The art of painting with wine: a fusion of wine and creativity

Wine, a precious elixir appreciated for its rich taste and history, has now found a new and unexpected vocation: painting. Using wine to paint is an emerging artistic trend that marries the love of wine with creative expression. This article explores why and how this singular technique is being used, adding a fascinating dimension to wine tourism.

Why use wine for painting?

A unique, natural palette

Every wine has unique characteristics, from color to texture, which lend themselves to a palette of natural nuances. Red wines, with their rich pigments, offer deep reds, delicate pinks and intense purples. White and rosé wines, though less saturated, can produce subtle, ethereal effects. The tannins and anthocyanins present in wine give colors that evolve over time, bringing a lively, changing dimension to works of art.

• Reds: From deep ruby to brilliant garnet, red wines like Bordeaux or Pinot Noir can create vibrant hues. Their high concentration of anthocyanins (natural pigments) produces intense reds, ideal for bold artwork.
• Whites and Rosés: White wines, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, have lighter tones, ranging from straw yellow to golden. Rosés, on the other hand, offer a palette of nuances from salmon to bright pink.

This color diversity allows the artist to play with nuances, offering infinite possibilities for the creation of unique works of art. What’s more, the natural pigments derived from wine evolve over time, adding a dynamic dimension to the work.

A complete sensory experience

Painting with wine engages the senses in a unique way. The artist is not only immersed in the colors and textures, but also in the distinctive aromas of each wine. Each brushstroke releases aromas that enrich the artistic experience. It’s a way of creating art by immersing oneself in an olfactory and visual atmosphere, making the process more intimate and personal.

• Aromas: The smell of wine can influence the artist’s mood and creativity. Fruity, woody or floral aromas can inspire color choices and painting techniques.
• Texture: The viscosity and texture of wine bring a tactile dimension to painting. The sensation of wine being applied to the support enriches the creative act, making every brushstroke a sensory adventure.

A connection with history and culture

Wine has a long history dating back thousands of years. Using wine as an artistic medium is a way of connecting with this rich cultural tradition. It’s a way of celebrating and preserving local wine cultures through art. Each wine region offers wines with unique characteristics, enabling artists to tell local stories and capture the essence of these lands in their works.

• Cultural heritage: Wine is at the heart of many cultures around the world. Painting with wine celebrates this cultural richness and preserves local histories.
• Local craftsmanship: By incorporating local wines into their creations, artists support winegrowers and celebrate the identity of their region. This creates a synergy between art and terroir.

How to use wine to pain

1. Choosing the right wine

The choice of wine is crucial for painting. Red wines are the most commonly used because of their pigment intensity, offering hues from deep garnet to rich claret. However, white and rosé wines can also be used for more subtle, translucent effects. We recommend experimenting with different types of wine to see how they react on paper. For example, a Merlot will give softer, silkier tones, while a Cabernet Sauvignon will produce more intense, tannic colors.

• Wine types: For the most vibrant works, opt for full-bodied red wines. For softer nuances, opt for whites or rosés.
• Experimentation: Don’t hesitate to try out different grape varieties and vintages. Each wine reacts differently according to its composition, offering pleasant surprises with each use.

2. Preparing the wine

Before starting to paint, the wine can be slightly reduced to increase its concentration and richness of color. This can be done by gently heating it to evaporate some of the water, but take care not to boil it to avoid altering its properties. Slow, controlled reduction preserves tannins and aromas, while obtaining a denser, more workable color.

• Wine reduction: By gently heating the wine, you can reduce its volume to concentrate the pigments. This results in a more intense color. Use a saucepan over low heat and watch carefully to avoid burning the aromas.
• Filtration: To remove impurities (such as pulp residues), it is useful to filter the wine using a fine cloth or coffee filter.

3. Choosing the rack

The choice of support is essential. Each surface reacts differently to the application of wine.

• Paper: High quality watercolor paper is ideal for its ability to absorb wine without deforming. Prefer a high grammage (300 g/m²) for a better hold.
• Fabrics: Coated fabrics can also be used for various results. This can give interesting textures, depending on how the wine is applied.

4. Painting Techniques

Painting with wine is similar to watercolor. Brushes should be chosen according to the desired effect. Fine brushes for details and wide brushes for washes. The application of successive layers allows to create various depths and shades. It is also possible to add textures by sprinkling salt or sugar on the still wet wine for crystallized effects.

• Wash: Apply a uniform layer of diluted wine to create backgrounds or light effects.
• Glaze: Layer wine layers to intensify colors and add depth.
• Fine Details: Use fine brushes for contours and fine details.
• Texturizing: Sprinkle salt or sugar on the still wet wine to create crystallized or granular effects.
• Marbling: Manipulate paper or canvas so that wine flows and mixes, creating organic and fluid patterns.

5. Fixing the Work

Once the work is finished, it is important to fix it to preserve the colors. A clear, non-yellowing fixative can be applied to protect the paint from moisture and fading. It is recommended to test the fixative on a sample before applying it to the final work to ensure that it does not alter the colors. The works should also be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct light to prevent fading over time.

6. Inspirations and Artist Examples

Many contemporary artists have integrated wine into their creative process, reinforcing the appeal of this technique. Here are some inspiring examples:

• Marta Kuczynska: This Polish artist uses wine to create vibrant portraits, revealing the beauty and depth of emotions through bold brushstrokes.
• Christine O’Leary: American painter, O’Leary used wine as a commentary on sustainability and wine culture, creating works that question our relationship to consumption.
• Local Events: Several wine tourism workshops offer wine painting sessions, allowing participants to explore their creativity while discovering the flavors of local wines.

If you also want to make a workshop paint with wine is possible. For this, go to lowine.fr! Laetitia Ouspointour, a winemaker’s daughter and oenology facilitator, offers this experience within her company. She was trained by a watercolourist, and will now teach you all the techniques. You will then have the chance, at first, to learn how to taste wines.  Then, you will be able to share your artistic side by painting directly with the wines you have tasted.

Painting with wine is an innovative and captivating way to merge art and passion for wine. For wine lovers, it is both a creative and cultural experience, offering a new perspective on wine and its possibilities. Whether you are an artist or a wine lover, this technique offers a fascinating avenue to explore and celebrate the world of wine in a totally new way. So why not try turning your next glass of wine into a work of art?