Entwine Cabernet Sauvignon

Entwine Cabernet Sauvignon is a lighter-bodied California Cabernet Sauvignon at 13.0% ABV, available in a standard 750ml bottle. Developed in partnership between Wente Vineyards and the Food Network, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon was specifically designed as a food-pairing wine — a departure from the bolder, heavier California Cabs that dominate the category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.0%  |  Origin: California, USA  |  Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Producer: Wente Vineyards

Production & Heritage

Entwine is a label created through a collaboration between Wente Vineyards — one of California's oldest continuously operated family-owned wineries, established in 1883 in the Livermore Valley — and the Food Network. The guiding philosophy behind Entwine, branded "Born to Pair," was to produce wines built around the dinner table rather than the tasting room. The result is a Cabernet Sauvignon vinified in a deliberately restrained, medium-bodied style that prioritizes food compatibility over sheer concentration, setting it apart from the riper, more extracted California Cabs in its price tier.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh strawberry and ripe raspberry lead the nose, followed by a subtle herbaceous quality. A gentle note of dried thyme emerges as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The palate enters soft and fruit-forward, with vibrant raspberry flavors at its core. Mid-palate, an herbaceous character weaves in — think raspberry jam over a sprig of fresh thyme. The texture is notably smooth and light for a Cabernet, with modest tannin structure and a medium body that keeps it refreshing rather than heavy.

Finish: The finish is clean and moderate in length, with lingering berry fruit and a trace of herbal complexity. There is no heavy oak influence or tannic grip — the wine simply fades gently, inviting the next bite of food.

How to Drink Entwine Cab

This wine is best served slightly below room temperature, around 60–65°F, and drinks well without extended decanting. Its lighter body and soft tannins make it an unusually versatile Cabernet for pairing at the table. For cocktail-adjacent serves, try it in a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola over ice), where the lighter body keeps the drink from becoming cloying. It also works in a classic Red Wine Spritzer with sparkling water and a citrus twist for warm-weather sipping, and its fruit-forward profile makes a compelling base for a Sangria with sliced stone fruit and a splash of brandy.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where a full-bodied Cab would overpower the meal
• Introducing red wine drinkers who find typical Cabernet too heavy or tannic
• Casual gatherings and potlucks requiring crowd-friendly reds
• Summer cookouts where a lighter, slightly chilled red is preferable to a bold one

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Entwine Cab taste like? Entwine Cabernet Sauvignon is a fruit-driven, medium-bodied red dominated by ripe raspberry and subtle thyme-like herbaceous notes. It has soft tannins and a smooth, approachable texture that Wine Enthusiast compared to a refreshing rosé in style.

How does Entwine Cab compare to Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon? Josh Cellars California Cabernet tends to be fuller-bodied with more pronounced oak and dark fruit character, while Entwine is intentionally lighter, leaning into fresh berry fruit and herbal notes. Entwine's lower-intensity style is purpose-built for food pairing, whereas Josh delivers a more classic, concentrated California Cab experience.

Is Entwine Cab good for beginners? Yes — its soft tannins, lighter body, and straightforward fruit profile make it one of the more approachable Cabernet Sauvignons on the market. Wine Enthusiast noted the 2011 vintage could even be served chilled, which speaks to its easygoing character.

Where is Entwine Cab made? Entwine Cabernet Sauvignon is produced in California by Wente Vineyards, a family-owned winery headquartered in the Livermore Valley, east of San Francisco. Wente has been in continuous operation since 1883, now in its fifth generation of family ownership.

What foods pair well with Entwine Cab? Herb-roasted chicken works well, as the wine's thyme note complements the dish directly. Grilled burgers are a natural match thanks to the fruit-forward profile cutting through the richness. Margherita pizza pairs nicely, with the wine's acidity balancing the tomato and mozzarella. Roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini echo its herbaceous qualities. Mild cheeses such as young Gouda or Havarti complement without overwhelming the wine's lighter frame.

What sizes does Entwine Cab come in? Entwine Cabernet Sauvignon is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Entwine Cab worth the price? Entwine positions as a value-tier California Cabernet, and within that segment it distinguishes itself through its deliberately lighter, food-oriented style. For drinkers seeking an everyday red that won't compete with dinner, it represents solid value, though those expecting a big, structured Cab may want to look elsewhere.

Why Entwine Cab?

What makes this wine genuinely interesting is its refusal to follow the bigger-is-better approach that defines most California Cabernet at every price point. The Wente Vineyards and Food Network collaboration prioritized drinkability at the table, and the resulting wine is one of the few affordable California Cabs that actually tastes restrained on purpose rather than by accident. With a Vivino community rating of 3.5 out of 5 across more than 3,100 ratings, it has a broad base of everyday drinkers who return to it regularly. For anyone building a Tuesday-night wine rotation, this lighter-bodied Cab fills a gap that heavier bottlings simply cannot.