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BACKUP WINE
A boxed Merlot home wine making kit on a rustic workbench
Wine Kit

Merlot Kit

The Thanksgiving wine. Smooth, plummy, hard to mess up.

Russ & Todd approvedBest for redsBeginner top pick

≈ $99–$115price range

Soft tannins, dark fruit, and a finish that doesn't fight the food. The wine that saved a particular Thanksgiving — see the blog for details.

Russ keeps a steady supply of this in the cellar specifically as 'guest insurance.'

Where to buy

We don't sell this — these links go to retailers who do. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Buy on AmazonPrimary pick$99Northern Brewer$109MoreWine$115

Why we like it

Reliable. Drinkable young. Universally inoffensive in the best possible way.

Who it's for

Hosts. Gift-givers. Anyone who needs a 'crowd works' wine.

What's in the box

  • Yields ~30 standard 750ml bottles
  • Approx. 5–7 weeks from start to bottle
  • Style: Medium-bodied, smooth, low-tannin red

Goes well with

Cabernet Sauvignon home wine making kit on a rustic workshop table
Wine Kit
Russ-approvedBeginner top pickBest for reds

Russ-Approved Cabernet Kit

The exact kit that started the whole blue-tape situation.

See where to buy →
A Pinot Noir home wine making kit box with grapes on a wooden table
Wine Kit$105–$120
Todd-approvedBest for reds

Pinot Noir Kit

The lighter red. Easier on Tuesday than the Cabernet.

See where to buy →priced 2025-11-20
A premium Italian Amarone-style wine kit box with crushed grape skins on a dark wooden surface
Premium Wine Kit$175–$195
Russ-approvedBest for big batchesBest for reds

Premium Amarone-Style Kit

The big one. Skin pack, long aging, serious wine.

See where to buy →priced 2025-11-20