NYT Strands is the new obsession for word puzzle lovers. This game is a captivating hunt for a secret theme hidden in a chaotic grid. If today’s puzzle has you stumped, don’t worry—we’ve got the clues and answers you need to solve the mystery. Here is “Grape expectations” Today’s NYT Strands #694 Hints and Answers for January 26, 2026

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“Grape expectations” NYT Strands #694 Hints for January 26, 2026

Here are today’s NYT Strands hints for you.

Today’s NYT Strand’s theme is: “ Grape expectations. “

While many words may reveal themselves to you, the game’s objective is to find words related to the day’s theme.

  • Strands hint No. 1: The words are split between deep reds and a very popular crisp white.
  • Strands hint No. 2: The Spangram describes how you might order these drinks at a restaurant if you aren’t just getting a single glass.
  • Strands hint No. 3: BY, MA, ZI, CH, ME, SH

You don’t need another hint for today’s Strands puzzle.

Today’s NYT Strands #694 Answer for January 26, 2026

  • Spangram word – BYTHEBOTTLE
  • Remaining words : Malbec, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Merlot, Shiraz

Today’s Strands is a sophisticated affair that requires a bit of “vintage” knowledge to navigate. I found the letter clusters for the “Z” and “CH” words to be the most helpful anchors, as those rare consonants really pop out against the more common vowels in the rest of the grid. The Spangram is a clever play on words that ties the list together perfectly, though the zig-zagging nature of the longer varietals makes the pathfinding a bit more complex than your average Monday. It’s a smooth solve that leaves you feeling quite refined by the time the final word clicks into place. I’d rate it 2 out of 5.

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How did you like today’s NYT Strands puzzle? Easy, hard, or meh?

You can also check out today’s answers for other NYT puzzles :

  • NYT Wordle Answers
  • NYT Spelling Bee Answers
  • NYT PIPS Answers
  • NYT Connections Answers
  • NYT Mini Crossword Answers

NYT Strands Rules

NYT Strands is a word game that is played on a 6×8 letter grid containing seemingly random letters. Each letter must be used in some way so that when all the words have been found, the board is full, leaving no letter unused.

Each puzzle has a theme, but you don’t know what the theme is. A hint is provided at the start of the game. You must guess all the common theme-related words that have something in common, leading to the Spangram.

Spangram is a special challenge word or base of the theme. All the words, when solved, are denoted in blue except the Spangram, which is denoted in yellow when guessed correctly and touches two ends of the board, side to side or top to bottom. Spangram denotes what’s common between all the other words on the board.

Note: Players can find non-theme words to earn hints. Every 3 non-theme words will unlock a hint.