LOS ANGELES, CA (May 21, 2012) – Whole Foods Market Southern Pacific Region is stirring things up by joining forces with Hearst Ranch to create a new, custom-blended wine label, “One Wine.” Whole Foods’ collaborative winemaking program, which started in Santa Barbara County and has now expanded to Paso Robles, was launched in order to create truly unique local wines specifically for Whole Foods Market customers, making them available at an affordable price.
Exclusive to Whole Foods Market’s Southern Pacific Region stores – including locations throughout Southern California, Nevada, Arizona, and Hawaii — variations of the “One Wine” series include Pinot Gris, Sangiovese and 50/50 blends.
“It has been an amazing process, working together with Whole Foods Market’s team members – who all really understand and appreciate quality – to create these truly unique, one-of-a-kind blends that we are then able to share with Whole Foods’ shoppers,” said Jim Saunders, owner, Hearst Ranch Winery.
The Central Coast of California, including Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo County, and Paso Robles – is a local hidden treasure that offers a distinct climate, geography and soil that brings forth flavors unlike any other. Currently more than 12 handcrafted wines have resulted from Whole Foods Market’s “One Wine” partnerships with wineries across the Central Coast, including Hearst Ranch Winery, Au Bon Climat Winery, Ampelos Cellars, Clendenen Family Winery, Hartley Ostini Hitching Post Winery, and Margerum Wine Company.
“Whole Foods Market’s ‘One Wine’ label is all about celebrating the relationships between people, their stories and their love for wine and winemaking,” said Chris Giuliano, Whole Foods Market buyer and forager. “We’re finding and blending fantastic wines with some of Southern California’s best wine makers. Wines produced by hand, on a small scale, from right up the road that are not only affordable, but support our local economy, land stewardship, and craftsmanship.”
“One Wine” also takes the spotlight in an episode of Whole Foods Market’s “Love Local” campaign, a series of mini-documentaries showcasing the stories behind Whole Foods Market’s relationships with its local vendors. The “One Wine” video highlights Central Coast’s local wines and collaboration with the people who make them. Wine lovers can get the inside scoop by viewing the documentary at Love Local One Wine.
“One Wine” is produced in limited quantities due to the specialized blends. Check your nearest Whole Foods Market store to pick up the latest collaboration creation.
