Wine · Red Wine

Menage a Trois Red

Name: Menage a Trois Red
Brand: Menage a Trois — Trinchero Family Estates

A playful three-grape blend that became one of America's staple everyday reds

Menage a Trois — Trinchero Family Estates

Distillery

United States

Country

13.50%

ABV

6.8/10

Rating

★★★★★

6.8/10

California, USA Est. 1996 13.50% ABV

Tasting Notes

Colour & Appearance

Deep ruby red

Nose & Aroma

Ripe raspberry, blackberry and a soft vanilla oak note

Palate & Taste

Medium-bodied and fruit-forward with raspberry and blackberry jam, soft tannins and a light vanilla sweetness from oak, built for easy, uncomplicated drinking

Finish

Short to medium, smooth and fruity

History & Background

Menage a Trois was launched in 1996 by Folie a Deux Winery in Napa Valley, built around a playful naming concept reflecting its core style: blends of three red grape varieties (originally Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) combined for a soft, approachable, everyday-drinking red rather than a single-varietal wine built for aging or complexity. Now part of the Trinchero Family Estates portfolio, which also owns Sutter Home, it has grown into one of the best-known red blend brands in American grocery and liquor stores, later expanding into a wider range including the deeper, sweeter Midnight Dark Red Blend variant.

Production & Maturation

Production Method

A blend of red grape varieties, traditionally Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, selected and combined for an approachable, fruit-forward style rather than to highlight any single varietal.

Aging & Maturation

Aged briefly in oak to add soft vanilla character, without extended barrel time aimed at building serious tannic structure.

Distillery

Menage a Trois — Trinchero Family Estates

Founded

1996

Menage a Trois Red Price Guide 2026

Prices are indicative and may vary by retailer, store, and current stock. Last verified: July 2026.

United States Prices

Pennsylvania USD12.64

Illinois USD12.09

New York USD11.87

Florida USD10.77

Texas USD10.99

California USD10.44

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Menage a Trois refer to?

It's a playful reference to the wine's original concept: a blend of three red grape varieties (traditionally Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) rather than a single-varietal wine, combined for an easy-drinking, fruit-forward style.

What is the price of Menage a Trois Red in the US?

Menage a Trois Red typically retails between USD 9 and 11 for a 750ml bottle at grocery stores and major retailers, with delivery-app pricing sometimes running a couple of dollars higher.

Who owns Menage a Trois wine?

Menage a Trois was originally launched by Folie a Deux Winery in Napa Valley in 1996 and is now part of the Trinchero Family Estates portfolio, the same company behind Sutter Home.

Menage a Trois Red vs Apothic Red — what's the difference?

Both are soft, fruit-forward everyday reds at a similar price point, but Apothic Red leans noticeably sweeter and more chocolate-forward, while Menage a Trois Red is a touch drier and more straightforwardly fruity, closer to a traditional red blend with a lighter oak touch.

How should Menage a Trois Red be served?

Serve at room temperature in a standard red wine glass. Its soft, fruit-forward profile also makes it a reasonable base for a simple red sangria if you want a longer, lighter drink.

Similar to Menage a Trois Red

apothic-red,josh-cellars-cabernet-sauvignon,barefoot-cabernet-sauvignon

About the Author

Shivam Sharma

I am the founder and editor of The Spirit Atlas. With a deep appreciation for fine spirits, I built this platform to be the most helpful and honest spirits guide for Indian readers — covering everything from Scotch and Indian single malts to rum, gin and tequila, along with prices across every major Indian state. My goal is simple: to make the world of spirits a little more approachable for everyone.

Website Last updated: July 2026