Pacific Redwood Organic Red

Pacific Redwood Organic Red is a 750ml organic red blend from Mendocino County, California, bottled at 13.9% ABV. Produced by Frey Vineyards — the first winery in the United States to craft wines from certified organic grapes — this blend earned 86 points from Wine Enthusiast and Silver Medals at both the Dan Berger's International Wine Competition and the USA Wine Ratings.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.9%  |  Origin: Mendocino County, California  |  Style: Organic Red Blend  |  Winery: Frey Vineyards

Production & Heritage

Frey Vineyards, founded in 1980 in Redwood Valley within Mendocino County, pioneered certified organic winemaking in America. Pacific Redwood Organic Red is a field blend of Carignane, Merlot, Syrah, and Zinfandel, all farmed using organic and biodynamic methods. What distinguishes this wine from the vast majority of bottles on the shelf — including many labeled "made with organic grapes" — is the absence of added sulfites, making it a truly organic wine from vineyard to bottle.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with creamy raspberry and jammy dark fruit, followed by a lightly herbal character. Underneath, grapey, concentrated aromas suggest ripe vineyard fruit picked at peak maturity.

Taste: On the palate, the wine enters with bold blackberry and plum flavors and a lively, fresh texture. The mid-palate builds with raisin and dark cherry notes layered over firm but approachable tannins. The overall structure is full and dry, with surprising depth for an everyday organic red.

Finish: The finish is soft and round, with lingering berry fruit and a gentle tannic grip. It closes clean, without the residual sweetness common in similarly priced blends.

How to Drink Pacific Redwood

Serve at 60–65°F to let the fruit aromatics open without muting the wine's natural freshness. This blend rewards drinking without excessive decanting — 15 to 20 minutes of air is sufficient. It also holds up well in a red wine Sangria, where its jammy dark fruit and firm tannins complement citrus and brandy. A Kalimotxo (red wine and cola over ice) works surprisingly well here, as the bold fruit stands up to the sweetness. For a warming option, use it as the base for a classic Mulled Wine — the blackberry and plum notes pair naturally with cinnamon and clove.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners with grilled red meats or hearty pasta
• Gifting to health-conscious wine drinkers who avoid sulfites
• Stocking an organic or biodynamic wine collection
• Casual gatherings where an approachable, crowd-friendly red is needed

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pacific Redwood Organic Red taste like? It delivers bold blackberry, plum, and dark cherry flavors with firm tannins and a soft, round finish. The overall profile is dry, full-bodied, and fruit-forward without residual sweetness.

How does Pacific Redwood compare to conventional red blends at a similar price? Pacific Redwood is made without added sulfites and from certified organic grapes, which is uncommon even among wines marketed as organic. Flavor-wise, it tends toward jammier, more fruit-concentrated notes than many conventionally produced California red blends in its tier.

Is Pacific Redwood good for everyday drinking? Yes — its medium-to-full body, approachable tannins, and 13.9% ABV make it a solid choice for casual meals and weeknight dinners without requiring special occasion context.

Where is Pacific Redwood made? Pacific Redwood Organic Red is produced by Frey Vineyards in Redwood Valley, Mendocino County, California. Frey was established in 1980 and was the first U.S. winery to produce wines from certified organic grapes.

What foods pair well with Pacific Redwood? Grilled lamb chops work well, as the wine's firm tannins cut through the richness of the meat. Beef stew or braised short ribs complement the jammy dark fruit. Hard aged cheeses like Manchego echo the wine's dry structure. Mushroom risotto pairs with the herbal undertones, and wood-fired pizza with a tomato base mirrors the wine's acidity and berry notes.

What sizes does Pacific Redwood come in? Pacific Redwood Organic Red is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Pacific Redwood worth the price? Pacific Redwood positions as an entry-level organic red, and its no-added-sulfite production gives it a genuine differentiator over many wines at its price point. For drinkers who prioritize organic credentials alongside drinkability, it represents strong value.

Why Pacific Redwood?

The absence of added sulfites is the single most important distinction here — most wines, including those labeled "made with organic grapes," still contain added sulfites as a preservative. Frey Vineyards' status as America's original certified organic winery lends real credibility to the claim. The four-grape blend of Carignane, Merlot, Syrah, and Zinfandel produces a wine with more complexity than many single-varietal organic reds in the same range. With an 86-point score from Wine Enthusiast and two Silver Medal wins, Pacific Redwood Organic Red has earned third-party recognition that backs up the drinking experience.