One Year Later, but Really Two
March 27th, 2023: Slouch Hat Wines 2022 As You Were Sauvignon Blanc was bottled. This is not where the story of Slouch Hat began (that would be roughly a year prior when I began exploring what it would take to launch my own wine brand). However, this was the moment all that planning became a reality. It seems like a great moment to pause for reflection, learn from mistakes, and then continue to slow march forward. Let’s quickly reflect on what’s happened this past year and the outlook going forward.
Since the first bottling of the As You Were Sauvignon Blanc, we’ve bottled our first vintage of Parade Rest Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre (GSM). Both of these wines were picked up by a distributor in Arkansas and have recently been picked up by three other states, but I’m still keeping those hush hush until they are actually in the market. We also launched our online store where customers in 40 states can have our wines delivered directly to their doorsteps! That’s given many people who have asked to try but live in states where we haven’t found distributors yet the ability to try our wines.
While we continue to sell these 2022 vintages, we recently bottled our 2023 As You Were Sauvignon Blanc and are close to doing a final blending trial of the 2023 Parade Rest GSM. In addition, we are adding a Pinot Noir that I am very excited to release! Both the 2023 Parade Rest GSM and 2023 Fall Out Pinot Noir should be on the market in the first half of 2025. Seems like forever away. Thank God my mom has prayed for my patience the past 30 years.
What’s the outlook for 2024? At a minimum three new states will be announced with a handful more sitting at what seems like the precipice of giving us the nod. With the additions of new states my travel schedule is getting filled up. Our mission is to bring the serenity of the vineyard to wherever you open a bottle. Therefore, we believe strongly in the impact of meeting our customers where they are rather than asking any of you to spend thousands to travel to us. We can’t be everywhere though so this year we are investing heavily in producing top quality social media content and spending on ads so at least we’ll be there with you while you scroll on the toilet, when you’re avoiding sleep, and when you’re procrastinating at work. Finally, we are finalizing grape contracts for the 2024 vintage, and I can say we are for sure making the As You Were Sauvignon Blanc, Parade Rest GSM, and Fall Out Pinot Noir again!
We can’t wait to share all the new vintages with each of you someday soon-ish. As we grow you can check out our website and search for stores/restaurants near you that carry Slouch Hat! If there aren’t any, you can check out the online store where you still get $10 flat rate shipping on 3 or more bottles. We appreciate everyone’s support!
M.P. Fowler
Owner & Chief Sloucher
Slouch Hat Wines
