Exclusive: Bonanza Bourbon Finished in Caymus Wine Barrels
(Image Disclaimer: This is an illustrative rendering based on a preliminary bottle design shared. While it closely resembles the anticipated final product, the official bottle design may vary.)
The family behind one of Napa Valley's most celebrated Cabernets is bringing the Bonanza name into the world of bourbon for what appears to be the first time. Tonight's Poison has an exclusive early look at Bonanza Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a new expression finished in Caymus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon barrels and created by Charlie Wagner of the Wagner family.
Bonanza is one of America's fastest growing Cabernet Sauvignon brands, and this upcoming release marks an exciting new chapter as the brand expands from wine into whiskey.
Did You Know?
Bonanza is one of America's fastest growing Cabernet Sauvignon brands, and its upcoming bourbon brings the Wagner family's celebrated winemaking heritage into a new category.
The bourbon is finished in Caymus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon barrels, so the wine side of the family business shapes the whiskey directly.
The bottle is credited to Dry Fly Distilling in Spokane, Washington, even though the whiskey itself is Kentucky bourbon.
The Release
Bonanza Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a Kentucky bourbon labeled "Handcrafted." After aging, it is finished in wine barrels from Caymus Vineyards, which are Cabernet Sauvignon barrels. A "finish" means the whiskey spends extra time in a second cask that held something else, here red wine, to pick up added flavor and color.
Charlie Wagner of Napa Valley's Caymus Vineyards family created the bourbon, and Dry Fly Distilling of Spokane, Washington, is named as the bottler. The label describes the whiskey as having rich complexity and velvet smoothness, and it positions the bottle as a bridge between premium spirits and fine wine. The brand also points to a velvety texture and a smooth drinking experience. Those are the brand's own words, and Tonights Poison has not tasted it yet.
It comes in a 750 ml bottle at 45% ABV (90 proof). The mash bill (the grain recipe), the age of the whiskey and the length of the finish have not been shared.
The Story of Bonanza
Bonanza is the wine brand of the Wagner family, the same family behind Caymus Vineyards in Napa Valley. As one of America's fastest growing Cabernet Sauvignon brands, Bonanza has built a loyal following among wine enthusiasts. Bringing the name into bourbon creates an exciting opportunity to introduce those consumers to a new expression inspired by the Wagner family's winemaking heritage.
What makes this release particularly exciting is the direct connection to Caymus Vineyards. By finishing Kentucky bourbon in Cabernet Sauvignon barrels from the family's celebrated Napa Valley winery, Bonanza brings together two distinct traditions of American craftsmanship.
From Wine to Whiskey: Charlie Wagner's Partnership with Dry Fly
Charlie Wagner's involvement in the spirits industry began well before the upcoming Bonanza Bourbon release.
After more than a decade of collaborating with Spokane, Washington based Dry Fly Distilling on whiskey projects involving Caymus wine barrels, Wagner acquired a majority ownership stake in the distillery in August 2024. This venture operates separately from Caymus Vineyards and Wagner Family of Wine.
The partnership has already produced some exciting innovations. In 2025, Dry Fly introduced On The Fly, a collection of four wine based ready to drink cocktails made with Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon.
The lineup features Huckleberry Twist, Jalapeño Margarita, Margarita Remix and Watermelon Squeeze. Each comes in a 12 oz can at 9% ABV.
With Bonanza Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey on the horizon, the collaboration continues to explore new ways of combining wine heritage with spirits innovation.
The Details on the Whiskey
Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, finished in wine barrels
Cask/Finish: Caymus Vineyards wine barrels (Cabernet Sauvignon)
ABV/Proof: 45% ABV (90 proof)
Size: 750 ml
Bottled by: Dry Fly Distilling, Spokane, WA
UPC: 008-50073-3621-4
Price (SRP): Still to come
US Availability: Still to come
Release Date: Still to come
Quick Answers
What proof is Bonanza Kentucky Straight Bourbon? It is bottled at 45% ABV, which is 90 proof.
What barrels is Bonanza Bourbon finished in? It is finished in Caymus Vineyards wine barrels, specifically Cabernet Sauvignon.
When does Bonanza Bourbon come out and how much is it? The price, release date and availability have not been announced yet. We will update this post when they are.
(Image Disclaimer: This is an illustrative rendering based on a preliminary bottle design shared. While it closely resembles the anticipated final product, the official bottle design may vary.)
Tonights Poison Take
Wine barrel finishes are common, but one from a famous Cabernet house, made by the family behind a fast-growing wine brand, is a different story. A 90 proof pour should be easy to drink, and the wine finish suggests a fruit-forward style. We will share more once pricing, release timing and tasting details arrive.
Bar Talk: When the family behind Caymus Vineyards brings its celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon heritage into Kentucky bourbon, it's a combination worth getting excited about!
Send this to the friend who pours bourbon after the bottle of Cabernet is empty, and tell us in the comments if you would try it.
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About the author: Jas Sawhney (Tonights Poison) has spent 18 years in the beverage alcohol industry and shares new releases, tastings and spirits news as @tonightspoison on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Source: Tonights Poison
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