If you’re hooked on the daily NYT Strands puzzle, you’re not alone. It’s a fresh word game from the New York Times that combines elements of a word search with clever, theme-based twists.
26 January 2026 NYT Strands Theme: “Grape expectations”
26 January 2026 NYT Strands Hints
- Think about different types of wine you might see at a restaurant or wine shop
- Most of the words are specific grape varieties rather than wine regions
- Look for longer words running diagonally across the grid
- A mix of red and white wines appears in the puzzle
- The spangram ties the list together as something you’d order or buy wine by
26 January 2026 NYT Strands Answers
- Malbec
- Merlot
- Shiraz
- Zinfandel
- Chardonnay
Spangram
By the Bottle
This spangram captures how these wines are commonly ordered or purchased, neatly linking all the grape varieties under one familiar wine-related phrase.
How Strands works
Strands is a daily word search puzzle with a twist:
- You’re given a theme.
- The grid is packed with hidden words tied to that theme.
- Words can run in any direction, including diagonals.
- Once you find all the theme words, you’re done!
Each puzzle usually has around 6–8 theme words.
How to get and use hints
Hints are built right into Strands, and they’re super useful if you’re stuck:
- To earn a hint, find any non-theme word of at least four letters in the grid.
- Each valid extra word gives you one hint.
- When you use a hint, one of the theme words will be revealed automatically, helping you move forward.
Pro tip: Don’t just burn hints — use them strategically when the grid feels impossible. Sometimes a single revealed word unlocks the entire board.
Tips to become a NYT Strands pro
- Start with obvious words. Look for clear connections to the theme first.
- Scan diagonals early. Strands loves to hide words at an angle.
- Build around found words. Once one word is cleared, the leftover letters often point to the next.
- Use hints wisely. Earn them steadily by spotting extra words, then save them for when you’re truly stuck.
- Think about synonyms. The theme clue isn’t always literal — broaden your thinking.
Final thoughts
The 26 January 2026 NYT Strands puzzle felt fairly easy and relaxing, especially for players familiar with wine terminology. The theme was light, clever, and enjoyable. How many words did you spot before needing a hint? 🍷
