The Girls In The Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

The Girls In The Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a 750ml, 14.1% ABV California Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the volcanic soils of Red Hills, Lake County. Sourced from the sustainably farmed Beckstoffer Family Amber Knolls Vineyard, this wine draws character from obsidian-rich, bright red volcanic earth at elevations between 2,000 and 2,400 feet.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.1%  |  Origin: Red Hills, Lake County, California  |  Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Producer: Art+Farm (Rob & Kat McDonald)

Production & Heritage

Art+Farm is the project of Rob and Kat McDonald, who source fruit from one of the most storied vineyard families in California — the Beckstoffers. The Amber Knolls Vineyard sits in the Red Hills AVA, where bright, intense sunlight is tempered by cooling sea breezes sweeping across Clear Lake, creating a microclimate that pushes Cabernet Sauvignon toward full ripeness while retaining structural acidity. The volcanic and obsidian-heavy soils impart a distinct minerality not commonly found in North Coast Cabernets grown at lower elevations, and the vineyard is sustainably farmed, reflecting the McDonalds' commitment to responsible agriculture.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with layered cassis and dark currant, followed by the deepest, darkest cherry. Subtle undercurrents of lavender, cigar box, and a smoky, minty quality emerge as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: On the palate, the entry is concentrated and fruit-forward, with black and bramble fruits dominating the initial impression. The mid-palate reveals earthy, almost rustic tones — what one might describe as a hint of Mother Earth — alongside cocoa and a dash of clove. The mouthfeel is full-bodied and firm, with moderate tannins providing solid structure without harshness.

Finish: The finish lingers with smoky fruit, dark chocolate, and a thread of spice. Tannins remain present but well-integrated, leaving a clean, structured close that invites another sip.

How to Drink Girls In The Vineyard Cab

This wine is best served at cellar temperature (60–65°F) and benefits from 20–30 minutes of decanting to let the aromatics fully expand. Its full body and firm tannins make it a natural partner for food, though it drinks comfortably on its own.

• Grilled Ribeye: The wine's tannic backbone and dark fruit cut through the richness of well-marbled beef.
• Braised Short Ribs: Slow-cooked, savory preparations mirror the wine's earthy, cocoa-dusted palate.
• Aged Cheddar Board: Sharp, crystalline aged cheese complements the cassis and clove spice in the wine.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners that call for a serious but approachable red
• Introducing someone to high-elevation California Cabernet Sauvignon
• Pairing with a backyard barbecue featuring grilled red meats
• Building a collection of terroir-driven North Coast wines

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Girls In The Vineyard Cab taste like? This is a full-bodied, moderately tannic Cabernet Sauvignon dominated by cassis, dark bramble fruit, and cocoa, with earthy undertones and a touch of clove spice. Smoky and minty aromas add complexity on the nose.

How does Girls In The Vineyard Cab compare to Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon? While the Beckstoffer name is most closely associated with premium Napa Valley vineyards, the Amber Knolls fruit comes from Lake County's Red Hills AVA, where higher elevation and volcanic, obsidian-rich soils create a more mineral-driven, rustic character. It generally positions at a more accessible price tier than Beckstoffer-sourced Napa bottlings while sharing the family's emphasis on site-specific viticulture.

Is Girls In The Vineyard Cab good for sipping on its own? Yes — its concentrated fruit, moderate tannins, and layered aromatics make it enjoyable as a standalone pour, particularly after a brief decant to allow the cigar box and lavender notes to develop.

Where is Girls In The Vineyard Cab made? The wine is produced by Art+Farm, the label of Rob and Kat McDonald, using fruit from the Beckstoffer Family Amber Knolls Vineyard in the Red Hills AVA of Lake County, on California's North Coast.

What foods pair well with Girls In The Vineyard Cab? Grilled or roasted red meats such as ribeye and lamb chops complement the wine's tannin and dark fruit. Braised dishes like short ribs or beef bourguignon match its earthy cocoa notes. Aged hard cheeses, dark chocolate, and mushroom-based dishes also pair well, echoing the wine's savory depth.

What sizes does Girls In The Vineyard Cab come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Girls In The Vineyard Cab worth the price? It positions as a mid-range California Cabernet Sauvignon that punches above its weight thanks to the pedigree of Beckstoffer fruit and the distinctive terroir of the Red Hills AVA. For drinkers seeking site-specific character without the premium attached to Napa Valley Cabernet, it represents strong value in its tier.

Why Girls In The Vineyard?

What sets this Cabernet apart is its origin: the Beckstoffer Family Amber Knolls Vineyard, situated at 2,000–2,400 feet in the Red Hills AVA, where volcanic soil threaded with obsidian creates growing conditions unlike almost any other Cabernet site in California. The wine captures that terroir honestly — earthy, smoky, and mineral-driven beneath ripe dark fruit. Sustainable farming practices and the moderating influence of Clear Lake's breezes result in fruit that achieves concentration without losing freshness. For anyone drawn to North Coast Cabernet with genuine sense of place, this is a bottle worth knowing.