Columbia Crest Two Vines Cabernet Sauvignon

Columbia Crest Two Vines Cabernet Sauvignon is a fruit-forward Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from the expansive Columbia Valley AVA, this wine earned a spot as the number-one purchased wine on Wine.com's top 100 list, a testament to its broad appeal as a reliable, everyday red.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley AVA, Washington State  |  Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Producer: Columbia Crest

Production & Heritage

Columbia Crest, founded in 1984 in Paterson, Washington, sits within the heart of the Columbia Valley—one of the largest and most diverse AVAs in the United States. The "Two Vines" name refers to the winery's use of bilateral trellising, a vineyard management technique that positions grape clusters for optimum sun exposure, yielding richer color, brighter fruit expression, and approachable tannin structure. After harvest, grapes are destemmed and crushed, undergo twice-daily pump overs during fermentation, complete malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, and then age for up to 10 months in oak barrels—enough contact to introduce subtle complexity without overwhelming the fruit character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe cherry and blueberry, followed by a push of marionberry and a gentle streak of cola. A faint earthiness and light herbal quality emerge as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is soft and fruit-driven, delivering luscious berry sweetness alongside strawberry and cherry flavors. Mid-palate, subtle notes of butterscotch, graphite, and black pepper add dimension. Tannins are moderate and gentle, with mild acidity keeping the wine balanced rather than heavy.

Finish: A smooth, medium-length finish carries lingering hints of cocoa, vanilla, and soft oak. The tannins resolve elegantly, leaving a clean, fruit-tinged close.

How to Drink Two Vines Cabernet

This Cabernet drinks well at a slight chill—around 60–65°F—poured straight into a standard red wine glass with no decanting required. Its approachable structure also makes it a strong cocktail and mixed-drink candidate.

• Red Wine Sangria: The cherry and berry fruit provide a natural base that pairs seamlessly with citrus and stone fruit additions.
• Kalimotxo: The soft tannins and cola-like aromatics make it an ideal match for this classic red wine and cola combination.
• Mulled Wine: Its cocoa and berry profile responds beautifully to warming spices like cinnamon, star anise, and clove.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where a dependable, uncomplicated red is needed
• Stocking a home bar with a versatile cooking and drinking wine
• Introducing new wine drinkers to Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon
• Casual gatherings, barbecues, and potluck-style entertaining

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Two Vines Cabernet taste like? Two Vines Cabernet Sauvignon is a fruit-forward red dominated by cherry, blueberry, and strawberry flavors, balanced by soft oak, cocoa, and moderate tannins that keep the palate smooth and approachable.

How does Two Vines Cabernet compare to Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon? Both occupy the value tier of American Cabernet Sauvignon, but Two Vines sources its fruit exclusively from Washington's Columbia Valley AVA, which tends to produce slightly more structured wines with earthy, graphite-like complexity. Barefoot draws from broader California sourcing and typically leans sweeter and more fruit-concentrated on the palate.

Is Two Vines Cabernet good for beginners? Yes—its soft tannins, bright fruit profile, and minimal oak influence make it one of the more accessible Cabernet Sauvignons available, well suited for drinkers who are still exploring red wine.

Where is Two Vines Cabernet made? Two Vines Cabernet Sauvignon is produced by Columbia Crest, located in Paterson, Washington, within the Columbia Valley AVA—a high-desert wine region known for warm days, cool nights, and long growing seasons that favor Cabernet Sauvignon.

What foods pair well with Two Vines Cabernet? Grilled burgers and sausages complement the wine's smoky berry notes. Mushroom risotto echoes its earthy undertones. Mild cheddar or Gouda cheeses match its soft tannins without clashing. Tomato-based pasta dishes align with its balanced acidity. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the cocoa and vanilla on the finish.

What sizes does Two Vines Cabernet come in? Columbia Crest Two Vines Cabernet Sauvignon is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle, and some markets carry a 1.5L magnum format.

Is Two Vines Cabernet worth the price? Two Vines positions squarely as an entry-level Cabernet Sauvignon, and it consistently over-delivers for its value tier—offering Columbia Valley AVA fruit, bilateral trellising techniques, and up to 10 months of oak aging at a price point where many competitors skip those steps entirely.

Why Two Vines Cabernet?

What separates Two Vines from the crowded field of budget Cabernets is the bilateral trellising method behind its name—a deliberate vineyard practice that maximizes sun exposure on each cluster, resulting in more consistent ripeness and deeper color than most wines at this price achieve. The combination of twice-daily pump overs during fermentation and up to 10 months of oak aging adds layers of cocoa and vanilla that are uncommon in the entry-level category. Winemaker Ray Einberger has described the wine as balancing fruit, soft oak, and hints of cocoa—a profile confirmed by its massive commercial success, including topping Wine.com's most-purchased list. For anyone seeking a dependable, fruit-driven Washington State Cabernet without pretension or price inflation, this remains one of the category's strongest values.