Entwine Merlot

Entwine Merlot is a California Merlot bottled at 13% ABV in a 750ml format, produced through a collaboration between Wente Vineyards and Food Network. Built around food-friendly structure, this wine draws on Wente's distinction as America's oldest continuously operated family-owned winery, with fruit sourced from select California vineyards and aged 12 months across three different oak types.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13%  |  Origin: California, United States  |  100% Merlot  |  Producer: Wente Vineyards

Production & Heritage

Wente Vineyards, founded in 1883 in Livermore Valley, California, has been family-owned and continuously operated for over five generations. The Entwine line emerged from a partnership with Food Network, designed specifically to complement a wide range of cuisines. This Merlot is made from 100% Merlot grapes harvested from select California vineyards chosen for their topography, soils, and climate, then aged for 12 months in a combination of American, French, and Eastern European oak barrels — a tri-oak approach that layers complementary wood influences into the final wine.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark cherry leads the nose, followed by ripe currant and subtle spice. Deeper inhalation reveals maple-like sweetness and a faint herbaceous quality reminiscent of dried thyme.

Taste: The entry is smooth and fruit-forward, with fleshy black plum and dark cherry dominating the early palate. At mid-palate, raspberry and currant flavors emerge alongside herbaceous undertones, while a touch of smoke from the oak aging adds depth. The body reads medium to full, with a rich but not heavy texture.

Finish: The finish is moderately long and slightly dry, with a round mouthfeel that carries lingering berry fruit and a mild tingly sensation. Spice notes from the oak linger quietly underneath.

How to Drink Entwine Merlot

This Merlot drinks well at a slight chill — around 60–65°F — and benefits from 15 minutes of breathing after opening. Its food-centric design makes it a natural match at the dinner table rather than a stand-alone sipper. Try it in a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola), where its smooth fruit holds up to the sweetness without turning cloying. A red wine Sangria loaded with stone fruit and citrus amplifies the cherry and plum character. For a simple warm-weather serve, a Red Wine Spritzer with sparkling water and a squeeze of orange keeps the fruit bright and refreshing.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners featuring grilled meats or roasted vegetables
• Backyard barbecues where a smooth, crowd-pleasing red is needed
• Introducing red wine to someone who prefers softer, fruit-forward styles
• Cooking-and-wine pairing nights inspired by the Food Network connection

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Entwine Merlot taste like? Entwine Merlot delivers ripe dark cherry and black plum flavors with herbaceous hints of thyme, a touch of smoke, and a smooth, medium-bodied texture that finishes slightly dry.

How does Entwine Merlot compare to Bogle Merlot? Both are approachable California Merlots at similar price tiers, but Entwine's tri-oak aging program (American, French, and Eastern European barrels) gives it a more layered wood influence. Bogle tends toward a slightly more tannic, structured profile, while Entwine leans smoother and more overtly fruit-driven.

Is Entwine Merlot good for beginners? Yes — its soft tannins, fruit-forward character, and smooth texture make it approachable for people new to red wine without sacrificing enough complexity to bore experienced drinkers.

Where is Entwine Merlot made? Entwine Merlot is produced by Wente Vineyards, headquartered in Livermore Valley, California, using Merlot grapes sourced from select vineyard sites across the state.

What foods pair well with Entwine Merlot? Barbecue ribs or pulled pork, where the wine's perceived sweetness softens spicy, peppery sauces. Roasted lamb with rosemary echoes the herbal undertones. Mushroom risotto complements the plum and smoke character. Mild to medium-aged cheeses like Gouda or Havarti match the wine's smooth body. Dark chocolate desserts with berry elements mirror the fruit profile.

What sizes does Entwine Merlot come in? Entwine Merlot is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Entwine Merlot worth the price? Entwine Merlot positions as an entry-level to mid-range California red, and its 12-month tri-oak aging program delivers more complexity than many wines at this value tier, making it a strong everyday selection.

Why Entwine Merlot?

The defining feature here is the collaboration between Food Network and Wente Vineyards — a winery with over 140 years of continuous family operation — resulting in a wine engineered from the ground up for food pairing rather than stand-alone sipping. The 12-month aging across American, French, and Eastern European oak is uncommon at this price level and adds genuine layering to the fruit. California Merlot at the value tier often defaults to simple jammy sweetness, but Entwine balances its ripe cherry and plum core with enough herbaceous complexity and subtle smoke to hold attention across a full meal.