Our personalities and many of our individual features are a mix of nature and nurture, and we evolve a lot as we grow. However, we’re born with certain innate features, including our hair and eye color, our unique fingerprint, and our birthdate. That last factor determines our astrological sign and zodiac sign, which some swear can help steer our dispositions and preferences.
“Your astrological blueprint, or birth chart, absolutely colors your likes and dislikes,” says Maressa Brown, a Los Angeles, California-based astrologer and the author of Raising Baby by the Stars: A New Parent’s Guide to Astrology. “Even if you’re not familiar with your whole birth chart, knowing your sun sign is enough to get a read on the what flavors and aromas you might gravitate toward.”
What is colloquially known as a “zodiac sign” is actually your sun sign, or the sign that the sun was moving through as you were born. This speaks to your self-image and core identity, two factors that influence what foods and drinks you prefer, Brown adds.
“Centuries ago, doctors had to learn astrology alongside medicine, and they often used a person’s birth chart to prescribe diets. The link between astrology, food, and the body is an old one with a lot of history,” says Alice Smith, astrologer at Alice Smith Astrology in Seattle, Washington.
Scent and taste preferences also relate to what drinks you enjoy most. On the heels of our guide to the next recipe you should make according to your zodiac sign, we asked Smith and Brown to help us select the best wine for your zodiac sign.
Aquarius (January 20–February 18): Orange Wine
As the air sign whose modern ruler is Uranus, the planet of change, those who fall under aquarius are innovative and future-minded, Brown says. You often skew from the obvious and enjoy flavors that are dry yet complex and that evolve over time. Aquarius veer towards exotic scents and tastes that might be “eyebrow-raising to others,” according to Brown. Many orange wines check all of those boxes.
The best wine for Aquarius: Stolpman Vineyards Love You Bunches Orange
Pisces (February 19–March 20): Rosé Champagne
Ruled by Neptune, the planet of spirituality and dreams, Piscese are highly imaginative, empathic, and sensitive. Whimsical, romantic flavors and aromas are appealing, along the lines of white flowers, vanilla, pastry, and lavender, Brown says. For this reason, a sparkling, energetic-yet-elegant rosé is a great fit.
The best wine for Pisces: Billecart Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne
Related: 5 Common Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes When Serving Champagne
Aries (March 21–April 19): Cabernet Sauvignon
No need to be subtle with fiery members of the Aries family. They’re bold, warm, and unapologetically vivacious—and prefer flavors that speak to those qualities. Aries often prefer in-your-face wines, like a Cab, Brown says. And they’ll probably also enjoy getting into heated debates with friends and family about tasting notes or which vineyard creates the best version, she adds.
The best wine for Aries: Grounded by Josh Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon
Taurus (April 20–May 20): Viognier
This earth sign is ruled by Venus, the planet of pleasure, so those who are born under the Taurus sign are often down-to-earth. At the same time, they're all about quality—in terms of the beauty they surround themselves with, the depth of their relationships, and the amount of pleasure they like to subtly sneak into their lives. Taurus tend to prefer rich, smooth, and velvety sensations. In fact, Smith believes that Taurus individuals practically invented “quiet luxury;” they want the good stuff that’s truly a pleasure to imbibe—not just for show. An under-appreciated grape like Viognier is a perfect match, as it presents a lovely perfume-like scent that’s rich in citrus, rose, and stone fruit notes. (Think of it like Chardonnay’s quiet yet beautiful sibling.)
The best wine for Taurus: Illahe Viognier
Gemini (May 21–June 21): Vinho Verde
As the air sign ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication and information-gathering, Brown says that Geminis are buzzy, social, cerebral, active, and curious. Smith and Brown agree that the best wine for Geminis is something that’s light, fresh, and ideal to accompany a long, lovely conversation. A low-ABV option that’s fruity, fun, lively, and a little bit bubbly, like a Vinho Verde, is a brilliant pick.
