On a brisk Thursday evening in Tribeca, the chatter at Frenchette’s oak bar isn’t about the latest Beaujolais or funky orange wine—it’s about a classic: Cabernet Sauvignon. Once the undisputed king of red wines, the varietal has lately been sidelined by New Yorkers seeking lighter, trendier pours. But this fall, a quiet resurgence is underway, led by somms who are asking, Why did we stop pouring Cab?

In Manhattan’s Midtown steakhouses, Cabernet still reigns with a $45 glass alongside porterhouse, but further downtown, it’s gaining fresh relevance. At June Wine Bar in Cobble Hill, manager Alicia Morales says she’s fielded more requests for Napa and Long Island Cabs since Labor Day than all summer. “People want something familiar as the air cools off. Cabernet is comfort,” she explains, gesturing to a blackboard listing a 2020 Paumanok Cab for $17.

The shift comes as natural wine lists have dominated the city’s scene for years, leaving traditional reds on the sidelines. Yet this September, Brooklyn bottle shops are reporting a noticeable uptick in Cab sales, especially among young professionals. At Leon & Son, a Tuesday night tasting drew a crowd for a blind tasting of American Cabernets, including a few upstate New York surprises. Co-owner Chris Leon notes, “It’s a statement wine—bold, big, not afraid to take up space, just like New York.”

Even high-end restaurants are revisiting their cellars. Daniel Boulud’s team reopened their fall wine program last week with a vertical tasting of California and Bordeaux Cabs, something not seen since before the pandemic. As the city’s election cycle stirs debate and the school year ramps up, perhaps it’s no surprise that New Yorkers are reaching for a wine that’s as assertive and complex as the city itself.

This autumn, Cabernet Sauvignon isn’t just back—it’s a taste of New York’s own appetite for reinvention, best savored with a thick steak, a sharp cheese, or the city skyline glowing at dusk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Cabernet Sauvignon making a comeback in New York City?

Cabernet Sauvignon is experiencing renewed interest from both wine bars and high-end restaurants in New York City after years of being overshadowed by trendier wines.

Which New York wine bars are seeing increased demand for Cabernet Sauvignon?

Frenchette in Tribeca and June Wine Bar in Cobble Hill are seeing increased demand for Cabernet Sauvignon this fall.

How much does a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon cost at June Wine Bar?

June Wine Bar lists a 2020 Paumanok Cabernet for $17 a glass.

What kind of events are highlighting Cabernet Sauvignon in Brooklyn?

Leon & Son in Brooklyn hosted a blind tasting of American Cabernets, including upstate New York wines, which drew a crowd of young professionals.

How are high-end restaurants in New York featuring Cabernet Sauvignon?

Daniel Boulud’s restaurant relaunched its fall wine program with a vertical tasting of California and Bordeaux Cabernets, the first such event since before the pandemic.

Editorial Transparency. A first draft of this story was produced with AI-assisted writing tools, then reviewed for accuracy and tone by the named editor before publication. More on our process: Editorial Policy.