Barefoot Strawberry Fruitscato 1.5L

Barefoot Strawberry Fruitscato 1.5L is a sweet, lightly sparkling California Moscato infused with natural strawberry flavors, bottled at 7.5% ABV. It earned Best of Class Gold at the 2025 Los Angeles International Wine Competition, reinforcing its position as one of the most decorated flavored Moscatos on the market.

Quick Facts: ABV: 7.5%  |  Origin: California, USA  |  Style: Flavored Moscato  |  Producer: Barefoot Cellars

Production & Heritage

Barefoot Cellars, based in Modesto, California, has grown into one of the most widely recognized wine brands in the United States. The Fruitscato line builds on Barefoot's Moscato base by blending it with natural fruit flavors — in this case, strawberry. A signature light spritz of carbon dioxide is added during production, giving the wine a gentle effervescence that lifts the fruit character and adds textural balance. The result sits in a category distinct from traditional still Moscato, designed specifically for chilled, casual drinking.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh-picked strawberry dominates the nose immediately, backed by a candied sweetness reminiscent of ripe summer berries. A faint floral hint from the Moscato base lingers underneath.

Taste: The palate opens with juicy, mouthwatering strawberry that carries through the mid-palate with pronounced sweetness. A light-to-medium body feels satiny and vibrant, while subtle lime accents emerge to temper the sugar and add dimension. The gentle carbonation keeps the wine from feeling heavy despite its sweetness.

Finish: The finish is crisp and refreshing, with lingering strawberry and a tingling effervescence. Tasters have noted subtle accents of raspberry iced tea as the wine fades, keeping the close clean rather than cloying.

How to Drink Strawberry Fruitscato

Serve well chilled — straight from the refrigerator or over ice on a warm day. This wine thrives as a casual, low-ABV pour and mixes easily into simple cocktails. A Strawberry Wine Spritzer (Fruitscato, club soda, fresh mint) stretches the bottle and dials up the refreshment. A Frosé (frozen with ice and a squeeze of lemon) takes advantage of the wine's natural sweetness without needing added sugar. A Sangria base built on Fruitscato, sliced citrus, and fresh berries produces a crowd-friendly punch with minimal effort.

Best For

• Backyard barbecues and poolside gatherings where easy-drinking wines shine
• Introducing wine newcomers to a sweet, approachable starting point
• Building a low-ABV sangria or punch for large groups
• Casual weeknight sipping when a full-bodied red feels like too much

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Strawberry Fruitscato taste like? It tastes like juicy, ripe strawberry with a sweet, lightly sparkling profile. Subtle lime notes and a crisp effervescence keep the finish refreshing rather than overly sugary.

How does Strawberry Fruitscato compare to Santero Strawberry Moscato? Both are sweet, strawberry-flavored Moscatos, but Barefoot's version is produced in California and carries a lighter carbonation it calls its "signature spritz," whereas Santero is an Italian import with a more traditional sparkling Moscato structure. Barefoot also tends to be positioned at a lower price point, making it more accessible for everyday drinking.

Is Strawberry Fruitscato good for beginners? Yes — its low 7.5% ABV, pronounced sweetness, and familiar strawberry flavor make it one of the most approachable wines available. It requires no decanting or deliberation; just chill and pour.

Where is Strawberry Fruitscato made? It is produced by Barefoot Cellars in Modesto, California, using California-sourced Moscato grapes blended with natural strawberry flavors.

What foods pair well with Strawberry Fruitscato? Fresh fruit salads and berry desserts complement the strawberry character directly. Angel food cake or vanilla cheesecake echo the wine's sweetness without competing. Mild soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone provide a creamy counterpoint, and spicy Thai or Korean appetizers benefit from the residual sugar, which tempers heat on the palate.

What sizes does Strawberry Fruitscato come in? Barefoot Strawberry Fruitscato is commonly available in 750ml and the larger 1.5L format, which is the size featured here and well-suited for group settings.

Is Strawberry Fruitscato worth the price? It positions firmly in the value tier of flavored wines, and the 1.5L format doubles the pour of a standard bottle. For a Gold Medal-winning flavored Moscato at an everyday price point, it delivers strong value — particularly for entertaining.

Why Strawberry Fruitscato?

The 2025 Best of Class Gold from the Los Angeles International Wine Competition — along with Silver medals at the 2025 Critics Challenge and the 2024 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition — confirms this is not a wine that wins on price alone. Barefoot's proprietary spritz technique gives the Fruitscato a textural quality that distinguishes it from flat, syrupy flavored wines. At 7.5% ABV, it occupies a useful niche: flavorful enough to drink on its own, low enough in alcohol for extended afternoon sessions, and sweet enough to double as a cocktail ingredient. The 1.5L format makes it a practical choice for anyone hosting, reducing per-glass cost while keeping the fridge stocked longer.