Maker Stories

Wine guides, winemaker stories, and behind-the-scenes at Maker.

Our top picks

Meet the Maker

The Analytical Artist: Meet Rogelio Alvarado of Dancing Crow

Rogelio Alvarado hates the spotlight — he just wants to make really good wine that people actually want to drink. Learn about Rogelio's Sancerre-style Sauvignon Blanc, a California wine with a French accent.

Wine School

Sustainability Smackdown: Is Canned Wine or Bottled Wine Better for the Environment?

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maker blog about bottle vs cans

Wine School

Guide: How Many Glasses of Wine in a Bottle vs. Can

Curious how many glasses of wine are in a bottle? What about a can? Learn the recommended serving size of a glass and what that means for servings in a bottle.

Women-Owned Wineries Header Image: Camins 2 Dreams Founders

Wine Guides

13 Women-Owned Wineries and Tasting Rooms To Visit

Celebrate Women’s History Month all year round by adding these amazing women-owned wineries and tasting rooms to your next California wine country trip.

Wine School

Sauvignon Blanc: From Sancerre to Sauvy B | A Modern Guide

From Sancerre wine to Lake County cuvée — flavor, regions, food pairings, and a fresh California expression from Maker x Dancing Crow.

Theopolis Founder Theodoro R. Lee

Wine Guides

Wine Guide: 10 Black Owned Wineries We Love

We’re celebrating Black winemakers across our home state by giving you the low-down on 10 Black-owned wineries you just can’t miss.

Winemaker Rogelio Alvarado in the vines at Dancing Crow Vineyards

Meet the Maker

The Analytical Artist: Meet Rogelio Alvarado of Dancing Crow

Rogelio Alvarado hates the spotlight — he just wants to make really good wine that people actually want to drink. Learn about Rogelio's Sancerre-style Sauvignon Blanc, a California wine with a French accent.

United x Maker Anniversary Can Brut Bubbles

Start-up Life

Cheers to 100 Years: Maker Wine x United Airlines

Crafted in celebration of United’s 100th year, this French Rhône–style bubbly is crisp, refreshing, and made for high-flying toasts.

5 maker cans with glass of white wine on blue background

Wine School

How Much Sugar is in Wine? Your Low Sugar Wine Guide

Confused about sugar in wine? Discover how to identify low sugar options, what "dry" really means, and why choosing the right producer makes all the difference.

Infographic with photos of 15 best gifts for wine lovers

Wine Guides

Holiday Guide: The 15 Best Gifts for Wine Lovers in 2025

Pour a glass and light a fire. These wine-lover-approved gifts are sure to get the holidays in full swing – and slight slur.

Two advent calendar boxes. The first shows the twelve days that can be opened to reveal cans of wine, while the other shows the "12 Days of Canned Wine" title. Three cans of wine sit next to the boxes.

Wine Guides

Maker's 12 Days of Canned Wine Advent Calendar

It’s the most wine-derful time of the year! Learn more about our 12 Days of Canned Wine Advent Calendar and the special wines inside.

Wine School

Wine 101: All All About Grenache

A deep dive into Grenache: where it’s from, what it tastes like, and why winemakers (and wine drinkers) can’t get enough of it.

An overhead shot of the advent calendar packaging, with two holes torn open revealing cans of wine, as well as a ribbon, scissors, and another two cans laying next to the packaging.

Wine Guides

The Joy and Allure of Wine Advent Calendars

It's almost the time of year... wine advent calendar time! With fall right around the corner, we're already thinking about our 12 Days of Canned Wine Advent Calendar. Learn what makes it such a great gift.

Wine School

Wine 101: What Is Sparkling Wine? A No-Fluff Guide to Bubbles, Brut, and Beyond

Learn what sparkling wine is, how it's made, and how it differs from Champagne—plus brut, pét-nat, sparkling rosé, sparkling red wine, and more.

orange vermentino wine with three cans

Wine School

Wine 101: What is Orange Wine?

Everything you need to know about the world’s new favorite wine color, and where to find a fantastic natural orange wine. (Spoiler alert: We have one.)

Wine School

What is Rosé Wine and What Makes It So Irresistible

The world of rosé wine is an ever-evolving canvas of colors, aromas, and flavors – learn more about how it's made and what's special about the rosé wines in Maker's lineup.

The house at Remy Wines Winery, featuring an LGBTQ+ flag flying from the deck.

Wine Guides

9 LGBTQ+ Winemakers You Need On Your Radar

The LGBTQ+ community has always shaped our culture, and wine is no exception. Take a look at eight of our favorite queer makers representing excellence – and pride – from coast to coast.

Maker Cab Pfeffer and Chocolate

Wine School

Sugar Free Red Wine Guide: How to Shop High Quality, Low Sugar Wines

Love red wine, but want to avoid a sugar crash? Which wines are low in sugar? What is dry red wine? Here's your guide to finding high-quality, zero sugar dry red wine — plus what to watch for when you shop.

Janell Dusi, founder and winemaker at J Dusi, with her signature blue truck.

Meet the Maker

The Zin Queen Branches Out: Janell Dusi’s Paso Robles Evolution

Fourth-generation winemaker Janell Dusi taps into her Paso Robles roots and native fermentation know-how to craft a bold, silky red blend of Sangiovese, Barbera, and Cab—her most expressive wine yet.

