While I love all types of wine, I certainly understand why fruity wine is more approachable. For some people, dark flavors and a dry mouthfeel just aren’t that appealing.
While some fruit wines are sweet and others are dry, they don’t have the high tannins that bolder wines have, making them easier to sip, especially for beginners.
There are many fruit wine brands available on the market today, and I have quite a few favorites I’d like to share.
Top Fruit Wine Brands
1. Chateau St. Michelle
The Chateau St. Michelle Riesling is fruity and crisp, with flavors of green apples and peaches. It’s perfect for summer sipping and pairs well with light appetizers or fruit.
It’s harder to find, but if you happen to come upon their Harvest Riesling, it’s even sweeter and more intense, with flavors of honey and apricots.
While I prefer the citrus bend of the Riesling, my husband much prefers the heavy sweetness of the Harvest Riesling.
Chateau St. Michelle is one of the largest wine producers in Washington State and they’ve been around since 1967. They offer a wide variety of other varietals like Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Chardonnay, as well as a selection of red blends.
While not quite as sweet as the Riesling, you may still want to try their Gewurtztraminer. This white wine has floral aromas and spice flavors, making it perfect for fall sipping.
2. Cavit
Cavit produces a wide variety of sweet fruit wines. My personal favorite is their Pinot Grigio because it’s light and refreshing, with hints of citrus.
They also make a Moscato that’s very sweet and perfect for those who prefer a dessert wine.
The Prosecco is a fantastic sparkling wine that’s perfect for celebrations. It has a light body with subtle fruit flavors that anyone will enjoy.
Because there’s no shortage of sweet wines here, you should also try the Sweet Red and the Riesling.
Cavit is an Italian wine producer that’s been around since the 1970s. In addition to their fruit wines, they offer a selection of reds and whites, as well as a line of organic wines. In fact, their vineyards and their winery in northern Italy operate using sustainable practices.
3. Beringer
Beringer makes a delicious White Zinfandel that’s light and refreshing, with just a touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for summer BBQs or picnics.
My mom’s go-to favorite is Beringer’s White Zinfandel, and it’s one of the first wines I ever tried. The sweetness isn’t overpowering, but there’s just enough of it to make this wine enjoyable for beginners.
This is California’s longest continually operating winery, and it’s a winery of “firsts”. Beringer was the first winery to use gravity-fed facilities with hand-dug caves and cellars.
It was the first winery to give public tours as early as 1934, which spawned a tradition in Napa Valley. It’s also the first winery to have the #1 Wine of the Year awarded to both a red and a white.
In addition to their White Zinfandel, they offer a wide variety of reds and whites that are made with quality so everyone can enjoy them.
4. Barefoot
Barefoot’s claim to fame is that they’re the most awarded winery in the world. If you’re looking for a wide variety of sweet or fruity wines, they offer the most selection of any other wine brand in the United States.
This wine brand’s ultimate goal is to bring people together with wine, which is why you’ll find some of the most affordable options available through the Barefoot moniker.
Barefoot makes a number of fruit-forward wines, but my favorites are their Red Moscato and Pinot Grigio. The Moscato is very sweet and has intense flavors of peach and nectarine, while the Pinot Grigio is light and refreshing with hints of citrus.
They also have options made with peaches, raspberries, and even watermelon. You can’t go wrong with any Breezy Rose, Barefoot Bubbly, or Moscato variety.
5. Black Box Wines
Black Box Wines was created with the modern drinker in mind. They offer high-quality wines in convenient, single-serve boxes that are perfect for taking on the go.
Because they use premium grapes from some of the best vineyards around the world, you’re guaranteed to get a great-tasting wine every time.
The best part about Black Box Wines is that they offer a wide variety of styles and flavors to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing Pinot Grigio or a bold and fruity Merlot, they have something for everyone.
Black Box Wines are also perfect for those who don’t want to commit to a whole bottle. On the other hand, if you know what you like, their 3-liter box is the equivalent of four bottles, and it’s easy to pour a glass (or two) and save the rest for later. Plus, it’s in eco-friendly packaging.
My personal favorite from Black Box Wine is the Pinot Noir. It’s well-balanced with flavors of cherries and strawberries, and it has a smooth finish.
If you’re looking for something a little sweeter, their Moscato is also very good. In addition, I would recommend trying the Rose and the Sauvignon Blanc.
Black Box Wines are a great way to enjoy quality wine without breaking the bank. And because they offer such a wide variety of styles, you’re sure to find a wine that you’ll love.
6. Bota Box
One of my favorite new trends is the wine box. Okay, so it’s not a new trend, but there are some trendy new options. In addition to Black Box is the Bota Box, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love all of them. All of them.
My absolute favorite flavor of Bota Box is the Malbec. I’m a sucker for a good Malbec, and this one does not disappoint. It’s bold and fruity with flavors of blackberry and plum. Because it comes in a 3-liter box, it’s perfect for sharing (or not).
The Bota Box Pinot Noir is also very good. It’s light and refreshing with flavors of cherry and cranberry. And like the Malbec, it comes in a 3-liter box.
If you’re looking for something else, Bota Box also offers Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Rose, Buttery Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Moscato, and Chardonnay. I’ve tried them all. It’s true.
Every Bota Box comes in eco-friendly packaging, but if you really don’t feel like you can commit to just one flavor, you can try the Bota Brick, which is 1.5 liters and the Bota Mini is only a couple of glasses worth.
They also offer the Bota Box Breeze in several different flavors, giving you the same great wine with fewer calories. Personally, I don’t prefer the Breeze because I truly believe more calories mean more flavor.
