By Jade Palmer, Hop City Krog Wine Manager
On February 25, winemaker Patrick Cappiello (of Monte Rio Cellars and Skull Wines) posted an Instagram reel, imploring everyone to drink more US wine. Why? Because wineries in the US are struggling with lagging sales, large backstocks of inventory, and stiff competition against lower-priced wines from other regions. This hit me hard because the US is full of amazing small-production wineries that may shut down production if they don’t get the support they need and deserve. In Patrick’s video, he challenges everyone—industry pros and consumers alike—to purchase and drink only US wine for the next two months. In the spirit of supporting well-made US wine, here are a few that should be on your radar:
Longevity Blanc de Blancs $19.99
The story of Phil Long and Longevity Wines is that of love and loss. Phil and his wife Debra started Longevity back in 2002, building up to the renowned winery that is now located in Livermore Valley, CA. Sadly, Debra passed away in 2019 from cancer. Phil designed the heart logo on the label and had it tattooed on his forearm so that Debra would always be with him - a precious love story. These bubbles are smooth and creamy with hints of green apple, citrus, and white flowers.
Teutonic Grüner Veltliner $19.99
Teutonic is an Oregon-based winery that takes inspiration from European regions like the Mosel and Alsace—minimal intervention, cool vineyard sites, and holistic farming practices. This Grüner is a refreshing take on the classic Austrian expression—a lil off-dry, acidity as bright as the springtime sun, and delicate notes of snap peas and juicy tangerines. Grab this stunner to enjoy when the sun is shining.
Forlorn Hope ‘Enfants Perdus’ $38.99
This chillable red comes from the wild and fun Matthew Rorick and his crew at Forlorn Hope in the Sierra Foothills of California. Consider this the most fun table wine you’ll ever have. It’s a field blend of twelve varieties (Grignolino, Freisa, Sagrantino, Leon Millot, Pinot d'Aunis, Nero d’Avola, Ribolla, Arneis, Assyrtiko, Clairette, Harslevelu, Riesling) from the experimental plot in Rorick Heritage Vineyard. The result is a tart and crunchy chillable red with notes of tart cherry, fresh strawberry, orange bitters, and raspberry. Only 24 cases were made and we got two of them! Grab some before it’s gone for good!
Outward Syrah $38.99
The story of Phil Long and Longevity Wines is that of love and loss. Phil and his wife Debra started Longevity back in 2002, building up to the renowned winery that is now located in Livermore Valley, CA. Sadly, Debra passed away in 2019 from cancer. Phil designed the heart logo on the label and had it tattooed on his forearm so that Debra would always be with him - a precious love story. These bubbles are smooth and creamy with hints of green apple, citrus, and white flowers.
Teutonic Grüner Veltliner $19.99
Teutonic is an Oregon-based winery that takes inspiration from European regions like the Mosel and Alsace—minimal intervention, cool vineyard sites, and holistic farming practices. This Grüner is a refreshing take on the classic Austrian expression—a lil off-dry, acidity as bright as the springtime sun, and delicate notes of snap peas and juicy tangerines. Grab this stunner to enjoy when the sun is shining.
Forlorn Hope ‘Enfants Perdus’ $38.99
This chillable red comes from the wild and fun Matthew Rorick and his crew at Forlorn Hope in the Sierra Foothills of California. Consider this the most fun table wine you’ll ever have. It’s a field blend of twelve varieties (Grignolino, Freisa, Sagrantino, Leon Millot, Pinot d'Aunis, Nero d’Avola, Ribolla, Arneis, Assyrtiko, Clairette, Harslevelu, Riesling) from the experimental plot in Rorick Heritage Vineyard. The result is a tart and crunchy chillable red with notes of tart cherry, fresh strawberry, orange bitters, and raspberry. Only 24 cases were made and we got two of them! Grab some before it’s gone for good!
Outward Syrah $38.99
Outward Wines represents everything that we love in a producer: limited production, minimal intervention, sustainably farmed, elegant wines. This Syrah is reminiscent of the crus of Northern Rhône—think Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie. Much like Rhône Syrahs, this one is blended with 5% Viognier, which acts as a stabilizer for the Syrah grape’s wildly deep purple color. Notes of dark red and black fruit enveloped in black pepper, olive brine, and violets. Whenever you bust out the grill, bring this wine to pair with whatever you’re grilling. Trust.
Osmote DeChaunac $21.99
I will highlight a Finger Lakes wine every chance I get because I love the FLX so much. A lot of smaller producers are doing really cool things with all kinds of grapes, including this one. DeChaunac is a hybrid grape that is grown throughout the FLX and has notes of tart cherry and cranberry. To add to the fun, this wine is fermented on Chardonnay skins, which adds a touch of tannins. A low-abv, slightly natty chillable red begging to be enjoyed during this time of year.
Proper Sake Co ‘Soft Power’ $39.99
This sake is wild. One of the most umami and layered sakes I’ve ever tried. Plus, it’s got an adorable kitten on the label. How could one not love it? The wildest part—all of Proper Sake Co’s sakes are brewed by one person. ONE PERSON. Using the traditional kimoto method where lactic acid is allowed to develop on its own versus being added into the yeast starter, proprietor Byron Stithem carefully brews each batch himself. Being that this sake is from Nashville, it would only be fitting to pair it with some fried chicken. I’m just saying…
Osmote DeChaunac $21.99
I will highlight a Finger Lakes wine every chance I get because I love the FLX so much. A lot of smaller producers are doing really cool things with all kinds of grapes, including this one. DeChaunac is a hybrid grape that is grown throughout the FLX and has notes of tart cherry and cranberry. To add to the fun, this wine is fermented on Chardonnay skins, which adds a touch of tannins. A low-abv, slightly natty chillable red begging to be enjoyed during this time of year.
Proper Sake Co ‘Soft Power’ $39.99
This sake is wild. One of the most umami and layered sakes I’ve ever tried. Plus, it’s got an adorable kitten on the label. How could one not love it? The wildest part—all of Proper Sake Co’s sakes are brewed by one person. ONE PERSON. Using the traditional kimoto method where lactic acid is allowed to develop on its own versus being added into the yeast starter, proprietor Byron Stithem carefully brews each batch himself. Being that this sake is from Nashville, it would only be fitting to pair it with some fried chicken. I’m just saying…
