An Unpretentious Lifestyle Wine for Sporty Consumers
NAPA VALLEY, CA (PRWEB) JULY 23, 2015 – Grip is a new wine brand launching in California this month by Chris Cutler, Christine Trice, and Billy Summers, all of whom share a passion for the outdoors.
Grip is an approachable and easy to drink bottle of wine to be shared after a day of hiking or surfing, to crack open on a picnic after cycling through the countryside, yet special enough for a party. Each bottle is adorned with a distinctive metallic label inspired by vintage bicycle head badges, and is designed to give consumers a “wine with a view,” putting them in the rider’s seat. Grip Wine’s current portfolio includes a Sauvignon Blanc, as well as a Cabernet-based red blend.
Grip 2014 Sauvignon Blanc ($18) is a crisp, bright and food-friendly wine. It displays citrus flavors and tropical notes of true Sauvignon Blanc, with balanced acidity and a lingering finish. This is truly a wine that over-delivers for the price and is meant to be paired with food and friends.
The 2012 Red Blend ($21) is “complex enough that you would be proud to take it to a Friday night dinner party, but priced so that you wouldn’t hesitate to open it at home on a Tuesday night,” says Chris Cutler, one of the founders. The base is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with Zinfandel and Syrah to achieve a bright and lively wine. There is no added residual sugar which translates to lower alcohol to ‘help you keep your edge’, and to maintain the flavor and vibrancy of the grapes.
The ideas of authenticity and approachability are very important to the Grip team. Each partner chases adrenaline on a daily basis: cycling, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, snowboarding, and other active pursuits. Chris Cutler, who has over a decade of experience in the wine industry, said, “We are active professionals who are constantly seeking balance in our lives. We exercise regularly, take care of families, work hard, and just want a good glass of wine at the end of the day. We created these wines to not only taste good and be affordable, but also to celebrate the everyday.”
Grip creators predict this brand will appeal to others with similar lifestyles. “As long as the wine is delicious, we don’t think the vineyard, appellation, critic’s score or celebrity winemaker matter a whole lot to the consumer who just wants to kick back with a glass at the end of the day,” says co-founder Billy Summers, former professional snowboarder and filmmaker. Christine Trice, creative wine/entertainment brand consultant and innovator behind the social media sensation OMG I so need a glass of wine or I’m gonna sell my kids brand says, “Opening a bottle of Grip wine is a way to celebrate individual accomplishments and a reward for a day well spent.”
Following the models of GoPro and Red Bull, Grip’s founders are taking an innovative approach to their marketing efforts by engaging at events, developing partnerships, and concentrating on direct involvement in their active lifestyle industries. Much of these efforts will focus on giving back to the community. Initial partnerships include the Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition, Shriners Hospital for Children and the Yosemite Climbing Association.
The Grip Sauvignon Blanc and Red Wine can be ordered online at gripwines.com.
