Barefoot Merlot Wine: Prices, Taste, Food Pairings, Reviews (2024)

Barefoot Merlot is a smooth and mellow classic, beloved by “Foot fans” and perfect for those new to red wine! 

In this article, we’ll explore how Barefoot Merlot tastes, how much it costs, some delicious bottles to buy, and some cool facts about this wine.

How Much Does Barefoot Merlot Cost? 

Barefoot Cellar wines are among the most wallet-friendly you’ll find. 

A 750ml bottle of Barefoot Merlot will rarely cost more than $10 and is readily available at your local grocery store. Special promotions may even halve the price.  

How Does Barefoot Merlot Taste?

Barefoot Merlot is a medium body, dry red wine. 

Its flavor profile typically displays alluring flavors of boysenberry, juicy cherries, sweet plums; a hint of smooth chocolate and light oak accompanied by mild tannins and a silky finish.

4 Delicious Barefoot Merlots To Buy Now

Here are four lovely Barefoot Merlots to sip right away:

1. Barefoot Merlot 2019 ($6)

This deep red wine is a perfect combo of cherry, plum, boysenberry, and chocolate flavors. Mild tannins and a hint of smoky vanilla oak complement a mocha finish.

2. Barefoot Merlot 2018 ($8)

This Merlot is a clear, ruby red wine with a nose of blackberry, plum, and a little cherry oak. The taste of fruit reflects the nose accompanied by medium tannins. 

3. Barefoot Merlot 2016 ($7) 

The 2016 release displays dark fruit flavors of plum and blackberry, with a chocolate, vanilla, and light oak finish. This wine is a people pleaser offering tremendous value in the bottle. 

4. Barefoot Merlot 2014 ($20)

This bottle of Merlot unfurls with strong fruit notes of berries, plum, and cherry. A medium body and soft tannins, with vanilla and oak in the background, end on a pleasantly soft finish.

Is Barefoot Merlot a Good Wine? (Critics’ Reviews and Scores) 

Barefoot Merlots have received amazing recognition despite its lack of frills, including 

• Double Gold Medal at the 2007 International Eastern Wine Competition, and 
• Best Buy award from the Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago.  

Wine Review Online awarded this red wine 90 points in September 2020, stating: 

“... It is a proper Merlot, with no traces of Cabernization, and it's big on deliciousness ... A Platinum Award winner at the Sommelier Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition.”

Next, let’s see what foods complement this classic red wine.

What Pairs Well with Barefoot Merlot Wine? 

Barefoot Merlot makes a delicious complement to most foods. 

It goes well with red meats, poultry, rich tomato-based dishes, and chocolate desserts. Try it with basic basil pesto or braised lamb shank. 

Or, use it to make sangria or even for cooking!

A Few More Cool Facts about Barefoot Merlot

Barefoot is one of the most awarded wine brands globally, offering a diverse selection of delicious, easy-drinking wines. 

You’ll find that familiar Barefoot logo adorning the alcoholic beverages product section of retail stores, alongside the likes of Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel to sparkling wine and sangria bottles.

Let’s go through a few quick facts on Barefoot Merlot:

1. Is Barefoot Merlot a varietal wine?

Yes,  Merlot is the primary grape used in making these red wines. 

2. Is Barefoot Merlot a vintage wine?

No. Barefoot Merlot wine is non vintage. This means it is a blend of grapes harvested in other years instead of just one. So, it doesn’t carry a vintage date on the bottle.

3. Should I refrigerate my Barefoot Merlot?

Chilling prior to drinking is a personal option. However, in general, Barefoot red wines should be served and savored at room temperature. 

4. Where did the Barefoot logo come from?

In 1986, Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey took Barefoot Bynum Burgundy’s sleepy label and created Barefoot Cellars. However, they needed the perfect image for their new wine label. 

That’s when Bonnie rolled out some paper, stepped on the biggest inkpad around, and left her mark. And thus, the Barefoot logo you’ll find on each fun, tasty bottle today was born! 

Blissful Barefoot Merlot for You

Crowd pleaser Barefoot Merlot is surely one to add to your dinner table. Delicious, affordable, it’s a wine that won’t fail to delight. 

But what if you have age-worthy Bordeaux Merlot on your investment wish list?

You could get a wine investment company like Vinovest to help. 

Vinovest offers unparalleled access to some of the finest wines across the globe. Sign up today to start collecting fine wine while you sip your Barefoot Merlot.