Sangria made with a serious wine is a different drink than sangria made with whatever was on the shelf. Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is ripe and juicy with boysenberry, strawberry, and cassis, and a plush texture that makes it an ideal sangria base. Add brandy for depth, orange liqueur for brightness, fresh citrus and mixed berries for color and freshness, and a splash of sparkling water to open it all up. The result is a sangria that holds its own as a serious drink.
At a Glance
- Base Wine: 2022 Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
- Serves: 6 to 8
- Prep: 15 minutes (plus 2 to 3 hours or overnight to chill)
- Best For: Outdoor gatherings, dinner parties, harvest-season entertaining
Wild Berry Harvest Sangria
Serves: 6 to 8
Prep: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 to 3 hours, or overnight
Ingredients
- 1 bottle (750 ml) Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
- ½ cup brandy
- ¼ cup orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier)
- ¼ cup honey or simple syrup, adjusted to taste
- 2 cups sparkling water or club soda
- 2 oranges, thinly sliced
- 2 lemons, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, cored and cut into thin wedges
- 1 cup mixed wild berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Fresh mint for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
-
Prepare the Fruit
Wash and slice oranges and lemons into thin rounds. Core and thinly slice the apple. Wash the berries. Set a few citrus slices aside for garnish. -
Build the Base
In a large pitcher, combine the Cabernet, brandy, orange liqueur, and honey or simple syrup. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness. -
Add the Fruit
Add the citrus slices, apple wedges, and berries to the pitcher. Stir gently to incorporate. -
Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 to 3 hours, or overnight. The longer it sits, the more the fruit infuses into the base. -
Serve
Just before serving, add sparkling water and stir gently. Fill glasses with ice, pour the sangria, and make sure each glass gets some fruit. Garnish with a citrus slice and a sprig of fresh mint.
Tip: Add the sparkling water at the very end, not to the pitcher ahead of time. This keeps the carbonation intact through the last serving.
About Knights Valley
The Knights Valley designation was first used on a Beringer label in 1974. Beringer secured official AVA recognition for the area in 1983. Located 17 miles north of the Beringer Napa winery in Sonoma County, Knights Valley produces wines with an intense, fruit-forward character shaped by its volcanic soils and mountain terrain. Explore the full Knights Valley collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Knights Valley Cabernet a good sangria base?
Good sangria starts with a wine that has genuine fruit character, natural acidity, and enough body to hold up to dilution and the addition of spirits and sweetener. Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, with boysenberry, strawberry preserves, and cassis flavors and a plush texture, checks all of those requirements. Its fruit-forward character amplifies rather than disappears against the orange liqueur and fresh berries.
Can I substitute the brandy in this recipe?
Yes. Cognac is the closest substitute and adds additional complexity. If you prefer to skip spirits entirely, replace the brandy with an extra ½ cup of orange juice and a splash more of orange liqueur. The sangria will be lighter in body but still well-balanced.
How far in advance can I make this sangria?
The base can be made up to 24 hours ahead. The fruit will continue to infuse and the flavors will deepen. Add sparkling water just before serving to preserve carbonation.
SHOP KNIGHTS VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Want another Cab-forward cocktail? Try our Mulled Blackberry Lavender Wine, made with Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.
