Celebrate National Red Wine Day with these national, regional standouts

Cecily Barber is a wine specialist at the Fine Wine & Good Spirits Premium Collection store in Chambersburg, Franklin County.

National Red Wine Day will be celebrated Monday, Aug. 28.

It was founded by writer/editor Jace Shoemaker-Galloway with the idea of celebrating red wine during a time when the grapes have gone through veraison, their change in color that takes places as they being to ripen.

Fine Wine & Good Spirits has an enticing array of red wines to choose from, each with its own intricate blend of flavors. Ahead of the holiday, wine specialist Cecily Barber has sharing her bottle recommendations and comments.

Buck Shack Cabernet Sauvignon Bourbon Barrel Aged Lake County 2020

Bodega Piedra Negra Organic Malbec Reserve Los Chacayes 2020 (Chairman’s Selection)

Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon

19 Crimes Red Blend

Solena Estate Grande Cuvee Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2021

In addition to Barber’s list, here’s a list of 12 of my favorite red wines made by mid-Atlantic producers (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland). There are a number of wineries in all three states consistently producing outstanding dry red wines, both varietals and blends.

Most of these I’ve had recently; a few others have earned a spot on the list based on recent awards.

Pennsylvania

2020 Bridge, made by Cadenza Vineyards, Brogue, York County. The winemaker is Carl Helrich.

Pinot Noir 2020, made by Penns Woods Winery, Chaddsford, Delaware County. The winemakers are Gino Razzi and Davide Creato.

Davide Creato holds up a bottle of Penns Woods Pinot Noir.

Crow Woods 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, made by Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery, Manheim, Lancaster County. The winemakers are Jan and Zach Waltz.

2017 Cabernet Franc, made by Karamoor Estate Wines, Blue Bell, Montgomery County. The winemaker is Kevin Robinson.

New Leaf American Red, made by Maple Springs Vineyard, Bechtelsville, Berks County. The winemaker is Jef Stebben.

Cedar 2018, made by Va La Vineyards, Avondale, Chester County. The winemaker is Anthony Vietri.

Chambourcin 2021, made by Armstrong Valley Vineyard & Winery, Halifax, Dauphin County. The winemakers are Jake Gruver and Caleb Wright.

Maryland

Lost Order No. 191, made by Boordy Vineyards, Hydes, Baltimore County. The winemaker is Jose Real.

A filled-up back patio at Boordy Vineyards in Baltimore County, Maryland.

2020 Old Line Red, made by Port of Leonardtown Winery, Leonardtown, St. Mary’s County. The winemaker is Lauren Zimmerman.

2020 Crumbling Rock, made by Black Ankle Winery, Mt. Airy, Carroll and Frederick counties. The winemaker is Sarah O’Herron.

2020 Cabernet Franc, made by Big Cork Vineyards, Rohrersville, Md. The winemaker is Dave Collins.

New Jersey

2020 Blaufränkisch, made by Beneduce Vineyards, Pittstown, N.J., Hunterdon County. The winemaker is Mike Beneduce Jr.

The long tasting bar at Beneduce Vineyards in Pittstown, New Jersey.

2019 Reserve BDX Red Blend, made by William Heritage Winery, Mullica Hill, Glouchester County. The winemaker is Kevin Bednar.

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