Barefoot Riesling 1.5L

Barefoot Riesling 1.5L is a slightly sweet California white wine bottled at 8% ABV in a 1.5-liter format. This expression earned a Gold medal at the 2024 USA Wine Ratings and comes from Barefoot Cellars, widely recognized as the most awarded wine brand in U.S. competitions.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8%  |  Origin: California, USA  |  Varietal: 100% Riesling  |  Producer: Barefoot Cellars (E & J Gallo Winery)

Production & Heritage

Barefoot Cellars was founded in California and acquired by E & J Gallo Winery in 2005, giving the brand access to one of the world's largest winemaking operations based in Modesto, California. This Riesling is fermented entirely in stainless steel tanks — no oak is used at any stage — a deliberate choice that preserves the grape's bright, expressive fruit character. The result is an un-oaked, highly aromatic wine that keeps the natural freshness and acidity of the Riesling varietal front and center.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Delicate orange blossom hits immediately, followed by ripe peach and fresh pear. A subtle sweetness lingers in the background alongside bright citrus notes.

Taste: The entry is soft and gently sweet, with juicy apple and tangerine flavors developing across the mid-palate. Honey and peach emerge at the peak, kept in check by a vein of zesty acidity that prevents the sweetness from becoming cloying.

Finish: Medium in length with a clean, fruity close dominated by sweet apple. The acidity carries through, leaving a refreshing, palate-cleansing impression.

How to Drink Barefoot Riesling

Serve well chilled, between 40–45°F, to keep the acidity crisp and the fruit flavors vibrant. This Riesling is easy to enjoy on its own as a porch sipper or poolside pour.

For cocktails, try it in a White Sangria — the apple and peach notes blend naturally with sliced stone fruit and citrus. A Riesling Spritzer with sparkling water and a lemon twist makes the most of the wine's bright acidity on warm days. It also works well in a Peach Bellini variation, where the wine's honey-peach character amplifies the cocktail's core flavor.

Best For

• Hosting casual summer gatherings where the 1.5L format serves a crowd without running out
• Introducing lighter-bodied, off-dry whites to friends exploring wine
• Pairing with weeknight takeout like Thai or Chinese food
• Stocking a vacation rental or cabin for group getaways

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Barefoot Riesling taste like? Barefoot Riesling is a slightly sweet white wine dominated by juicy apple, tangerine, and peach flavors, balanced by plenty of zesty acidity. Orange blossom aromatics add a floral lift that carries through each sip.

How does Barefoot Riesling compare to Yellow Tail Riesling? Both are high-volume, value-driven brands — Barefoot moved over 20 million cases in 2018 compared to Yellow Tail's 7 million-plus, making Barefoot the larger seller in the U.S. market. Barefoot's Riesling tends to lean into brighter acidity and citrus-peach fruit, while Yellow Tail often skews toward a rounder, softer style.

Is Barefoot Riesling good for beginners? Yes — its low 8% ABV, gentle sweetness, and approachable fruit-forward profile make it one of the most accessible white wines available. The 1.5L bottle also offers a low-commitment way to explore Riesling without a significant investment.

Where is Barefoot Riesling made? Barefoot Riesling is produced in California by E & J Gallo Winery, headquartered in Modesto. Gallo has owned the Barefoot Cellars brand since 2005.

What foods pair well with Barefoot Riesling? Spicy Thai curries — the residual sweetness tames the heat. Grilled shrimp or fish tacos — the acidity cuts through richness. Mild soft cheeses like brie — the fruit complements the creaminess. Fresh fruit salads — apple and peach notes echo the ingredients. Lightly spiced chicken satay — the wine's sweetness balances the savory glaze.

What sizes does Barefoot Riesling come in? Barefoot Riesling is available in a standard 750ml bottle and this larger 1.5L format, which is equivalent to two standard bottles.

Is Barefoot Riesling worth the price? Barefoot Riesling sits firmly in the everyday value tier, and within that category it punches above its weight — the 2024 USA Wine Ratings Gold medal and Wine Enthusiast's 85-point score suggest a wine that over-delivers for its price bracket, especially in the 1.5L format.

Why Barefoot Riesling?

The 2024 USA Wine Ratings Gold medal confirms what consistent sales numbers already suggest: this is a reliable, well-made Riesling at its price point. Stainless steel fermentation with zero oak contact gives the wine a clean, transparent fruit profile that many competing value Rieslings muddy with residual sweetness alone. At only 8% ABV, it drinks lighter than most whites on the shelf, making it genuinely versatile across seasons and food pairings. The 1.5L format doubles the volume of a standard bottle, adding practical value for anyone pouring for a group.