WINE PICK: Union Wine Company is Leading the Way for Premium Canned Wines
Canned wines continue to grow as a hot product category that people more and more want to discover, and to drink. Union Wine Company is the group behind the Underwood line of canned wines, which was one of the earliest successful pioneers in bringing canned wines to stores across the world. Union was able to beat several of the challenges involving canned wine, such as creating the right packaging, eliminating various elements that can affect the taste of the wine in cans, and of course, changing consumer perspectives on canned wine’s quality.
It is very likely that you have already seen Underwood’s Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris in the wine section of your local grocery. If you haven’t tried their new line of flavored wines, such as the Mei Wine and the Strawberry Cooler, then definitely add those to your list. Our tasters were quite pleased with them, especially when you are looking for something light and unique.
Today we speak with Ryan Harms, founder and owner of the Union Wine Company, and Joan Olbrantz, marketing operations manager, on what they did right, and why you will love their vintages.
Interview with Union Wine Company and Underwood Wines
Winery Name: Union Wine Company
Owner: Ryan Harms
Winemaker(s): JP Caldcleugh
Established: 2005
Canned wine has a very high growth rate. Why is it becoming so popular?
Ryan Harms: From a business standpoint, canned wine is a popular choice because it costs approximately 40% less to package compared to the equivalent 9 liter case of wine in glass bottles. Putting wine in a can opens up the wine drinking experience to places where it had previously been difficult, such as outdoor events or when portability is needed. People are certainly seeing the lifestyle applications for the cans in their lives. The outdoor and active sport community has certainly embraced the cans, and we are also seeing folks in big cities purchase them for the portion size for home or outings around town.
From a consumer standpoint, we think this is a timing thing, culturally. There was a “winification” of beer trend going on with the craft beer craze, and we’re at the forefront of a new trend: the “beerification” of wine. Consumers are signaling an acceptance and we believe they are demanding brands to be innovative to connect to their needs. The eco-elements of the can are appealing and culturally relevant as well.
You have your own proprietary tech for canning wine. What makes it different?
Ryan Harms: Union Wine Company has the fastest and most automated bottling and canning facility in Oregon. California has faster more sophisticated production facilities, but there’s nothing like this in Oregon, especially for wine. From a canning perspective, this facility is unprecedented in the canned wine industry.
What is the inspiration for your newest wine releases, esp. the fruit flavors?
Ryan Harms: We look at our wine coolers as alternatives to both wine or beer. We don’t see this as an either/or proposition, rather, a traditional beer drinker might like an alternative on a warm sunny day, and same with a wine drinker – looking for something a bit more crisp and refreshing (with less alcohol content).
The Riesling Radler is our own spin on the traditional beer beverage that includes a refreshing blend of Oregon Riesling, hops and grapefruit.
The Strawberry Cooler is a fresh take on a retro classic wine cooler. We make it with the same great Underwood Pinot Noir we put in our bottles, a splash of fresh strawberries and a hint of lime.
Mei Wine is a product collaboration with Chef Mei Lin. Mei is the Season 12 winner of Bravo TV’s Top Chef, and we worked with her to blend her signature culinary flavors into our wine to create a tropical, bold-yet-reassuring wine cooler.
What the most exciting attributes about these wines?
Ryan Harms: Union Wine Company (and the Underwood brand) was created to bring great, affordable Oregon wines to everyone, not just one audience in particular. Whether they’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a beer drinker just now entering the world of wine – Underwood cans make it approachable, accessible and fun. For instance, Underwood wine in a can is ideal for the adventurer, as a way to bring wine outdoors without the weight. However, the single-serving option the can provides is also convenient for a night in as the perfect solution for consumers who don’t want to commit to opening an entire bottle. Each can is equivalent to half a bottle of wine which makes it easy to enjoy on your own or share.
Are there any elements of terroir that the drinker of your Pinot Noir and Gris should notice?
Joan Olbrantz: Underwood Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris are Oregon wines, made with Oregon grapes. That all by itself is noteworthy as Oregon produces some of the best Pinot grapes in the world.
What’s next for Union Wine Company?
Joan Olbrantz: Union Wine Company will release the 2020 Underwood Nouveau this November in both bottles and cans. Last year we put the wine in a beautifully designed can inspired by Art Nouveau and it turned out so well we decided to extend this year’s offering by creating a bottle label that is similarly designed. In November 2020 consumers will have the option of enjoying Underwood Nouveau in either a 357 milliliter can or a 750 milliliter bottle.
How is business being affected by COVID?
Joan Olbrantz: Our online business is doing well during this time as could be expected. We also aren’t as heavy into on premise sales as we are at regular retail, so that has been an advantage for us during this time as well.
Find them at https://unionwinecompany.com/
