Barbera Pét-Nat 2023, Kareen Wine

A bold and playful expression of Barbera, this naturally sparkling wine is a celebration of texture, tension, and joyful fizz. Sourced from sustainably farmed Barbera vines in Northern California, the grapes were hand-harvested and whole-cluster pressed before undergoing native yeast fermentation. Bottled before fermentation was complete, this pét-nat finished its sparkle in bottle—unfiltered, unfined, and brimming with energy.

The result? A vibrant, magenta-hued sparkler with explosive aromas of sour cherry, raspberry, rhubarb, and blood orange peel. On the palate, it’s zippy and alive, with tart cranberry, hibiscus, and a whisper of wild herbs, all riding on a frothy mousse and bright acidity. There’s a bit of sediment and cloudiness—a signature of the style—that adds to its raw charm. Chill it well, pop it carefully, and enjoy it with anything salty, spicy, or spontaneous.

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.