Who's talking flower wine?
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April Flowers
Ancient garden wines are blossoming
By Janelle Lassalle
Floral or "garden" wines have been around for a long time. The first references come from ancient Romans who infused libations with rose petals and violets. China's Han Dynasty introduced chrysanthemum wine to the world, and American colonists experimented with dandelion vino.
Today, innovative producers are re-creating floral wines by fermenting the flowers themselves. Curious? Check these out.
LAVENDER AND ROSE HIBISCUS WINES
Free Range Flower Winery
This Oakland, California winery has devised a unique method of fermenting flowers. Developed by co-founder and biologist Aaliyah Nitoto, the "florification" process utilizes organic lemons and lavender to create Free Range's flagship L wine, a lavender wine with a soft purple hue. You might expect a deep herbal flavor, but what you get is lightly sweet and crisp, with nice acidity, a bit of effervescence, no tannins and a hint of lavender.
Just debuted this past holiday season, its RoseHybiscus bottling is a playful take on red wine. Made from oranges and locally sourced organic rose and hibiscus flowers, it looks nearly indistiguishable from red wine and, while its tannins are velvety, it has earthy and herbal notes on the palate.
Today, innovative producers are re-creating floral wines by fermenting the flowers themselves. Curious? Check these out.
LAVENDER AND ROSE HIBISCUS WINES
Free Range Flower Winery
This Oakland, California winery has devised a unique method of fermenting flowers. Developed by co-founder and biologist Aaliyah Nitoto, the "florification" process utilizes organic lemons and lavender to create Free Range's flagship L wine, a lavender wine with a soft purple hue. You might expect a deep herbal flavor, but what you get is lightly sweet and crisp, with nice acidity, a bit of effervescence, no tannins and a hint of lavender.
Just debuted this past holiday season, its RoseHybiscus bottling is a playful take on red wine. Made from oranges and locally sourced organic rose and hibiscus flowers, it looks nearly indistiguishable from red wine and, while its tannins are velvety, it has earthy and herbal notes on the palate.
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Many thanks to Janelle Lassalle & Wine Enthusiast magazine for shining a light on our space!
Many thanks to Janelle Lassalle & Wine Enthusiast magazine for shining a light on our space!
the latest:
WINE TASTING
IN THE EAST BAY
New Urban Wine Trails:
An Illustrated Guide
to Some of Berkeley & Oakland's
Hot New Wineries
By Nikki Goddard
No. 57, Fall Harvest 2019
FREE RANGE FLOWER WINERY
The Mavericks
When biologist and herbalist Aaliyah Nitoto first learned about the ancient tradition of crafting wines from flowers and herbs, her interest was piqued, and she could not understand why these “garden wines” had disappeared from modern tables. She decided to try her hand at making them, initially to share with friends. She soon realized the results were too good not to share with the world, and the world is better off for it. Today, Aaliyah and her partner Sam Prestianni are bringing their delightful flower wines—made with local, organic, and sustainable ingredients—to the public, creating a brand new niche in the market. Unlike previously existing beverages made with flower infusions, Free Range Flower wines are made by actually fermenting the flowers along with minimal additional ingredients (citrus and a sugar source).
Free Range Flower Winery does not have a tasting room, but opportunities to taste come along weekly in Berkeley at Revival Bar & Kitchen’s Saturday Flower Wine Brunch (more info on page 53) and monthly at Wine & Design in Oakland. The wines can also be purchased at a few East Bay restaurants and retail locations or directly through the winery’s website. And most assuredly, they are worth tracking down. For fans of floral flavors, these wines are simply heavenly. Enjoy them as aperitifs, mixed into cocktails, or with food.
What to try: The lightly effervescent “L” Lavender Wine is surprisingly dry, with a pleasingly herbal bitterness, a hint of juniper, and bright acidity supplied by lemons. The show-stopping RoseHybiscus is gorgeously hued, stunningly textured, and brilliantly perfumed, with aromas of rose petal, raspberry, and sage. The citrus here (orange) is so subtle you might not know it’s there.
The Mavericks
When biologist and herbalist Aaliyah Nitoto first learned about the ancient tradition of crafting wines from flowers and herbs, her interest was piqued, and she could not understand why these “garden wines” had disappeared from modern tables. She decided to try her hand at making them, initially to share with friends. She soon realized the results were too good not to share with the world, and the world is better off for it. Today, Aaliyah and her partner Sam Prestianni are bringing their delightful flower wines—made with local, organic, and sustainable ingredients—to the public, creating a brand new niche in the market. Unlike previously existing beverages made with flower infusions, Free Range Flower wines are made by actually fermenting the flowers along with minimal additional ingredients (citrus and a sugar source).
