BOARDMAN, Ohio – Youngstown has become part of Flavortown, now that Hunt & Ryde wines are available here.
Hunt & Ryde is the California winery that’s part of celebrity chef and Food Network star Guy Fieri’s product portfolio. It’s named for his sons, Hunter and Ryder.
Hunter’s brother. Ryder, 17, is still in high school.
Flavortown is a catchphrase for the “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” star, who operates over 170 Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Kitchen restaurants in 34 states.
Fieri’s oldest son, Hunter, was in town the week of Sept. 18, making appearances to get the word out about the wine’s rollout in the Youngstown market. The 27-year-old, who often appears with his father on “Diners,” plays a key role in the family business.
Hunter greeted wine buyers at the Giant Eagle in Boardman Sept. 22 as they purchased the two available Hunt & Ryde varieties: a chardonnay and a 2020 red blend.
Hunt & Ryde wines are now available in 15 states. They are made in partnership with Sonoma-based Davis Family Vineyards.
While wine has been part of the Guy Fieri brand for well over a decade, the company launched its retail push just two years ago.
After seeing how much their customers loved it, the Fieri family decided to offer it in retail stores, Hunter said. Some local restaurants also sell the wine by the glass, including Bistro 1907 in downtown Youngstown.
Hunt & Ryde wines are distributed in Ohio by Heidelberg Distributing Co. of Dayton.
The two Hunt & Ryde wines available at Giant Eagle have unique flavor profiles, according to Hunter.
“The chardonnay is not your typical California chardonnay,” he said. “It’s not super buttery, and not very oaky. It’s a little less viscous. It’s crisp; it’s fruity; it’s light. There’s a little hint of oak in there. I’m not even a chardonnay drinker, but I love it.”
The red blend also has its own personality. “The red is not too heavy. Its body is not big,” Hunter said. “It gets a good punch from the zinfandel in it. It pairs well with so many dishes. It goes great with everything, and it’s a great daily drinker.”
Pictured at top: Hunter Fieri’s image adorns a marketing banner for Hunt & Ryde wines.