Red Blend Malbec-Barbera 2023, Kareen Wine

A harmonious blend of two striking varietals, the 2023 Kareen Malbec–Barbera Red Blend showcases how bold fruit and elegant acidity come together in California’s warm terroir. From the family-run Kareen Wine estate in the Lodi region — where four generations have shaped the vineyard practices — this wine brings together the deep, velvety richness of Malbec with the bright lift and tension of Barbera.

On the nose you’ll find luscious black cherry and ripe plum, layered with touches of cocoa and dark spice. The palate delivers juicy boysenberry and red cherry, underpinned by fine tannins and a lively lift from the Barbera side. A subtle oak-driven layer of vanilla and caramel adds roundness without masking the fruit core. Drawing on Kareen’s low-intervention winemaking ethos, the finish is smooth, vibrant and thoughtfully balanced.

About the Winery

Nestled in Amador County in the Sierra Foothills, Kareen Wine is making waves by staying true to its roots—both literal and ancestral. Founded in 2018 by the Nemet family, this small, family-run winery blends passion, cultural heritage, and a low-intervention approach to craft expressive, site-driven wines from sustainably farmed vineyards across Northern California.

The name "Kareen" honors the family's ancestral homeland—an ancient Armenian city once known as a crossroads of culture and agriculture. That spirit of connection and resilience is woven into everything they do. What began in a garage in 2010 has evolved into a thoughtful winemaking project that celebrates both tradition and California terroir.

Working under the umbrella of Nemet Vintners LLC, the family sources grapes from standout sites in Lodi, Clarksburg, and the Sierra Foothills, focusing on varietals that shine in warm, sun-drenched climates. Their lineup includes plush Malbecs, bright Viogniers, zippy Chenin Blancs, and textured Zinfandels—plus the occasional playful pét-nat. Winemaking is kept minimal and intuitive, with a focus on purity of fruit, sense of place, and approachability in the glass.

Kareen Wine is proudly woman-owned, community-focused, and self-distributed. As members of the Contra Costa Winegrowers Association, they’re helping write the next chapter in California’s wine story—one bottle at a time, with deep roots and wide-open hearts.