The Strangest and Most Peculiar Wines in the World
- Wine Gifts
- May 21
- 5 min read
Wine is one of the oldest and most revered beverages in human history. Across millennia, cultures have cultivated grapes, aged blends, and passed down traditions that span generations. While most people are familiar with the classics—Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir—there’s a wilder, weirder side to the wine world that few dare to explore.
From wines fermented with animals to bottles that glow in the dark, let’s uncork the most bizarre, unusual, and downright strange wines ever produced. These aren't just wines—they're stories in a glass, each more peculiar than the last.
1. Snake Wine – Southeast Asia
Let’s start with a wine that’s not for the faint-hearted.
Snake wine, common in Vietnam, Thailand, and parts of China, is made by infusing whole snakes—often venomous cobras—into rice wine or grain alcohol. The snake remains coiled inside the bottle, fangs bared, making this a bottle that's more fearsome than festive.
Why it’s strange:
The venom is neutralized by the alcohol, but it still packs an exotic and medicinal punch.
It’s often touted as a cure for ailments ranging from back pain to low libido.
While not technically “wine” in the traditional grape-based sense, it earns its place on this list because of its cultural significance and shock factor. It's both a beverage and a dare.
2. Blue Wine – Spain
Who said wine must be red, white, or rosé?
Enter blue wine, a shocking, neon-tinted beverage made famous by the Spanish brand Gïk Live. This bright electric-blue libation is made from both red and white grapes, but it gets its hue from anthocyanin (a pigment in grape skins) and indigo dye.
Why it’s strange:
It looks like something from a nightclub, not a vineyard.
It was originally banned in some parts of the EU for not fitting neatly into wine classification laws.
Despite its controversial color, blue wine has found a following among millennials looking for an Instagrammable drink that breaks tradition.
3. Ice Wine (Eiswein) – Germany & Canada
While not as visually shocking, Ice Wine is a marvel of nature and patience. It’s made from grapes that are left to freeze on the vine—usually during the first frost—before being harvested and pressed while still frozen.
This creates a highly concentrated, syrupy sweet wine with intense flavors.
Why it’s strange:
Grapes are picked at around -8°C (17°F), often in the middle of the night or early morning.
Yields are tiny, making Ice Wine one of the most expensive and labor-intensive wines in the world.
It may be an oddity in terms of production, but the final product is a golden nectar revered by connoisseurs.
4. Peanut Butter and Jelly Wine – United States
Yes, you read that right.
Produced by Urban Vines in Indiana, USA, this wine blends the unmistakable flavors of peanut butter and grape jelly. It's sweet, nutty, and—according to fans—surprisingly nostalgic.
Why it’s strange:
It tastes like your favorite childhood sandwich… in a glass.
Best served chilled, often as a dessert wine or even poured over ice cream.
For those who like novelty and aren’t afraid to experiment, PB&J wine is a quirky indulgence.
5. Wine Aged in the Ocean – France & Croatia
Some winemakers have started aging wine underwater, letting the ocean’s currents and temperatures naturally regulate the aging process. Wineries in Bordeaux, France and Pelješac, Croatia, are known for submerging bottles and amphorae deep beneath the waves.
Why it’s strange:
Bottles are often encrusted with barnacles and sea life when retrieved.
The pressure, temperature, and gentle motion of the ocean create a unique aging environment.
These wines often fetch high prices, not only for their flavor but for their aesthetic—each bottle is a one-of-a-kind treasure.
6. Tomato Wine – United Kingdom
Tomatoes are fruit, so in theory, they can be fermented just like grapes. That’s exactly what The Lancashire Mead Company in the UK has done with their Tomato Wine.
It’s not exactly a Bloody Mary, but it shares the umami characteristics of cooked tomato with the dry sharpness of a white wine.
Why it’s strange:
The idea of sipping fermented tomatoes doesn’t exactly whet most people’s appetites.
Its flavor is described as savory, tangy, and “an acquired taste.”
7. Glow-in-the-Dark Wine – Australia
Created as a marketing stunt by Giant Steps Winery in Australia, glow-in-the-dark wine isn’t radioactive, but it is a conversation starter.
Using special phosphorescent labels and UV-reactive pigments, these bottles literally light up under blacklight—ideal for clubs, parties, or Halloween events.
Why it’s strange:
The wine itself is conventional, but the presentation is out-of-this-world.
It’s part of a growing trend toward experiential and novelty wine packaging.
8. Wine Made from Maple Sap – Canada
Canada is famous for maple syrup, so it’s no surprise someone tried to ferment maple sap into wine. The result is Maple Wine or Acer Wine, made by companies like Domaine Acer in Quebec.
Why it’s strange:
It’s made entirely from the sap of maple trees, not grapes.
The flavor is earthy, woody, and semi-sweet—closer to a dessert wine than anything else.
While technically not grape wine, it’s still labeled as “wine” and holds a strong regional identity in Quebec.
9. Coffee Wine – USA
Coffee lovers, rejoice! Some American wineries have begun fermenting wines that incorporate coffee beans or cold brew into the process.
One standout is Apothic Brew, which blends red wine with cold brew coffee for a smoky, rich hybrid beverage.
Why it’s strange:
Combines the tannins of red wine with the bitter roastiness of coffee.
It’s essentially your morning and evening drinks fused into one glass.
10. Pumpkin Wine – United States
A hit during the fall season, pumpkin wine is made by fermenting roasted pumpkin flesh with sugar and spices. It’s a seasonal favorite among pumpkin-spice devotees.
Produced in various parts of the US, including Pennsylvania and Oregon, this wine is often served warm, like a mulled cider.
Final Thoughts: Are These Wines Worth Trying?
While some of these wines are firmly in the realm of novelty or cultural tradition, others are genuinely delicious—just unconventional.
If you're a wine adventurer:
Start with the blue wine or coffee wine for a gentler foray into the unusual.
For a story to tell at parties, snake wine or ocean-aged wine will leave jaws on the floor.
Wine is ultimately about exploration—of taste, culture, and the unexpected. Whether you're a collector, casual drinker, or sommelier-in-training, there's always something new to discover in the world of fermented grapes… and sometimes snakes, mice, or tomatoes.
Comments