Country Cuts: 9 Fine “Wine” Songs
Wine and song. It is a perfect pairing, on par with the likes of movies and popcorn. And while country music tends to favor whiskey as its preferred libation, wine is no stranger to the genre. After all, nothing rhymes with wine better than Patsy Cline. Over the years, the partnership between country radio and wine tunes has proven extremely fruitful. A handful have aged better than a nice Cabernet Sauvignon. Here are nine fine country songs featuring “wine” in the title.
“Wine, Women and Song” – Loretta Lynn
Before she was known as “The Coal Miner’s Daughter”, this Loretta Lynn tune peaked at #3 on the 1964 US Hot Country Singles. Written by Betty Sue Perry, “Wine, Women and Song” represented Loretta’s strongest showing on the charts up to that point. The song appears on Lynn’s second studio album, Before I’m Over You. The theme of the wondering husband would be a frequent one throughout Lynn’s storied career.
“Wine Me Up” – Faron Young
Produced by the legendary Jerry Kennedy and performed by the “Singing Sheriff”, this song remains a staple among intoxicant enthusiasts. Country superstar Faron Young released “Wine me Up” in May of 1969, ultimately settling at #2 on the Billboard Country charts. It was another in the long string of hits Young released during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Luminaries such as Lorrie Morgan, Ernest Tubb, and Tanya Tucker have also offered renditions of the tune. None have captured the vibe, or the success, of the original.
“(Old Dogs, Children and) Watermelon Wine” – Tom T. Hall
When Tom T. Hall attended the 1972 Democratic National Convention in Miami, he had no idea a chance encounter would lead to a #1 single. As Hall sat in his hotel bar, he struck up a conversation with an old gray black gentleman. The older fellow explained that there are only three things in the world that’s worth a solitary dime. Old dogs and children, and watermelon wine.
“Honkytonk Wine” – Mickey Gilley
Several artists have recorded this tune including Jerry Lee Lewis and Wayne Kemp. However, the definitive version of “Honky Tonk Wine” comes from Jerry Lee’s first cousin, Mickey Gilley. Penned by songwriting stalwart Mack Vickery, Gilley released the song on his 1975 album Mickey’s Movin’ On. Five years later, the tune received fresh interest after being featured in the classic neo-western Urban Cowboy starring John Travolta.
“Two More Bottles of Wine” – Emmylou Harris
This tune was written and first recorded by Texas troubadour Delbert McClinton in 1975. It tells the tale of a jilted lover whose prospects do not seem particularly bright. But looking on the bright side, he does have two more bottles of wine. Country icon Emmylou Harris covered the song in 1978 for her album Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town. Emmylou’s version went to #1 in both the United States and Canada.
“I’m Gonna Hire a Wino to Decorate Our Home” – David Frizzel
Technically the word “wine” does not appear in the title, but it feels wrong to leave this one off the list. “I’m Gonna Hire a Wino to Decorate Our Home” was written by Dewayne Blackwell. It describes the clever plan for a woman who is desperate to keep her man home at night. In August of 1982, the song hit the top of the charts for David Frizzel, younger brother of Lefty. It remains David’s sole solo #1 hit.
“Yesterday’s Wine” – The Hag and The Possum
It’s hard to imagine a stronger pedigree for a song than this one. Willie Nelson wrote “Yesterday’s Wine”, releasing it in 1971. But it disappointed on the charts, peaking at #62. The song was given second life when it was covered by legends Merle Haggard and George Jones in 1982 for their duet album, A Taste of Yesterday’s Wine. As the first single released from the album, the version from The Hag and The Possum made it all the way to #1.
“Strawberry Wine” – Deana Carter
This coming-of-age love ballad not only hit the top of the charts, it launched a career. “Strawberry Wine” is the first single from the debut album of Nashville songbird Deana Carter. It was released in July of 1996. In November of that year, the song reached #1 in America. Written by Matraca Berg and Gary Harrison, the tune was nominated for a Grammy and won Song of the Year at the 1997 CMA Awards.
“Wine into Water” – T. Graham Brown
From the 1998 album of the same name, this tune is a plea for help – country style. Georgia born balladeer T. Graham Brown used his real-life struggles with alcoholism to convey the gravity that the subject matter deserves. It is a solemn and forceful offering. Written by T. Graham with Ted Hewitt and Bruce Burch, “Wine into Water” was a modest hit, but its impact reaches far deeper. Brown calls it simply “a prayer to get sober.”
