Where can I buy Girl Meets Dirt wines in person?
At our headquarters and shop in the hamlet of Eastsound on Orcas Island as well as seasonal Orcas Island Farmers Markets. For more information visit our Tasting Room page here.
Do you offer wholesale?
Due to very small production we offer wholesale opportunities for our wine releases on a limited basis. Please email us to inquire; we’d love to consider. We do have a broad wholesale program for our jams, shrubs & bitters. For more information on that, please visit www.girlmeetsdirt.com.
What is a pét-nat?
Pét-nat is an abbreviation for “pétillant naturel” – a French term that roughly translates to “naturally sparkling.” Also known as méthode ancestral, it is known as the oldest way of making sparkling wine, and by definition, is all-natural. A wilder version of Champagne, which employs the traditional method, pét-nats are bottled before the primary fermentation is complete – allowing the yeasts to enjoy the residual sugars of the juice and release CO2 as a byproduct. Trapped in the bottle, this creates a marvelous natural effervescence (no carbonation here!).
Is your wine “natural”?
As natural as it gets. It’s important to us to approach winemaking as hands off as possible, which to us, means naturally, with minimal intervention. Our wines are uninoculated: we only use native/spontaneous fermentation and do not add any cultivated or added yeasts, and certainly no chemicals. We do not filter or fine our wines, add color or other enhancements, use climate control, or add sulfur in any amount. All sulfites in our wine are a naturally occurring byproduct of fermentation. The only addition to our wines other than the fruit was Orcas mineral water and Northwest honey to our Piquette. Our wines are a pure expression of place.
Is your wine “organic”?
Nearly all of our orchards are farmed using organic and/or biodynamic practices. Very few are certified organic given the financial constraints to doing so in such a small island community. There is an ethic of organic and non-gmo cultivation within the islands that we rely heavily upon.
Do you add sulfites?
No. The sulfites in our wine are a naturally occurring byproduct of fermentation.
How should I store your wine once it arrives?
Our wine is raw and alive; this requires extra attention. Please thoroughly chill for at least 24 hours after shipping and allow the wine to settle upright. Chilling upright ‘chills’ out the bubbles and will allow the natural sediment (lees) to settle on the bottom of the bottle for easing pouring. Don’t shake your wine. Open carefully – we recommend working the seal open just slightly first to let the gas release slowly – and then removing the cap fully once it is settled. If storing longer term, please keep in a temperature controlled cool space like a cellar or refrigerator.
How long will your wine last?
Natural wine can be unpredictable if it is not protected by added sulfites, which we eschew. However, we’ve kept tasting our inaugural 2021 vintages and are extremely proud of how they’re holding up- and aging beautifully - a testament to our very careful and intentional winemaking. If you can get your hands on one, or hold off drinking your bottles that long, you won’t be disappointed.
Why is there sediment at the bottom of my bottle/why is my wine cloudy?
We make natural unfiltered wine. The sediment is the natural byproduct of native yeast consuming the sugars in the fruit and called ‘lees’ (the yeast eat the sugars and release lees and carbon dioxide aka bubbles). We find leaving in the lees adds body and flavor to the wine, particularly over time. Settle upright before serving to keep the lees happy at the bottom of your bottle. If you prefer more clarity, our Queens Cuvée has been riddled and disgorged and has the least amount of lees.
Why is shipping so expensive?
We want you to receive your wines in the best condition possible. We offer competitive shipping rates, but shipping wine can still be expensive for a multitude of reasons:
There are complex laws in shipping wine direct to consumer that vary across states
Most shipping companies charge by weight and boxes filled with wine can be quite heavy
Adult signatures are required by law upon delivery of wine and other alcohol, and shipping companies charge extra for the service
Wine is a living product and is sensitive to sunlight and extreme temperatures. We do our best to time our shipments depending on weather situations across the country.
Why can’t you ship to my state?
We can only ship to the states where we are licensed - please see our Shipping page for updates. Some states don’t allow shipping directly to a consumer instead of a business. We are in the process of adding several states to our roster but this takes time. We’d love to hear from you if you want us to ship to you and your state is not represented. Please email us at cheers@winesbygirlmeetsdirt.com with any questions and requests.
Do you offer local delivery/pickup?
We encourage you to order your wines online and select ‘Local Pickup’ upon checkout. We will have your package ready for you to pick up in our Eastsound shop during regular business hours. Please call or email in advance to ensure it is ready for you on the date you’d like to come.
