle way of keeping the space feeling sunny and relaxed, the ideal setting for a glass of full-bodied Chardonnay.
Vinho Verde in New York, New York
Hailing from Portugal, Vinho Verde is a refreshing regional wine blend that is available in white, rosé, and red varieties, though the white is the most common. With a slight effervescence and notes of lemon, white blossom, and lime zest, Vinho Verde is a high-acidity wine that is best served between 38–45 degrees Farenheight. The Portugese wine is also among the paler varieties, ranging from clear to a pale yellow-green hue, meaning it’s a light-bodied wine best enjoyed with foods like ceviche or mango salsa.
New York, New York | Louise C. Beit, Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage
Keeping with the spirit of Vinho Verde, this classic townhouse in New York City keeps its interiors crisp and uncomplicated. White paint, neutral fabrics, and accent details in muted tones like cocoa and pale gold let the home’s stunning architectural features stand on their own.
Pink Moscato in Capri, Naples, Italy
Moscato wine comes in five styles, and is a sweet blending of floral notes with peach and citrus, setting just the right tone for any long, late-summer afternoon. The wine’s floral aroma is thanks to the naturally occurring compound linalool, similarly found in mint, cinnamon, and citrus flowers. The pink style plays on the traditional Muscat grape by adding a touch of Merlot, giving the drink a hint of strawberry and its flushed coloring. Pair Pink Moscato with cheese and fresh berries, or enjoy this fruity beverage all on its own.
Naples, Italy | Sabrina Majello, Italy Sotheby’s International Realty
If this home in Capri were a glass of wine, it most certainly would be a Pink Moscato. Built on the ruins of a Roman Palace during the late 18th century, the villa includes a lush garden and a view of the Mediterranean, but one of its most charming qualities is its façade. The strawberry-pink walls are a playful counterpart to the elegant interiors, suggesting a bon vivant approach to living.
White Zinfandel in Newport Coast, California
While White Zinfandel is produced with the same grapes as Red Zinfandel, the two wines couldn’t be more different. The red variety is bold with smoky, jammy notes, while the white variety is a sweet rosé wine. Originally made as an accident in the 1970s after a batch of Red Zinfandel failed to reach its final fermentation stage, White Zinfandel is a decidedly sweet wine with notes of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry.
Newport Coast, California | John Cain, Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty
Not unlike the White Zinfandel wine variety, this palatial estate on the Southern California coast is both luxurious and made for sunshine. Furnishings in shades of pale rose, mauve, and cream perfectly complement the home’s more grand features, like the Swarovski crystal chandelier and Art Deco skylight. Like any true Californian home, the property includes a swimming pool and multiple outdoor lounge areas—ideal settings for a glass of local Zin.
Côtes de Provence Rosé in Aspen, Colorado
The Côtes de Provence Rosé is infinitely lovable, with its pale pink hue and notes of white peach, cherries, and white flowers. The wine comes from the South of France region after which it’s named, though different producers in different appellations treat the wine-making process differently. Some ferment the rosé wine in oak to deepen the body, while others add a white grape to the process to increase acidity. No matter the process though, the Côtes de Provence Rosé is an easy-drinking wine that is perfect for summer dinners of salmon or lobster bisque.
Aspen, Colorado | Will McCullough, Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty
It may not be the South of France, but this Aspen home has clearly drawn some of its design inspiration from the alluring shade of the Côtes de Provence Rosé. Pale pink tufted fabric headboards complement the shades of coral in an antique rug in a bedroom for young guests, while the bathroom’s strawberry-hued walls lend a playfulness to an otherwise refined space. The woodsy home even features a temperature-controlled wine cellar for the safekeeping of endless varieties and vintages.
Sometimes a wine inadvertently influences your décor choices, and sometimes the inspiration is intentional. These homes take their cues from shades of some of the world’s most enjoyed wines, an lighthearted and considered approach to living.
Once you’re satisfied with your hues, organize your spaces with these six space-saving tips.
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