Free Range Flower Winery does not have a tasting room, but opportunities to taste come along weekly in Berkeley at Revival Bar & Kitchen’s Saturday Flower Wine Brunch (more info on page 53) and monthly at Wine & Design in Oakland. The wines can also be purchased at a few East Bay restaurants and retail locations or directly through the winery’s website. And most assuredly, they are worth tracking down. For fans of floral flavors, these wines are simply heavenly. Enjoy them as aperitifs, mixed into cocktails, or with food.
What to try: The lightly effervescent “L” Lavender Wine is surprisingly dry, with a pleasingly herbal bitterness, a hint of juniper, and bright acidity supplied by lemons. The show-stopping RoseHybiscus is gorgeously hued, stunningly textured, and brilliantly perfumed, with aromas of rose petal, raspberry, and sage. The citrus here (orange) is so subtle you might not know it’s there.
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Thank you Nikki Goddard & Edible East Bay!
Thank you Nikki Goddard & Edible East Bay!
the archives:
Meet Aaliyah Nitoto Winemaker
Making Wine From Flowers
By Naushad Huda
August 12, 2019
On Flower Power: "Flowers have such amazing qualities, the aromatic compounds, dynamic colors, complex and unusual flavors, nutritional and healing properties. Flowers are magical and powerful. For years, through my work as an herbalist, I had learned about the deep history and wellness benefits of flower-based essential oils."
On Flower Winemaking: "Then I discovered these flower winemaking traditions, hundreds even thousands of years old, from all over the world. Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, China. Also Korea, much of Europe, Colonial America. It was often women making these wines. And now, since they’ve basically been neglected for so long, they’re barely known. So this really intrigued me and touched my heart, and I wanted to bring these wines back with a modern spin."
On Lavender Wine: "Drinking lavender wine *feels* different than other wines. Lavender’s biochemical properties are unique. It’s a next-level body experience."
On the Flower Wine Movement: "There are a number of artisanal, high quality, flower wine producers in both the U.S. and abroad, and while it may be a boutique movement for now, it’s a movement that’s got legs!"
On Celebrity Wine Pairing: "The first wine I made, the Lavender, was created with Janelle Monáe in mind. I tried to channel her spirit as a rebel woman, unapologetic and assertive. She defies expectations and sparkles, filling the room with light. Just like Lavender wine!"
On Flower Winemaking: "Then I discovered these flower winemaking traditions, hundreds even thousands of years old, from all over the world. Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, China. Also Korea, much of Europe, Colonial America. It was often women making these wines. And now, since they’ve basically been neglected for so long, they’re barely known. So this really intrigued me and touched my heart, and I wanted to bring these wines back with a modern spin."
On Lavender Wine: "Drinking lavender wine *feels* different than other wines. Lavender’s biochemical properties are unique. It’s a next-level body experience."
On the Flower Wine Movement: "There are a number of artisanal, high quality, flower wine producers in both the U.S. and abroad, and while it may be a boutique movement for now, it’s a movement that’s got legs!"
On Celebrity Wine Pairing: "The first wine I made, the Lavender, was created with Janelle Monáe in mind. I tried to channel her spirit as a rebel woman, unapologetic and assertive. She defies expectations and sparkles, filling the room with light. Just like Lavender wine!"
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Many thanks to Naushad Huda & I Like This Grape: Voice of Modern Voice Culture for this thoughtful interview!
Many thanks to Naushad Huda & I Like This Grape: Voice of Modern Voice Culture for this thoughtful interview!
Aaliyah Nitoto
Founder of Free Range Flower Winery
By IdeaMensch
August 2, 2019
On Flower Winemaking Inspiration: "While I was studying biology and herbalism, I came across this little-known, incredibly rich history of winemaking that didn’t involve grapes yet spanned hundreds of years and countless varietals. I was fascinated by these so-called garden wines, which were handcrafted from flowers and an endless assortment of non-grape fruits, vegetables, and herbs. I was also inspired by the fact that the winemakers were also predominantly women."
On Trends: "People seem like they’re more adventurous than in years past. They’re more willing to try new things, especially when it comes to food and drink. They’re enticed by novel taste experiences. We’re seeing this first-hand, as many people from a range of demographics are finding their way to wine made from flowers—not grapes."
On Best Advice: "Don’t be disappointed about not fitting in in the corporate work environment. You don’t have to. You need to be an entrepreneur. You need to do for yourself. Don’t be afraid, just get out there!"
