You don’t expect a Chardonnay from Napa Valley to end up in a cocktail shaker. But that’s exactly where Frank Family Vineyards’ Carneros Chardonnay is headed, and surprisingly, it works.
Wine cocktails have been flying under the radar for years, often overshadowed by their spirit-forward cousins. But as drinkers increasingly seek out lower-alcohol options with depth and complexity, wine-based cocktails are finding their moment in the sun. And the truth is, they’re not just a clever compromise; they’re delicious, versatile, and far more nuanced than many give them credit for.
The Rise of Wine Cocktails: Why Now?
The conversation around alcohol consumption has shifted. Whether it’s “mindful drinking,” “sober-curious” culture, or simply not wanting to get buzzed on a Tuesday, consumers are rethinking what, and how, they drink. This shift has opened the door for low-ABV options that don’t sacrifice flavour.
Unlike hard seltzers or NA beers, wine isn’t a newcomer to the idea of low alcohol. Historically, many wines naturally fall between 9% and 13% ABV, and traditional styles like German Kabinett Riesling, Txakolina from Spain’s Basque region, or Italian Moscato d’Asti have long offered bright, expressive profiles with modest alcohol levels.
But today, wine cocktails are taking centre stage.
Several macro-trends are driving the rise of wine cocktails, particularly among younger and health-conscious consumers:
- Moderation as a lifestyle: Low-ABV doesn’t mean “no fun”; it means more control over how alcohol fits into everyday life.
- Elevated home entertaining: People are making more cocktails at home, and wine provides an accessible, affordable base that doesn’t require expensive bar tools or unfamiliar spirits.
- Ingredient transparency: Compared to bottled cocktails or flavoured seltzers, wine cocktails made at home or in tasting rooms highlight fresh, recognizable ingredients.
Understanding the Role of Wine in a Cocktail
For a wine cocktail to work, the wine has to bring structure. Acidity is key; it lifts the other ingredients and keeps sweetness in check. Body, aromatics, and residual sugar also play a role, depending on the intended style.
Here’s how different types of wine lend themselves to cocktails:
- Chardonnay (especially unoaked or lightly oaked styles): Offers medium body, moderate acidity, and notes of citrus, apple, or tropical fruit. Excellent with herbs, citrus juice, and bitters.
- Sparkling wines (like Blanc de Blancs or Prosecco): Bright acidity and bubbles add texture and freshness. Great base for spritzes or light, botanical-driven cocktails.
- Rosé wines: Their red-fruit profiles and crisp acidity make them highly adaptable — pair with grapefruit, mint, or berry purées.
- Aromatic whites (like Gewürztraminer, Torrontés, or Muscat): High floral and fruit aromas that play well with exotic spices or floral syrups.
Cocktails made with these styles typically land between 8–11% ABV, but dilution with soda water, ice, or juice can bring that down even further, making them suitable for mid-day gatherings or multi-course meals.
So what makes a Chardonnay ideal for mixing? Let’s take a closer look at one winery that’s nailing the formula.
Not Just Any Chardonnay: Why Frank Family Works
If you’ve spent time exploring California Chardonnay, you know it can be a moving target. Some are all buttered popcorn and toast; others lean sharp and mineral. Frank Family Vineyards lands somewhere in the middle — deliberately so.
Founded in 1992 by former Disney executive Rich Frank, the winery is situated in the historic Larkmead building in Calistoga, one of Napa Valley’s oldest winemaking facilities. What began as a boutique winery has evolved into a respected name known for both luxury Cabernets and expressive Chardonnays.
Frank Family sources Chardonnay primarily from Carneros, Napa’s coolest AVA, and the nearby Sangiacomo Vineyard in Sonoma — a property known for sustainable farming and Burgundian clones that deliver vibrancy and nuance. These grapes yield wines with well-integrated acidity, clean fruit expression, and just enough oak to add texture without overwhelming.
