Happiness and Hope: Catching up with Sensory Expert Dr. Hoby Wedler (Copy)
When the UPS Truck Pulled Away: A Grenache Release Filled With Purpose
A Moment I Didn’t Expect to Feel This Deeply
The UPS truck had barely made it to the end of the driveway when I felt it—that lump in my throat, that sudden wave of emotion I didn’t see coming. Fourteen packages were loaded onto that truck. Not deliveries arriving at my door, but our hands-on, packed-with-love Grenache heading out into the world.
This wasn’t Black Friday shopping. This was a decade-long dream, finally in motion.
Michael and I spent most of Sunday packing orders ourselves—wrapping each bottle in compostable pulp shippers, our logoed Sollevato tissue paper, handwritten notes tucked inside. When you run a tiny winery, you touch everything. And that’s part of what makes moments like this feel so big.
From an Idea to a Bottle in Your Hands
Packing orders is actually one of my favorite parts of this whole process. It’s the closing of the loop—from the moment Michael and I first said, “What if we made wine?” to sending it to your holiday tables across the country.
And the part that tops even that? Seeing your photos. Your tags. Your messages about opening a bottle with friends or family. That’s when it all clicks. That’s why we do this.
I don’t have children, but in a very real way, these bottles feel like our legacy—little vessels of joy traveling outward, glass by glass.
Why This Grenache Feels Different
This isn’t our first release, but it is our first Grenache—and that makes it extra special. It’s a grape we’ve loved drinking for years and one we were ready to finally bring into our small portfolio.
The 2023 vintage was harvested back in October 2023, and like all wines, it’s been a long road to get here. Two years of patience, partnership, and trust—especially with our growers, the Ramazzottis, who farm this beautiful vineyard for us in Dry Creek Valley.
Grenache is new territory for me as a winemaker. Up until now, I’d only made Sangiovese. Learning this grape, understanding it, and seeing it come together in bottle has been incredibly rewarding.
Making Wine That Gives Back
Since the beginning of Sollevato, I knew I wanted to create an impact-driven wine. Michael and I talked through many ideas—fire relief, animal rescue—but this past year brought clarity.
Almost exactly one year ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Around the same time, my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and passed away in August. It’s been a year that reshaped everything.
That’s why this Grenache supports cancer research, with $4 from every bottle donated to the V Foundation. Their mission, their impact, and their history resonated deeply with me—and the partnership felt right in every way.
This release represents more than a new wine. It represents hope, momentum, and putting something good into the world.
Back to the Basics: What Is Grenache?
Before we move forward, let’s rewind. Grenache is one of the most widely planted red grapes in the world, yet many wine drinkers still aren’t familiar with it.
Originally from Spain (where it’s called Garnacha), Grenache is grown across France, Australia, and California. Historically, it’s been used as a blending grape—most famously in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where it forms the backbone of GSM blends (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre).
But on its own? Grenache shines.
Why Grenache Is a Food Lover’s Wine
Grenache is incredibly versatile at the table. It’s lower in tannin than something like Cabernet Sauvignon, has bright acidity, and a medium-plus body that feels plush without being heavy.
Flavor-wise, think red fruits—cherry, strawberry—sometimes even a nostalgic grape soda note. Layered underneath, you’ll often find dried herbs, lavender, citrus peel, and subtle earthy notes like leather or fresh pavement (trust me, it works).
That balance makes Grenache a dream with food: smash burgers, pizza, tacos, Thai food, Thanksgiving dinner—you name it.
Our 2023 Sollevato Grenache
Everything I love about Grenache shows up in our 2023 Sollevato bottling. The color is a vibrant ruby red. The fruit is bright and red-driven, the acidity lively, and the texture smooth and inviting.
It’s intentionally different from our Sangiovese, and that contrast is what makes the lineup stronger.
We’ve been enjoying it with friends, spicy food, and more than a few “quality control” glasses as we packed your orders. And now, many of those bottles are already on their way to you.
What’s Next
Coming up soon, I’ll be sitting down with one of your favorite repeat guests, Dr. Hoby Wedler, to taste the Grenache together—this time from bottle, not barrel.
In the meantime, you can learn more about the wine and our philanthropic partnership on the Sollevato website. Podcast listeners can use code PODLISTENER for 10% off, and yes—I’ll be the one packing your order and sending it off with David, our UPS driver.
Because at the end of the day, this is about joy, connection, and moving toward victory over cancer—one glass at a time.
Until next time, sip well.