On Truth & Startups: "Negative talk has a toxic effect on the mind, body, and overall wellbeing. Negative talk while starting a business can hamper your momentum, which makes everything harder. Being positive doesn’t necessarily make anything easier, but it does give you more energy and clarity to get things done."
On Powering Forward: "I made a pact with myself. I would only mourn this lost opportunity for a set time, then I would keep pushing forward. It was important for me to process my feelings, and creating a clearly defined time for disappointment made it easier to put it behind me. You could be missing that big break while wallowing in self-pity. I wasn’t going to let that happen. And pretty soon, I got the break I was looking for."
On Trends: "People seem like they’re more adventurous than in years past. They’re more willing to try new things, especially when it comes to food and drink. They’re enticed by novel taste experiences. We’re seeing this first-hand, as many people from a range of demographics are finding their way to wine made from flowers—not grapes."
On Best Advice: "Don’t be disappointed about not fitting in in the corporate work environment. You don’t have to. You need to be an entrepreneur. You need to do for yourself. Don’t be afraid, just get out there!"
On Truth & Startups: "Negative talk has a toxic effect on the mind, body, and overall wellbeing. Negative talk while starting a business can hamper your momentum, which makes everything harder. Being positive doesn’t necessarily make anything easier, but it does give you more energy and clarity to get things done."
On Powering Forward: "I made a pact with myself. I would only mourn this lost opportunity for a set time, then I would keep pushing forward. It was important for me to process my feelings, and creating a clearly defined time for disappointment made it easier to put it behind me. You could be missing that big break while wallowing in self-pity. I wasn’t going to let that happen. And pretty soon, I got the break I was looking for."
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Thank you to IdeaMensch for the opportunity to dig deep!
Thank you to IdeaMensch for the opportunity to dig deep!
Summer Wine Guide + Pairings
A guide to great summer wines
By Carla Snuggs
July 22, 2019
"Sparkling Lavender Wine is quite lovely paired with a brunch of Salmon Benedict. Another wonderful summer pairing would be tequila shrimp ceviche, roasted chillis, and blue tortilla chips....
RoseHybiscus is best served cellar-chilled and is perfect for hot summer days, a lovely complement to grilled marinated lamb chops and herb-roasted vegetables. It also complements smoked BBQ chicken, cucumber tomato salad, and Thai beef salad with fresh spring rolls."
RoseHybiscus is best served cellar-chilled and is perfect for hot summer days, a lovely complement to grilled marinated lamb chops and herb-roasted vegetables. It also complements smoked BBQ chicken, cucumber tomato salad, and Thai beef salad with fresh spring rolls."
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Thank you Carla Snuggs & Posh Beauty Blog for the yummy pairings!
Thank you Carla Snuggs & Posh Beauty Blog for the yummy pairings!
22 Unique Gifts for Women
Who Have Everything
By Taegan Lion
July 20, 2019
"Free Range Flower Winery is award-winning and deliciously different! The Sparkling Lavender Wine option is handcrafted from organic lavender flowers — not grapes — and available in limited editions exclusively in California in elegant 500 mL. gift bottles. A vintage like no other!"
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Thanks to Taegan Lion & Fupping for including us in this special listicle!
Thanks to Taegan Lion & Fupping for including us in this special listicle!
Free Range Flower Winery
Celebrates Its First Anniversary
By Katherine Hamilton
July 9, 2019
"In the past hundred years or so, flower wines have become virtually unknown, and Nitoto is part of the movement to bring them back.... 'L' Lavender Wine is a dry, lightly effervescent wine made of lavender flowers, with notes of licorice and juniper. There's also a Sunset International Wine Competition Silver Award-winning wine called RoseHybiscus, made of a blend of rose petals and hibiscus flowers for a flavor that's earthy, rounded, fruity, and herbal."
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Thank you to Katherine Hamilton for another wonderful East Bay Express feature!
Thank you to Katherine Hamilton for another wonderful East Bay Express feature!
Bites:
Let It Bloom
By Sarah Han
July 3, 2019
"Oakland’s Free Range Flower Winery, which makes wines with flowers, not grapes, will celebrate its first anniversary with three tasting events of its three wines.... Free Range Flower Winery joins forces with alaMar Kitchen & Bar, where chef Nelson German will offer pairings like braised oxtails and charred heirloom carrots with sriracha truffle hummus, pea shoot and mango salsa verde.... At Revival Bar & Kitchen, expect dishes like deviled eggs with preserved lemon, herbs, and trout roe, and beet fettuccine with toasted walnuts, goat cheese, and spring vegetables.... At Wine & Design, the wines will be offered with cheese, crudite, and other small bites as guests create their own works of art."
