Seven Daughters Red Blend

Seven Daughters Red Blend is a California red wine blending seven grape varieties at 14.2% ABV in a 750ml bottle. The 2016 vintage earned a Gold Award at the 2019 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and 91 points from the 2019 Ultimate Wine Challenge, signaling consistent quality from this seven-varietal approach.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.2%  |  Origin: California, USA  |  Style: Multi-Varietal Red Blend  |  Producer: Terlato Wine Group

Production & Heritage

Seven Daughters was launched in 2006 by the Terlato Wine Group, a family-run importer and producer with deep roots in the American wine market. The blend draws from seven distinct grape varieties — Syrah, Merlot, Zinfandel, Carignane, Sangiovese, Cabernet Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon — each fermented separately in individual blocks to preserve its varietal character. After barrel aging, the lots are carefully blended and allowed to marry before bottling, resulting in a layered wine that reflects contributions from all seven components rather than relying on a single dominant grape.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The wine opens with a deep ruby red appearance and an expressive nose of ripe blackberry, dried lavender, and soft vanilla. A subtle undercurrent of dark cherry develops as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, immediately presenting blackberry and plum flavors. The mid-palate builds richness with dried cherry and a gentle sweetness from ripe Zinfandel fruit, while the Sangiovese and Carignane add structure. Supple, well-integrated tannins keep the texture smooth rather than grippy.

Finish: Medium in length, the finish carries a hint of pepper spice courtesy of the Syrah component, alongside lingering blackberry and vanilla. It closes cleanly with a warm, fruit-driven fade that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Seven Daughters

This blend is approachable enough to enjoy at a slight chill — around 60–65°F — without decanting, though 15–20 minutes of air will open up the aromatics. Its fruit-forward profile and moderate tannins also make it a reliable cocktail wine. A classic Kalimotxo (red wine and cola over ice) pairs well with the berry sweetness. A Red Wine Spritzer with sparkling water and a citrus twist keeps things refreshing in warmer weather. For something more complex, use it in a New York Sour as the float layer, where its dark fruit and vanilla notes contrast beautifully with the whiskey-lemon base.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners when you want something flavorful without fuss
• Introducing red wine newcomers to multi-varietal blends
• Casual entertaining — pizza nights, backyard grills, game-day gatherings
• Building a budget-friendly house-wine rotation

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Seven Daughters taste like? Seven Daughters Red Blend delivers juicy blackberry, dried cherry, and plum flavors supported by supple tannins, with notes of vanilla and a peppery spice on the finish from its Syrah component.

How does Seven Daughters compare to Apothic Red? Both are popular California red blends at similar price points, but Seven Daughters uses seven grape varieties — including Carignane and Sangiovese — while Apothic Red relies on a smaller varietal mix that tends toward a sweeter, more residual-sugar-forward profile. Seven Daughters generally reads as slightly drier with more layered spice complexity.

Is Seven Daughters good for beginners? Yes — its smooth tannins, fruit-driven palate, and approachable style make it an excellent entry point for anyone exploring California red blends without being overwhelmed by oak or astringency.

Where is Seven Daughters made? Seven Daughters Red Blend is produced in California by the Terlato Wine Group, which launched the brand in 2006. The grapes are sourced from California vineyards and fermented separately by varietal before blending.

What foods pair well with Seven Daughters? Grilled burgers or sausages complement its smoky pepper spice. Margherita pizza matches the Sangiovese-driven acidity. Braised short ribs echo the wine's dark fruit richness. Aged cheddar or Gouda highlight its vanilla notes. A dark chocolate dessert pairs naturally with the blackberry and cherry core.

What sizes does Seven Daughters come in? Seven Daughters Red Blend is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Seven Daughters worth the price? Seven Daughters positions as an entry-level California red blend, and its seven-varietal complexity, Gold Award recognition, and 91-point competition score deliver strong value within that tier — it consistently over-performs against other blends at this level.

Why Seven Daughters?

The defining feature here is the seven-varietal blend itself. While most California red blends lean on two to four grapes, Seven Daughters layers Syrah, Merlot, Zinfandel, Carignane, Sangiovese, Cabernet Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon into a single wine — and the separate fermentation of each varietal means no grape's identity is lost in the process. The 91-point score from the Ultimate Wine Challenge and a Gold Award from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition confirm this isn't just a marketing novelty; the blending actually translates into a more dimensional glass. For anyone seeking a fruit-forward, easy-drinking red that still has genuine complexity under the hood, this seven-grape formula stands apart from the crowd.