Randall Graham and the Wine Spectator Magazine helped coin the name and put Rhone varieties on the map. But the Rhone Rangers aren’t just a catchy name—they’re America’s top crew pushing Rhone varietal wines, and we at Holly’s Hill are proud to ride with them. These are the bold, juicy wines born from grapes like Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre—stars of France’s Rhone River Valley for centuries, now thriving stateside. Their rise here proves they’re food-friendly champs, packed with rich flavors, and a testament to American winemakers killing it.
The Rhone Rangers’ gig? Spread the word about American Rhone wines, get them flowing in your glass, and weave them into everyday life. They’re all about celebrating these grapes—grown right here—and showing why they deserve a spot at your table. Education’s their game, from tastings to deep dives, and they’re not messing around.
Holly’s Hill jumped on board in the early 2000s, and it was a no-brainer. We’re all-in on Rhone varietals—our Sierra Foothills vineyard is packed with them, from Grenache Noir to Viognier. Our co-winemaker, Josh Bendick, didn’t just join; he stepped up big-time, serving on the Rhone Rangers board for nearly a decade. He even took the president’s chair for a term, waving the flag for California Rhone wines and shouting their story to anyone who’d listen. We’re not just members—we’re part of the mission to put American Rhone wines on the map.
The Rhone Rangers don’t stop at cheerleading. They dish out scholarships to folks pushing the American Rhone wine movement forward and host killer seminars and tastings. Want in? Check what’s rolling into a town near you at RhoneRangers.org/events. From coast to coast, they’re pouring Holly’s Hill-style passion into every sip.
So next time you pop a bottle of our Grenache or Mourvèdre, you’re tasting a piece of this Rhone Rangers legacy. It’s more than wine—it’s a movement, and we’re proud to be in the saddle.
