National Wine Day officially landed on May 25, 2026, but that didn’t stop the Athlon Outdoors crew from gathering to raise a glass and celebrate—fashionably late, of course.
For this installment, we decided to shake things up. Instead of everyone sampling the same bottle, each member of the team selected a wine that caught their eye. The result? A wide range of flavors, styles, and opinions that made for a much more interesting tasting experience.
National Wine Day is Better with Friends!
Since modern science still hasn’t delivered Smell-O-Vision, Taste-O-Vision, or some kind of hive-mind connection that lets you experience these wines alongside us, we did our best to put each bottle into words. From bold reds to crisp whites, every wine brought its own personality to the table, and every taster had a unique take on what was in the glass.
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So pour yourself a generous serving of your favorite vintage, grab the proper glassware if you’re feeling fancy, and settle in for the latest edition of Bottom Shelf. Cheers!
Bens Choice: Jaws
Don’t let the calm blue hue fool you—this sparkling sipper is every bit as thrilling as a shark-infested summer. Packed with juicy pineapple and creamy coconut flavors, it delivers a tropical burst of well, something. This JAWS-inspired bottle brings a wave of cult-classic fun to every pour. One sip, and you’ll be ready to dive right in. I wasn’t as huge a fan of the drink as I was the original movie, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, by the way.
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Jaws Tropical Blue Wine Spritzer
750ml
11.5% by volume
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$12.99
Megans Pick: Snoop Dogg’s Cali Sweet
Who doesn’t think of the Doggfather himself when it’s time to kick back by the fire with a glass of red wine? Megan clearly has a soft spot for nostalgia, too, choosing a label that channels some old-school hip-hop vibes and maybe even a few memories from her wilder college days. One thing is certain: the editor of Athlon Untamed isn’t afraid to make a bold and playful pick that pays tribute to a legendary era of rap culture. Two glasses up for the Dogg Pound Drank.
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19 Crimes Cali Sweet
750ml
Red wine 12.5% by vol
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$11.99
Joshua’s Choice: Boom Pop
Here’s a polished version with a smoother flow and a bit more personality:
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Not to be outdone, Tactical Knives editor Joshua Swanagon took his wine selection on a trip straight back to childhood. His pick brought back memories of chasing down the ice cream truck on hot summer afternoons, with the unmistakable sights, sounds, and sweet treats that defined the season.
Inspired by the classic Bomb Pop, Boom Pop combines bright cherry, tangy lemon drop, and blue raspberry flavors into a sweet, refreshing sparkling wine that practically tastes like summer in a bottle. Fun, colorful, and easy to enjoy, it’s the perfect companion for sunny afternoons, backyard barbecues, and festive gatherings. For the full nostalgic experience, pair it with Bomb Pops, vanilla cupcakes, or a bowl of fresh berries.
St. Julian really managed to bottle up a core childhood memory with this one, and judging by Joshua’s smile, they absolutely nailed it.
Boom Pop
11% by Vol
$11.99