Vine Pair: The 30 Best Red Blends for 2026

Red blends aren’t a new concept — they’ve existed in regions like Bordeaux and the Southern Rhône for centuries — but it’s certainly a category that continues to evolve. While in Europe there are strict appellation laws to abide by, the U.S., Australia, South Africa, and other countries have the flexibility to make any type of blend that inspires them. And once the concept of the “red blend” took off in the U.S., winemakers here ran with it, crafting endless combinations of creative cuvées.

Now there’s a world of red blends for consumers to discover, from the classic Bordeaux-inspired Cab-Merlot combos to Tannat-based wines in Virginia and Graciano-spiked blends from Santa Barbara. And some European regions are even starting to break the mold a bit, as evidenced by great wines on this list from Northern Italy, Armenia, and Croatia.

For this roundup we explored the most interesting and delicious red blends that define the category today. So throw the rule book out the window, and read on to discover the 30 best red blends for 2026.

Best Red Blends Over $100

Oleandri La Scala Red Blend 2023 | Rating: 95
This is a definitive Napa Valley red blend. It shows the power and elegance of each grape variety in the blend — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petite Sirah — skillfully integrated into one distinct, soulful wine. A red blend that is absolutely meant to age or spend some serious time in a decanter. Once it opens up, the wine will show off plush black fruits, leather, and tobacco leaf aromas. The palate goes even deeper with blackberry jam, plum, and spice, framed by powerful tannins. ($100)