Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5L

Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5L is a California red wine bottled at 13.5% ABV in a generous magnum-sized format, scored 88 points by Wine Enthusiast. Produced by Barefoot Cellars — a brand under E&J Gallo Winery — this Cabernet has also earned Gold Medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the Denver International Wine Competition, making it one of the most decorated wines at its price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: California, USA  |  Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Producer: Barefoot Cellars (E&J Gallo Winery)

Production & Heritage

Barefoot Cellars operates under E&J Gallo Winery in Modesto, California, drawing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from vineyards across the state, with a primary source being Cowell Ranch in the Central Valley. The winemaking team focuses on consistent quality blending across multiple harvests, ensuring each bottle delivers a reliably uniform flavor profile. A signature touch is a subtle hint of carbon dioxide retained during production, which lifts the fruit character and adds textural balance — a technique that distinguishes Barefoot's house style from many competitors in the value category.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe blackberry jam and black currant, followed by subtle earthy undertones and a whisper of cedar. Deeper in the glass, faint hints of black cherry and mossy oak emerge.

Taste: The palate entry is soft and fruit-forward, with blackberry and currant flavors dominating the mid-palate. Toasted oak and a touch of clove develop as the wine opens up, balanced by a gentle jammy sweetness that keeps the tannins approachable.

Finish: Medium in length with a velvety, smooth texture and lingering vanilla. Ripe berry flavors carry through to the close with just enough tannic grip to hold structure.

How to Drink Barefoot Cabernet

Pour at slightly below room temperature — around 60–65°F — for the best expression of fruit and oak. This is a relaxed, easy-drinking red that works well without overthinking the serve.

• Red Wine Sangria: The jammy berry profile makes a natural base for sangria with sliced citrus and a splash of brandy.
• Kalimotxo: Equal parts red wine and cola over ice — the bold fruit and soft tannins hold up surprisingly well in this classic Basque cocktail.
• Mulled Wine: Warming spices like cinnamon, star anise, and orange peel complement the existing clove and currant notes without overpowering the wine.

Best For

• Hosting a casual dinner party or backyard barbecue where a single bottle won't be enough
• Stocking a home bar with a reliable everyday red at a strong value
• Bringing to potlucks, game-day gatherings, or holiday get-togethers
• Batch-making sangria or mulled wine for a crowd

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Barefoot Cabernet taste like? Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon delivers jammy blackberry and currant flavors with hints of toasted oak, clove, and a velvety vanilla finish. It is a fruit-forward, smooth red with approachable tannins.

How does Barefoot Cabernet compare to Yellow Tail Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are high-volume California and Australian value Cabernets, respectively, but Barefoot tends toward jammier, darker berry notes with a slightly softer mouthfeel. Yellow Tail Cabernet typically leans more toward brighter red fruit and a lighter body.

Is Barefoot Cabernet good for beginners? Yes — its soft tannins, fruit-forward sweetness, and smooth finish make it one of the most approachable Cabernet Sauvignons for people new to red wine. The flavor profile is uncomplicated and crowd-friendly.

Where is Barefoot Cabernet made? Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon is produced by Barefoot Cellars, a brand within E&J Gallo Winery based in Modesto, California. Grapes are sourced from vineyards throughout California, primarily from Cowell Ranch in the Central Valley.

What foods pair well with Barefoot Cabernet? Grilled burgers and steaks complement the wine's dark fruit and oak. Tomato-based pasta dishes echo the berry-forward character. Aged cheddar or gouda bring out the vanilla finish. Barbecue ribs with a smoky glaze match the wine's jammy sweetness. Dark chocolate desserts pair well with the currant and clove undertones.

What sizes does Barefoot Cabernet come in? Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon is widely available in 750ml and this 1.5L magnum format, as well as smaller 187ml single-serve bottles and multi-packs.

Is Barefoot Cabernet worth the price? Barefoot Cabernet positions squarely in the entry-level value tier, and within that category it punches above its weight — an 88-point Wine Enthusiast score and multiple Gold Medals are uncommon achievements at this price point. For an everyday red, the quality-to-cost ratio is strong.

Why Barefoot Cabernet?

Few wines at this price level carry the kind of competition resume Barefoot Cabernet has accumulated, including Gold Medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and Denver International Wine Competition alongside an 88-point Wine Enthusiast rating. The 1.5L format doubles the volume of a standard bottle, making it especially practical for gatherings. Barefoot's multi-harvest blending approach ensures a consistent drinking experience from bottle to bottle — a real advantage when you need a dependable red you can return to without surprises. In a crowded value wine field, that track record of recognition and reliability sets it apart.