Guy Fieri Wines Pour into Valley with Push from His Son
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.
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, has been in town this week, 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.
His brother Ryder, 17, is still in high school.
Hunter greeted wine buyers at the Giant Eagle in Boardman Friday morning 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.
“It was only in our restaurants,” Hunter said.
After seeing how much their customers loved it, the Fieri family decided to offer it in retail stores. Some local restaurants also sell the wine by the glass, including Bistro 1907 in downtown Youngstown.
Hunt & Ryde wines can also be purchased online at huntrydewinery.com. The website features recipes that pair well with the wines.
Hunt & Ryde wines are distributed in Ohio by Heidelberg Distributing Co. of Dayton.
The Buckeye State is special to the Fieri family. Guy Fieri was born in Columbus and spent part of his childhood there.
“We still have tons of family there,” Hunter said, adding the Youngstown area gave him a warm welcome this week.
“People are so stoked that we’re here,” he said. “Everyone’s calling to find out when and where we’ll be [so they can come out to meet me].”
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: A banner featuring Hunter Fieri.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