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Thank you Sarah Han & Berkeleyside NOSH for the Anniversary Celebration shout-out!
Thank you Sarah Han & Berkeleyside NOSH for the Anniversary Celebration shout-out!
5 Creative Ways
Female Entrepreneurs
Get Into Vacation Mode
By Deborah Sweeney
June 26, 2019
"'My partner and I drive a few hours out of town to the mountains, like Yosemite, or a remote hot springs in the middle of nowhere. The to-do lists and messages continue to pile up in my absence, but the reset is well worth it.'"
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Thanks to Deborah Sweeney & Thrive Global!
Thanks to Deborah Sweeney & Thrive Global!
Free Range Flower Winery
Hosts Dog-Art Contest
By S. Rufus
May 22, 2019
"The winner's pooch will be enshrined as "Top Dog" on the Free Range Flower Winery web site and in social media."
LOTUSWEI founder Katie Hess
talks flower wine
with Aaliyah Nitoto
on the Flower Lounge Podcast
April 3, 2019
"In this episode I chat with Aaliyah Nitoto, founder of Free Range Flower Winery, about the age-old practice of women making flower wines around the world. We talk about the business of flower wines, including fermentation, tasting rooms, batch sizes and the difference between wine as a libation vs. medicine."
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Much gratitude to Katie Hess & the LOTUSWEI family for this wide-ranging interview!
Much gratitude to Katie Hess & the LOTUSWEI family for this wide-ranging interview!
A Taste of Spring
By Mary Sullivan
March 1, 2019
"Free Range Flower Winery, in Oakland, is truly bringing a splash of spring into the glass. They ferment various flowers such as hibiscus and lavender to produce a glorious glass of wine."
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Thanks to Mary Sullivan & Joyride!
Thanks to Mary Sullivan & Joyride!
Oakland's Vibrant Wine Scene
By Cat Wolinski
February 26, 2019
"Oakland’s appeal encompasses a cultural cornucopia of food, music, art, and activism. Wine lovers will feel right at home here, too, as a growing network of winemakers in Oakland and the Bay Area is establishing its own identity, apart from its well-established neighbors in Napa and Sonoma."
Bottles to Try: Free Range Flower Winery
"'Wine made from flowers — not grapes' sums up the mission of this organic, sustainable, local Oakland winery. RoseHybiscus, a ruby-red wine made from rose and hibiscus flowers, is its bestseller. 'But the lavender sparkling is also amazing,' Fern Stroud says."
Bottles to Try: Free Range Flower Winery
"'Wine made from flowers — not grapes' sums up the mission of this organic, sustainable, local Oakland winery. RoseHybiscus, a ruby-red wine made from rose and hibiscus flowers, is its bestseller. 'But the lavender sparkling is also amazing,' Fern Stroud says."
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Thank you Cat Wolinski & VinePair!
Thank you Cat Wolinski & VinePair!
Oakland Wineries Spotlight
By Carrie Hodousek
January 29, 2019
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Thanks to Carrie Hodousek & KCBS Radio for including Free Range Flower Winery in this feature!
Thanks to Carrie Hodousek & KCBS Radio for including Free Range Flower Winery in this feature!
15 Minutes With Aaliyah Nitoto and Sam Prestianni, Makers of Lavender Wine
By Janelle Lassalle
January 3, 2019
On Lavender Wine: "They pour out a few glasses and Sam offers the first one to Aaliyah. Surprisingly enough, the liquid is more pink than purple, as if a rosé kissed a lavender plant in passing. The taste, too, gets me. It’s light with a hint of sweetness, and is far less lavender-forward than I expected. I feel my body immediately relax. It’s wonderful."
On Launching the Winery: "'I thought, I have to really bring this. I have to do this,' said Aaliyah... [who] never relented, in part, I suspect, due to her natural resilience. But part of it, too, is Sam and his love for her. He’s been her greatest believer, an endless well of undying faith."
On Love & Winemaking: "It’s only fitting, then, that love should beget love."
On Community: "It shouldn’t surprise anyone that a desire to create something to nourish the soul should incite so much joy. They launched in July 2018 and the community’s positive response has continued to surprise and humble them ever since."
On Launching the Winery: "'I thought, I have to really bring this. I have to do this,' said Aaliyah... [who] never relented, in part, I suspect, due to her natural resilience. But part of it, too, is Sam and his love for her. He’s been her greatest believer, an endless well of undying faith."
On Love & Winemaking: "It’s only fitting, then, that love should beget love."
On Community: "It shouldn’t surprise anyone that a desire to create something to nourish the soul should incite so much joy. They launched in July 2018 and the community’s positive response has continued to surprise and humble them ever since."
