The Kentucky Derby is one of the few events that manages to be simultaneously wild and refined. The race itself is pure speed and grit. The surrounding spectacle is hats and mint juleps and impeccable lawns. Beringer's wine lineup maps to that same duality: Knights Valley on the wild side, Private Reserve on the refined.
Here's what to pour, and why each one fits.
At a Glance
| Side | Wine | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Wild | Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon | Bright, fruit-forward, herbal — built for the energy of the race |
| Wild | Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon | Dark, structured, spiced — for those who want more depth |
| Refined | Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa benchmark, polished and layered — for the dressed-up crowd |
| Refined | Private Reserve Chardonnay | Creamy, citrus-driven, elegant — a white wine for the occasion |
The Wild Side: Knights Valley
Knights Valley is a remote AVA in Sonoma County, 17 miles north of Beringer's Napa winery, where volcanic soils and mountain terrain produce wines with a rugged, expressive character. These are the wines that match the energy of the race itself.
Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
2022 Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon — 93 Points
Bursting with native lavender, thyme, and boysenberry, this is a focused, bright, and very drinkable wine. It pairs well with hearty Southern classics like smoked meats and pulled pork — ideal Derby party fare. The herbal character and vibrant fruit make it as at home on a picnic blanket as at a dinner table.
Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2021 Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon — 97 Points
Made from select lots and barrels chosen to reflect the unique character of the Knights Valley AVA. Dark violet in color, with aromas of black cherry and fresh sage. Fresh flavors of black currant and crème de cassis are supported by warm notes of cinnamon and vanilla bean. This is the more considered pour — for guests who want something with more structure and aging potential behind it.
The Refined Side: Private Reserve
Private Reserve represents Beringer's benchmark: sourced from the finest estate vineyards in Napa Valley, crafted with a minimalist winemaking philosophy, and aged to develop the kind of complexity that earns accolades. These are the wines for the elevated side of the occasion.
Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Built around Howell Mountain fruit with a palate of fresh, ripe black fruits supported by dark chocolate and graphite. Deeply saturated in color with a remarkable backbone and structure. This is the wine for guests who appreciate the full expression of Napa Valley Cabernet — polished, layered, and worth the occasion.
Private Reserve Chardonnay
A classic Napa Chardonnay — layered, creamy, and complex. Expressive aromas of citrus blossom and jasmine combine with notes of tropical fruit and white nectarine. Well-integrated oak shows vanilla and ginger spice on a long, mouth-watering finish. The right pour for guests who prefer white wine or want something to drink earlier in the afternoon before the main event.
What to Pair
| Wine | Derby Day Pairing |
|---|---|
| KV Cabernet Sauvignon | Smoked meats, pulled pork, BBQ sliders |
| KV Reserve Cabernet | Beef tenderloin, aged cheeses, charcuterie |
| Private Reserve Cabernet | Classic steakhouse fare, bold aged cheeses |
| Private Reserve Chardonnay | Deviled eggs, seafood, spring salads |
Frequently Asked Questions
What wine is traditionally paired with the Kentucky Derby?
Mint juleps made with bourbon are the traditional Derby cocktail. For wine drinkers, the event's combination of outdoor gathering, substantial Southern food, and celebratory energy calls for wines that work in both casual and festive settings. Light-to-medium-bodied reds and crisp whites work best — the afternoon timing and warm spring weather favor approachability over structure.
What is Knights Valley wine?
Knights Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Sonoma County, California. Beringer has farmed the appellation since the mid-1960s and was instrumental in securing its AVA status in 1983. The region's volcanic soils and mountain terrain produce Cabernet Sauvignon with intense fruit, natural acidity, and an earthy, expressive character that distinguishes it from Napa Valley expressions. Explore the full Knights Valley collection.
What food pairs well with Private Reserve Chardonnay at a Derby party?
Private Reserve Chardonnay is versatile enough for most Derby Day appetizers. It pairs particularly well with deviled eggs, seafood (shrimp cocktail, crab dip), spring salads with citrus vinaigrette, and lighter passed appetizers. Its creamy texture and citrus freshness hold up from early afternoon through the race.
Experience the true essence of the Derby with our exclusive Cabernet Sauvignons, each mirroring the unique and contrasting aspects of this prestigious event.
