SANTA ROSA - Finally, middle siblings are getting the recognition they deserve. August 12 is National Middle Child Day and what better wine to celebrate with than the original wine dedicated to Middle Sisters everywhere! Middle Sister wines from California are toasting to their own 10th Anniversary all year long. Created in 2008 by wine entrepreneur and now President of Vintage Wines Estates Terry Wheatley, the wine is a homage to the Middle Sister.
"I was inspired by my closest family friends who had a middle daughter with a very original personality. She zigged when the others zagged, broke out of pre-school to order lunch at the local diner, believed you could never have too many colors in your hair, and basically dances through life as the ultimate free spirit," explained Wheatley. "She inspired me to make this wine."
Aside from the unusual name, Middle Sister wines were the first wines to feature a cartoon figure on the label and were early adopters of social media to build the brand. Led by the leader of the Middle Sisters, Rebel Red (a red wine blend from California), she sets the tone with her snarky attitude and meme-able sayings. Her sisters include Drama Queen Pinot Grigio, Sweet and Sassy Moscato, Mischief Maker Cabernet Sauvignon, Smarty Pants Chardonnay, Surfer Chick Sauvignon Blanc, Forever Cool Merlot and Goodie Two Shoes Pinot Noir.
To toast Middle Sister's 10th birthday year, a special label has a hidden surprise. Through a temperature-sensitive printing process, a birthday cake, balloons, streamers and confetti, and a birthday message magically appears on the label when a bottle of Middle Sister Sweet & Sassy Moscato is chilled. Middle Sister Sweet & Sassy is America's top-selling domestic Moscato.
"Middle Sister wines have always been a conversation starter and people enjoy matching their personality with the Middle Sister on the label," commented Wheatley. "This is just another way we encourage sisters and friends to have fun with the wine experience."
What might have come and gone as a novelty wine, Middle Sister garnered a fiercely loyal following, supported by quality in the bottle thanks to the winemaking skills of award-winning winemaker Nancy Walker, herself a middle sister. Middle Sister wines give back to causes women care about, including Angels Share, supporting local food banks, Heart of the Vine, providing emergency wildfire relief and a scholarship for women pursuing an advanced degree in wine business management. Ten years on, Middle Sister wines are going strong—available at wine retailers nationally and on-line at a suggested retail price of $12.00. www.middlesisterwines.com
