Wine blending is the art of combining different grape varieties to create a particular flavor profile. It’s an important step during winemaking to produce a unique and complex wine, as each variety brings its own set of characteristics to the blend. Winemakers strive for balance, using their knowledge of how certain grapes interact with one another to craft a harmonious final product. Red blends are known for their exciting and intricate flavor profiles. A combination of flavors can be much more diverse than any single variety could offer, allowing for greater complexity and depth in the resulting taste. For example, a red blend may include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel or Petite Sirah which all bring their own unique flavors to the mix such as berry notes from Cabernet Sauvignon or spice from Syrah. This allows for endless possibilities when creating distinct and delicious red blends. We have had the pleasure of tasting many great Red Blends from our wineries in the valley, and we recommend you try them too. Here are our picks of current releases that are sourced right here in Livermore Valley!