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Much gratitude to Janelle Lassalle & catapult magazine for this in-depth feature!
Much gratitude to Janelle Lassalle & catapult magazine for this in-depth feature!
22 great California wine, beer and cocktail events
in December and beyond
By Lisa Herendeen
November 25, 2018
"Free Range Flower Winery Holiday and RoseHybiscus Launch Party: Dec. 8... Winemaker Aaliyah Nitoto will be introducing the first batch of RoseHybiscus."
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Many thanks to Lisa Herendeen & the Mercury News for including us in 2018's Top Holiday Wine Event picks!
Many thanks to Lisa Herendeen & the Mercury News for including us in 2018's Top Holiday Wine Event picks!
This Oakland winery makes bottles
with hibiscus, rose, and lavender flowers
By Alix Wall
November 19, 2018
"Free Range Flower Wines are incredibly drinkable, maybe even to non-wine drinkers. The lavender wine, made with organic lavender flowers and lemons, reminded me of what champagne might taste like with a bit of Elderflower in it, as it’s sparkling but not as sparkling as champagne and seemed like it could easily replace a sparkling rosé.... The lavender flavor is not overpowering, and hits the back palate just at the finish, with some faint notes of citrus."
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Thank you to Alix Wall & Berkeleyside for this Nosh feature story!
Thank you to Alix Wall & Berkeleyside for this Nosh feature story!
Hard Knock Radio Q&A
with winemaker Aaliyah Nitoto
By Davey D.
November 16, 2018
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Thank you Davey D. & KPFA for the opportunity to tell our story to your Hard Knock Radio listeners!
Thank you Davey D. & KPFA for the opportunity to tell our story to your Hard Knock Radio listeners!
Flowery Wine
By Anneli Rufus
September 2018
"Oakland's Free Range Flower Winery makes wine from flowers, not grapes.... a naturally effervescent lavender wine, 'L,' made from local organic lavender flowers and lemons."
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Thank you to Anneli Rufus & The Monthly for the Feast Bay write-up!
Thank you to Anneli Rufus & The Monthly for the Feast Bay write-up!
Is Flower Wine Ready for PrimeTime?
Free Range Flower Winery Aims to Find Out!
By Martin D. Redmond
August 15, 2018
"Tasting notes: Trying something deliciously different tonight.... It’s pale pink with floral, candied lemon, licorice and raspberry hard candy aromas. On the palate, it’s off dry, and fresh with candied raspberry, citrus, red licorice and a bit of juniper. It was great paired with an app of @cypressgrovers Purple Haze (Chèvre with lavender and fennel pollen) and citrus cured smoked salmon!"
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Thank you Martin Redmond for the blog feature and tasty review!
Thank you Martin Redmond for the blog feature and tasty review!
Oakland's Free Range Flower Winery Plans Takeover Party
This wine is made locally with flowers — not grapes
By Anneli Star Josselin Rufus
August 14, 2018
"The first-ever batch of 'L' sold out at the winery's launch party in Uptown recently. Subsequent demand has been so fervent that Free Range Flower Winery has since doubled its production capacity."
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Thank you Anneli Rufus & Oakland Magazine's East Bay 365 blog for the "L" Batch #2 Party preview!
Thank you Anneli Rufus & Oakland Magazine's East Bay 365 blog for the "L" Batch #2 Party preview!
Cheers! Oakland boutique winery
splashes on scene with lavender libation
By Cornell Barnard
July 10, 2018
"The Bay Area's food and wine scene is, of course, world-class and often pretty innovative. A new Oakland winery is producing a vintage like no other where flowers -- not grapes -- are the star of the bottle."
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Many thanks to Cornell Barnard, Andrew Shepherd, Dan Ashley & the whole ABC7 news crew for this sweet local TV spot!
Many thanks to Cornell Barnard, Andrew Shepherd, Dan Ashley & the whole ABC7 news crew for this sweet local TV spot!
Free Range Flower Winery
Brings Lavender Wine
to Oakland
By Momo Chang
July 10, 2018
"Something missing from the Bay Area food and drink scene — not a flower-infused drink, but wine actually made by fermenting flowers... a one-of-a-kind concept: small-batch wine... made with locally and organically grown lavender and lemons. It’s best compared to a sparkling rosé, with complex flavors and a subtle sweetness. But it’s unlike anything most folks have tasted before.... The effervescent wine pairs well with brunch foods and savory dishes."
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Thank you to Momo Chang & the East Bay Express for our first local media shout-out!
Thank you to Momo Chang & the East Bay Express for our first local media shout-out!