These characteristics aren’t just good for straight pours, they’re excellent foundations for cocktails. Frank Family’s wines don’t disappear under herbs, fruit, or syrups; they complement and elevate.
That combination makes it incredibly cocktail-friendly. “It’s like using a top-shelf bourbon in an Old Fashioned,” says Liam Gearity, Frank Family’s longtime director of sales and hospitality — and, increasingly, its unofficial mixologist. “You’re starting with something excellent, so the cocktail doesn’t have to work as hard.”
Three Chardonnay-Based Cocktails Worth Mixing
Gearity has developed a series of seasonal, wine-based cocktails highlighting Frank Family’s Chardonnays and sparkling wines. His creations lean on seasonal produce, fresh herbs, and thoughtful structure; proof that cocktails can enhance, not diminish, the character of a well-made wine.
These aren’t lazy mimosa substitutes; they’re carefully balanced drinks that respect the wine’s character.
Carneros Dove / Photo courtesy of Frank Family Vineyards
1. Carneros Dove
Bright, herbal, and a little bit zesty.
Base Wine: Frank Family Carneros Chardonnay
Key Ingredients: Fresh grapefruit, agave nectar, rosemary
Why It Works: The wine’s citrusy brightness meets the grapefruit’s natural tang, while rosemary adds an aromatic lift. The oak influence gives the cocktail texture, grounding it in something more savoury than sweet.
Sonoma Coast Gold Rush / Photo courtesty of Frank Family Vineyards
2. Sonoma Coast Gold Rush
Chardonnay meets lemonade — with thyme.
Base Wine: Frank Family Sangiacomo Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)
Key Ingredients: Lemon, honey, fresh thyme
Why It Works: Sangiacomo fruit is known for its elegance and minerality. Here, lemon adds sharpness, while honey softens and thyme infuses earthiness. It’s garden party-ready and incredibly drinkable.
April Showers / Photo courtesy of Frank Family Vineyards
3. April Showers
Effervescent and slightly botanical.
Base Wine: Frank Family Blanc de Blancs
Key Ingredients: Fresh cherries, basil syrup
Why It Works: The Blanc de Blancs, made from 100% Chardonnay, has crisp bubbles and subtle toast. Basil and cherry bring spring flavours into the mix, making this a brunch showstopper.
What Makes a Wine Cocktail Actually Good?
A well-made wine cocktail does more than add fruit to a glass of vino. The best versions consider:
- Acidity – Wines with higher natural acidity (like dry Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay from cooler climates) stand up best in mixed formats.
- Residual Sugar – Off-dry wines can unbalance a cocktail if you’re not careful. Dry wines give you more room to add sweetness with control.
- Oak Influence – A whisper of oak can add structure. Too much, and it overwhelms everything else.
- Sparkle – Sparkling wines add texture and lift. They’re ideal for apéritif-style cocktails or any time you want that celebratory edge.
While white wines dominate the category, reds can work too. A light-bodied, chillable red like Gamay or Lambrusco makes a great spritz base, especially when paired with bitter liqueurs. Even rosé has a role to play, especially in sangria-style concoctions with fresh summer fruit.
Low-ABV Doesn’t Mean Low Flavour
There’s a misconception that “low alcohol” equals “low excitement.” But wine-based cocktails challenge that idea. When done right, they’re dynamic and food-friendly, easier to sip over time and easier to pair with a wide range of dishes, from grilled fish to charcuterie boards.
For sommeliers and bartenders, this opens new creative ground. Instead of reaching for vodka or gin as a default base, wine brings texture, terroir, and personality to the glass.
And for drinkers? It’s a way to enjoy wine in a new context.
Final Pour: Where This Trend Goes Next
Wine cocktails may have started as a niche, but they’re gaining momentum. More wineries are experimenting. More bartenders are curious. And more drinkers are seeking options that feel exciting but don’t tip the ABV scale.