International Cabernet Day

Categories:: Food & Beverage
Tags:: Drinking
Where:: International
Date change rule:: Thursday before U.S. Labor Day
Holiday emoji:: 🍷

International Cabernet Day uncorks the celebration of Cabernet, the world’s most popular red wine grape, every Thursday before U.S. Labor Day. This year, it falls on September 3. Discover the rich heritage of Cabernet Franc and its renowned offspring, Cabernet Sauvignon. Raise a glass, explore new vintages, and share your favorite Cabernet moments.

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Platforms
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Brands
Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate

Expected International Cabernet Day Deals

While official 2027 promotions are still being aged, history shows that wine retailers and restaurants will offer special deals for International Cabernet Day. Look for discounts on bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc at major retailers like Total Wine & More and BevMo! Many local wine shops often host tasting events or offer case discounts. Restaurants and wine bars, such as The Capital Grille and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, are expected to feature special Cabernet pairings or flights. Wineries like Robert Mondavi Winery and Kendall-Jackson may announce online promotions or virtual tastings. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September approaches.

Platform Guide for International Cabernet Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalCabernetDay. Share photos of your favorite Cabernet, tasting notes, or a cozy evening pairing.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #InternationalCabernetDay. Film a quick video reviewing a Cabernet, demonstrating a food pairing, or sharing wine facts.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #InternationalCabernetDay. Post about local wine events, share articles about Cabernet, or ask followers for their favorite bottles.

International Cabernet Day Hero

Robert Mondavi

Robert Mondavi (1913–2008) was an American winemaker whose vision and dedication transformed the California wine industry. He founded the Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley in 1966, focusing on producing world-class wines, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. Mondavi was instrumental in promoting Napa Valley as a premier wine region globally and advocated for quality, innovation, and education in winemaking.

History of International Cabernet Day

The idea for the International Cabernet Day came in 2010, when the NoCal and Twitter user, Rick Bakas, got a bunch of Napa Wineries together. Although it was initially started as a marketing tool, it quickly turned into a holiday.

Cabernet Sauvignon was developed by accident in the 17th century when a red Cabernet Franc grape plant bred with a white Sauvignon Blan grape plant in a French vineyard. Cabernet has been around for hundreds of years, but it is still pretty young compared to other wine varietals. Some people argue that it is a half-sibling to Merlot. So, if you have ever had trouble differentiating between a glass of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, don’t feel bad! They are closely related and it is very difficult to tell the difference.

One surprising and sweet thing about Cabernet Sauvignon is that everybody loves it. Cabernet is a timeless classic. There is also a reason why Cabernet tastes great with anything on any occasion. Researchers studying the effects of taste and food on the tongue found that the tannins in Cabernet act as ‘scrapers’ for fats and proteins that collect on the tongue from the food you eat. So, any fatty and protein-rich food you consume with wine will be enhanced in taste with Cabernet.

Today, France is the largest producer of Cabernet Sauvignon in the world. With a whopping 126,000 acres of Cabernet grown in France, it is still the fourth most planted grape in the country.

International Cabernet Day timeline

1600s

The First Mention

Cabernet Sauvignon is mentioned for the first time in history.

1996

The World Learns About Cabernet Sauvignon

The world learns that Cabernet Sauvignon is the child of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.

1997

An Important Discovery

Researchers discover the natural cross grape from Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.

2010

The First Official Holiday

Rick Bakas commemorates the first International Cabernet Day.

How Businesses Can Celebrate International Cabernet Day

Local businesses can tap into International Cabernet Day by offering special promotions or themed events. Restaurants can create a limited-time menu featuring dishes perfectly paired with different Cabernet styles, while wine bars might host a ‘Cabernet flight’ tasting. Retailers can curate special displays of Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc bottles, perhaps offering a discount on purchases. Consider partnering with a local winery for a tasting event or an educational session for customers.

International Cabernet Day FAQs

When is International Cabernet Day?

International Cabernet Day 2026 falls on Thursday, September 3, offering a mid-week excuse to celebrate this beloved red wine. It’s perfectly timed to kick off the Labor Day weekend with a rich glass.

How popular is Cabernet Sauvignon?

Cabernet Sauvignon is arguably the world’s most popular red wine grape, cultivated in nearly every major wine-producing region. Its robust flavor and aging potential make it a favorite among connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.

What are the primary flavor profiles of Cabernet Sauvignon?

Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its full-bodied profile with notes of blackcurrant, black cherry, and often green bell pepper (especially in cooler climates). It frequently exhibits hints of cedar, vanilla, and toast from oak aging.

What is the difference between Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon?

Cabernet Franc is an older grape variety, known for its lighter body, brighter acidity, and more aromatic profile with notes of raspberry, violet, and bell pepper. Cabernet Sauvignon is a hybrid of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, resulting in a darker, more tannic, and fuller-bodied wine.

International Cabernet Day Activities

Appreciate it
The best thing you can do to celebrate International Cabernet Day is by appreciating fine wine. Whether you like Cabernet or any other varieties of wine, appreciate it and enjoy the goodness.
Taste it
If you are looking for a sign to taste Cabernet and haven’t had this kind of wine before, today is the perfect day for first introductions. Invite your friends, family, and colleagues and make it a party.
Share it
Even if you’re not much of a drinker, you can give Cabernet a try anyway. It is considered one of the tastiest wines by many. So, if you have any stories like these, share them on social media.

5 Cool Things To Know About Cabernet

It’s the most planted wine grape
Cabernet is the most planted wine grape in the world.
It involves heavy cash
Wineries in Napa Valley pay more for Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
Stock market
Cabernet Sauvignon wines are tracked and traded like stocks.
It took over China too
Cabernet is one of the most important varieties in China too.
People notice it a lot
Cabernet is the most reviewed red wine variety in the Wine Spectator’s database.

Why We Love International Cabernet Day

It’s a day of appreciation
International Cabernet Day is a much-needed day that gives us all the time in the world to appreciate and honor one of the greatest wine varieties in the world. Try it today if you get a chance!
Everybody loves it
People love this wine! Its bold fruit flavors and smooth tannins are all brought together in a single sip and give the taster an exquisite experience.
It’s a time to unwind
International Cabernet Day is an opportunity to break away from the stress and all other hustles of the world to take some time for ourselves and enjoy life a little with a glass of wine. Who can say no to that?