Beyond the Grape: What Is Fruit Wine —And Why You Should Try It
When most people think of wine, their minds go straight to the vineyard: rows of grapevines, sun-drenched hillsides, and the familiar flavours of pinot noir, sauvignon blanc, or merlot. But what if we told you that wine doesn’t begin and end with the grape?
Fruit wine — made from everything but grapes — is quietly redefining the world of fine drinking. Crafted from apples, plums, feijoas, peaches, berries, and more, these wines bring a fresh, aromatic twist to an age-old tradition.
At Mirabelle, we believe fruit wine is more than a novelty — it’s a celebration of flavour, sustainability, and creativity.
What Exactly Is Fruit Wine?
Put simply, fruit wine is a fermented alcoholic beverage made from fruit other than grapes. It follows the same basic winemaking principles: yeast ferments the natural sugars into alcohol, creating a nuanced and flavour-rich result.
But unlike grape wine, where the flavour profile is often shaped by subtle terroir and oak ageing, fruit wine explodes with vibrant aromas and bold, juicy notes. Think tart plum with a hint of spice, or sun-ripened peach with a soft floral finish.
Depending on the fruit, the wine can be dry, sweet, or somewhere in between — making it incredibly versatile.
How Is Fruit Wine Different from Grape Wine?
How Is Fruit Wine Different from Grape Wine?
While both fruit wine and grape wine go through the same basic fermentation process, they differ in some important ways — from the base ingredient to the flavour and even their cultural roots.
First, the fruit itself.
Traditional wine is made solely from grapes, which are naturally high in sugar and tannins — ideal for fermentation and structure. Fruit wine, on the other hand, is made from a variety of fruits such as plums, peaches, feijoa or apples - also known as cider when carbonated, each bringing a unique taste, colour, and aroma.
Second, the flavour experience.
Grape wines tend to offer earthy, dry, and complex profiles shaped by ageing and terroir. Fruit wines lean more aromatic and expressive, often vibrant and juicy, with floral or tangy notes depending on the fruit used. They are far from one-dimensional — a good fruit wine is balanced, elegant, and layered in its own right.
Third, the cultural presence.
Grape wine dominates in global commerce and tradition, but fruit wine has long flourished in home gardens, regional celebrations, and small-scale artisanal settings — especially in across Asia and Europe.
And lastly, sustainability.
Many fruit wines — including ours at Mirabelle — are made from fruit that might otherwise go to waste: oversized, seconds, or surplus harvests. It’s a way to capture the best of the orchard while reducing waste and celebrating seasonal abundance.
At Mirabelle, we craft our wines only from whole, locally grown fruit, with no concentrates or artificial flavours. We treat each fruit with the same respect a traditional winemaker would give to grapes — and the result is elegant, complex, and refreshingly unexpected.
Why You Should Try Fruit Wine
Unforgettable Flavour
If you’ve never tried a fruit wine before, get ready for a tasting experience unlike any other. Our feijoa blends finish like sunshine in a glass, our plum mulled wine warms and comforts you on a cold winter evening .Perfect Pairings
Fruit wines pair beautifully with food — from cheeses and charcuterie to spiced curries, chocolate desserts, and picnic platters.Naturally Lower in Sulphites
Many fruit wines are easier on the body, with fewer additives and lower tannins than traditional wines.Sustainably Crafted
We often use seconds or oversized fruit that would otherwise go to waste — capturing their beauty rather then letting them rot on the ground or feeding them to livestock.
A New Tradition in the Making
Fruit wine isn’t new — it’s been quietly fermenting in European gardens, Nordic forests, and Asian kitchens for centuries. But today, it’s having a renaissance. Consumers want bold flavours, natural ingredients, and meaningful stories. Fruit wine delivers all three.
So next time you’re browsing for something to sip — or gift — think beyond the grape. You might just discover your new favourite wine in the process.
