St. Julian S'Mores

St. Julian S'Mores is a sweet, dessert-style wine made from Chambourcin grapes at 11% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Produced by Michigan's oldest and largest winery, this indulgent red stands apart by infusing natural toasted marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker flavors directly with estate-region fruit grown in the Lake Michigan Shore Appellation — recreating the campfire classic in liquid form.

Quick Facts: ABV: 11%  |  Origin: Lake Michigan Shore, Michigan  |  Dessert-Style Red  |  Winery: St. Julian Winery & Distillery

Production & Heritage

St. Julian Winery & Distillery holds the distinction of being Michigan's oldest and largest winery, with deep roots in the Lake Michigan Shore AVA. The S'Mores expression begins with Chambourcin grapes — a French-American hybrid widely grown in the region — vinified into a sweet red base carrying 7% residual sugar. Natural toasted marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker flavors are then infused into the wine, a technique that distinguishes it from competitors relying on artificial flavoring additives. The result is a dessert wine that maintains a recognizable fruit core rather than tasting purely of confection.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Toasted marshmallow emerges first, followed by milk chocolate, warm graham cracker, and a subtle undertone of ripe red berries. The nose is unmistakably reminiscent of the campfire treat it references.

Taste: Sweet cherry and raspberry form the fruit center of each sip, immediately joined by rich chocolate and golden graham cracker notes. A modest touch of acidity keeps the 7% residual sugar from becoming cloying, allowing the marshmallow sweetness to integrate rather than dominate. The mid-palate brings all the s'mores components into balance with the Chambourcin fruit.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering toasted marshmallow and a gentle chocolate fade. The finish is smooth and round, with just enough fruit tartness to reset the palate.

How to Drink S'Mores

Serve chilled to around 55°F for the best balance between sweetness and structure. It drinks well on its own as a dessert course or over ice on a warm evening. A Red Velvet Hot Chocolate cocktail benefits from the wine's natural chocolate and marshmallow character. Try it in a S'Mores Sangria with fresh berries and a cinnamon stick to amplify the campfire theme. A simple Chocolate Wine Float — poured over vanilla ice cream — leans into the dessert profile with no apology.

Best For

• Dessert wine flights exploring sweet and flavored reds
• Campfire gatherings and backyard bonfires where the theme fits naturally
• Introducing non-wine-drinkers to wine through a familiar, approachable flavor profile
• Gifting to anyone with a sweet tooth who appreciates novelty wines

Frequently Asked Questions

What does S'Mores taste like? St. Julian S'Mores tastes like sweet cherry and raspberry fruit layered with toasted marshmallow, milk chocolate, and golden graham cracker, finishing smooth with moderate sweetness from 7% residual sugar.

How does S'Mores compare to St. Julian Sweet Revenge? Both are sweet red wines from St. Julian, but Sweet Revenge focuses on a fresh grape aroma with juicy cherry and berry fruit, while S'Mores adds distinct infused marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker flavors that push it firmly into dessert territory. S'Mores is the more novelty-forward of the two, while Sweet Revenge remains a straightforward sweet red.

Is S'Mores good for beginners? Its pronounced sweetness and familiar candy-like flavors make it one of the most approachable wines available, particularly for people who typically prefer cocktails or soft drinks over wine.

Where is S'Mores made? St. Julian S'Mores is produced by St. Julian Winery & Distillery, Michigan's oldest winery, using Chambourcin grapes grown in the Lake Michigan Shore AVA in southwestern Michigan.

What foods pair well with S'Mores? Chocolate brownies and flourless chocolate cake echo the wine's cocoa notes. Strawberry shortcake complements its berry fruit. Graham cracker cheesecake mirrors the base flavor. Toasted marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole connects directly with the marshmallow infusion. Vanilla bean ice cream provides a neutral backdrop that lets every s'mores note shine.

What sizes does S'Mores come in? St. Julian S'Mores is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is S'Mores worth the price? S'Mores positions as an affordable, entry-level dessert wine with a clear novelty appeal; its value lies in the natural infusion process and the recognizable St. Julian name rather than in complexity or aging potential.

Why S'Mores?

What separates St. Julian S'Mores from the crowded field of flavored wines is the use of natural marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker infusions rather than synthetic additives, built on a legitimate Chambourcin grape base from a recognized AVA. The Lake Michigan Shore fruit provides actual cherry and raspberry character that grounds the wine in something recognizably vinous. Coming from Michigan's oldest winery — a producer with decades of experience in hybrid grape viticulture — there is genuine winemaking credibility behind what could easily be dismissed as a gimmick. For drinkers who want dessert in a glass with real fruit underneath, this remains one of the more honest expressions of the concept.