Wine for people who just love wine
Honest writing about wine from someone still learning. What to drink, what to skip, and what's actually worth your money.
Start ReadingWhy this exists
There was a man named George Lonz who built a wine castle on Middle Bass Island in Lake Erie. During Prohibition, he sold grape juice with instructions for making "wine vinegar." The step before that, of course, is wine.
He understood something the wine world often forgets: wine is for people. It's for the table, the porch, the party that's just about to start. Not for collecting. Not for showing off.
That's what Ripe Grapes is about. I'm learning as I go, and I'm writing it all down. If you love wine but the world around it feels like a club you weren't invited to — you're in the right place.
What's here
Bottles worth buying, occasions worth planning, and honest takes on what's actually good.
Regions, grapes, and the stuff that actually matters — explained without the condescension.
Wine clubs, retailers, and hidden gems. The ones worth your money and the ones to skip.
About
I'm a writer and marketer from Columbus, Ohio. I got curious about wine and started writing about it. That's the whole story.
George Lonz is my inspiration. He sold wine on an island during Prohibition, built a castle, threw parties, and made the whole thing feel like a celebration. That's the spirit here. Less lecture, more party.
I'm learning. I'm writing it down. Come along.