The best wine for Gemini: Vera Vinho Verde Branco
Cancer (June 22–July 22): Riesling
Since Cancers are ruled by the moon, they’re often family-oriented, foodies who adore sharing a table—along with many traditions and memories—with others. They know how to select a wonderful wine to sip on its own and also pair with a wide variety of foods. Sentimental and heartfelt, Cancers may enjoy something with a hint of sweetness, like a Riesling featuring honey or lychee aromas, Brown says. Bonus points for anything that’s from a winery with a long history, Smith adds (as a hat tip to that Cancers yen for nostalgia.
The best wine for Cancer: Brooks Willamette Valley Riesling
Related: 11 Romantic Food and Wine Dinner Menu Pairings for Date Nights at Home
Leo (July 23–August 22): Sauvignon Blanc
As a bold fire sign, Leos are known for their charm and generosity of spirit, confidence, optimism, and fun-loving nature. Since they adore spring and summer, Leos love flavors and experiences that remind them of those warm, sunny months. Citrusy, bright, and zippy Sauvignon Blancs—preferably poured and enjoyed alongside friends—are a winning choice.
The best wine for Leo: Hall Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Virgo (August 23–September 22): Txakoli
Due to the fact that Virgos are an earth sign ruled by Mercury, the information-gathering planet, they’re frequently detail-oriented, analytical, and sensitive. They love analyzing the subtleties of wine, including the many layers of flavor and aroma in complex wines like Txakoli (aka Txakolina). Virgos will delight in noticing and savoring the dried herb and saline notes tucked underneath the stronger citrus and green apple flavors (the exact features others might overlook). And since Virgos gravitate towards balanced flavors, they’ll adore the way that nearly all Txakolis fall in the middle of the dry to sweet range.
The best wine for Virgo: Ameztoi Getariako Txakolina
Libra (September 23–October 23): Rosé
As the air sign ruled by Venus, the planet of relationships and beauty, Libras love popping open a bottle to share with a dear friend or partner. Balance reigns supreme for Libras, too; their social nature means that they seek out foods and drinks that are all about harmony, approachability, and lightness. Since it’s crafted to be enjoyed now (rather than cellared for later), is a stunning salmon hue, and pairs well with a wide array of foods, a medium-bodied French rosé is among the best wines for Libras.
The best wine for Libra: Amici Olema Côtes de Provence Rosé
Related: 7 Recipes Starring Rosé Wine That Think Outside the Bottle
Scorpio (October 24–November 21): Syrah
Scorpios are the water sign co-ruled by Pluto, the planet of transformation, and Mars, the planet of action and energy. As such, they want a drink as dark, complex, and mysterious—just like them. Scorpios crave an intense experience, like the one they’ll find when sipping a savory, spicy Syrah. (It falls on the bold end of the red wine spectrum.)
The best wine for Scorpio: Bouchaine Las Madres Vineyard Syrah
Sagittarius (November 22–December 21): Grenache
As the most adventurous fire sign, Sagittarius treasure the opportunity to transport to other lands and learn more about cultures via their recipes and regional-favorite drinks. They also adore diversity. That’s just what’s on offer in most Spanish Grenache wines, which range from stone and citrus fruit to licorice and spices.
The best wine for Sagittarius: Breca Garnacha
Capricorn (December 22–January 19): Cabernet Franc
As the earth sign ruled by Saturn, the “taskmaster” planet, according to Brown, Capricorns love the classics. Just like vintage clothing and furniture feel like solid investments, Capricorns appreciate celebrating high-quality, classic grapes like often-overlooked Cabernet Franc. As one of the “parents” of hybrid Cabernet Sauvignon (alongside Sauvignon Blanc), Cabernet Franc is a traditional sommelier favorite that’s medium-bodied, beautifully aromatic, and packs just enough structure to hold up well to aging for 10 to 15 years.
The best wine for Capricorn: Hester Creek Old Vine Cabernet Franc
