Union Wine Co. isn’t afraid to push boundaries. Owner-winemaker Ryan Harms and team have served wine out of a vintage French van; won over the masses with Pinot Noir in a can; explored gutsy flavor collaborations with fellow Oregonian artisans, from a hot sauce brand to a candy shop; and now, they’ve gone and canned sparkling wine.
While Union’s Underwood Wine in a Can first hit the market in 2014 and the original “The Bubbles” followed last spring, this year, Union is building on its success with a new rosé addition. Rosé Bubbles features a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Willamette and Umpqua Valleys. Plus, it comes in a rose gold can that looks chic and refreshing as ever when sporting some frosty condensation right out of the cooler.
When Harms founded Union in 2005, the company was built on the idea that great wine doesn’t need to be intimidating – in price point or panache. And by adding more cans to its repertoire, Union continues to challenge any haters to give this idea – this “pinkies down” philosophy – a chance.
What can we expect to see moving forward? It’s safe to say more surprises are in the pipeline.
1) Which of your own current offerings are you digging the most?
I am really loving the Rosé Bubbles, it has been a lot of fun to develop our new bubbles program for the Underwood brand and I am totally digging drinking them out of the can.
2) Any winemaking pipe dreams you’re dying to make a reality?
We are getting ready to launch wine coolers, which I am really excited about. It’s been a lot of fun to re-envision this classic beverage and bring our creative approach and seasonal Oregon fruits to these new wines.
3) What non-wine beverage is in your glass most these days? What is your favorite way to enjoy it and where?
I am a regular whiskey drinker, so I’ve been enjoying Leopold Bros. Small Batch whiskey in my glass lately with a small ice cube.
4) Favorite song, album or artist to jam out to while throwing a few down the hatch?
I’ve been loving Brad Mehldau lately. His double album “Highway Rider” is pretty awesome.