White Claw can and wine glass

Wine School

White Claw vs. Wine – Compare Calories and ABV

When it comes to flavor, soul, and yep, even White Claw's calories — wine’s still got it, baby.

The sugar free Maker Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, cover photo for the keto wine guide

Wine School

Is Wine Keto? Let’s Talk Low Sugar, Low Carb Wine

Looking for keto friendly, sugar-free, low carb wines? Read this keto wine guide first.

winemaker gianna pouring wine from can to glass in vineyard

Wine School

Low Calorie Wine 101: Sip Smart with these Wines

Discover the world of high quality, naturally low calorie wines that bring the party to your palate without the guilt. From zesty, zero sugar Sauvignon Blancs to alluring Pinot Noirs, here's how to find low calorie wine that's actually good.

Blog single serve blog, red wine can with glass of red wine

Wine School

Single-Serve Wine: Embracing Convenience and Quality in a Can

Looking for a convenient way to enjoy a glass of wine without the fuss? In our humble opinion, cans are it. Learn more about single-serve wine options and serving size.

three cans of orange vermentino with glass orange wine

Wine School

Natty Wine 101: What is Natural Wine?

We're diving deep into what makes natural wine so natty – in a good way. Learn how it's made and why you should try some.

Illustrations of orange leaves and shapes with text reading "turkey, wine, feeling fine"

Wine Guides

3 Best Wines for Turkey Dinner

The best wines for turkey dinner are dry and bright with fruity or buttery notes. Learn more about our top picks for Thanksgiving – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel.

Nicole in her vineyard

Meet the Maker

Nicole Walsh: A Santa Cruz Surfer Making Big Waves in Wine

Nicole Walsh of Ser Winery is making a splash crafting super rare wines from rugged coastal terrain.

two cans of Ser Winery bubbly red with a glass of red wine

Meet the Maker

The Cool Climate Wine Queen Delivers Our First Bubbly Red

Nicole Walsh brought us seven gold medal wines. Now she's back with a brand new winner: Maker's first sparkling red.

Terah Bajjalieh Terah Wine Co holding wine bottle and can of orange wine, photo by Alison Rae Photography

Meet the Maker

Terah Wine Co: One natural-born winemaker, two crazy-amazing natural wines.

It’s our most natural partnership yet. Terah Bajjalieh from Terah Wine Co. is making space for women in male-dominated space, and putting natty wine on the map in a major way.

three cans of white blend on a yellow background with wine glass

Meet the Maker

For the love of the grape: Meet Miguel of Lepe Cellars

Miguel didn’t try his first sip of wine until he’d already uprooted his life to pursue a degree in Viticulture at Cal Poly. Um, pardon?

A view of Valle de Guadalupe valley, a wine region in Mexico

Wine Guides

Valle De Guadalupe: A Weekend Guide to Mexican Wine Country

A weekend guide to Valled de Guadalupe, one of the hottest up-and-coming wine tasting regions. Go now before it blows up.

Image of Maker Wine Founder Sarah Hoffman

Start-up Life

AMA with Maker Wine CEO

Maker Wine CEO and co-founder, Sarah Hoffman, answers Can Fam questions during a happy hour on the Wine Line.

Maker Wine and Trader Joe's Recipe Pairings, three images and text

Wine School

Trader Joe's Wine and Food Pairings

Love Trader Joe's? Wine? Both? We've got three cheesy, gooey recipes featuring some Trader Joe's favorites paired with Maker canned wines.

Vegan wine blog header image with four cans of maker wine

Wine School

The Ins and Outs of Vegan Wine

What makes wine vegan and where can you find them? We answer all your vegan wine question below.

Blog low carb wine header image, two cans of maker wine

Wine School

Sip Smartly: Unraveling Low Carb Wine

Not all wines are created equal. Learn what makes wines low-carb so you can sip smarter.

blog about sulfites, single can of maker wine

Wine School

Contains Sulfites: Cool, So, What Are Sulfites in Wine?

Curious about sulfites in your wine? You're not alone. Let’s unpack the role of sulfites in preserving the taste and quality of your beloved vintages.

five maker wine cans with hand

Wine Guides

Which Maker Wine is Your Sign?

This one’s for our astrology squad – find the wine for your sign. 🔮

Martin Bernal Hafner standing in vineyard

Meet the Maker

Nurturing Nature: The Science and Magic of Alta Orsa Wine

Pairing science with wonder, Alta Orsa’s 2022 Chardonnay is what Maker, Nate from Ted Lasso, and Grans alike would all call “divine.”

Lieu Dit winemaker in a row of grapevines looking at grapes

Meet the Maker

If Goldilocks Drank Sauvignon Blanc, It Would Be From Lieu Dit

Lieu Dit is giving Sauvignon Blanc a permanent place at the table, on the beach, or anywhere you please.

Infographic with photos of gifts from female and minority owned brands

Wine Guides

Gift Guide: The Best Gifts from Female and Black-Owned Brands

Looking for gifts that give back? Celebrate the most wine-derful time of the year with the best gifts from female and black-owned businesses.

a photo of the natural beauty of Gilbert cellars in Yakima Valley.

Meet the Maker

An Exclusive Q&A with Gilbert Cellars: Local Legends in Washington’s Yakima Valley

Maker sits down with Gloria Gilbert and Laura Rankin Schlect of Gilbert Cellars to get the full story on their family’s legacy, what makes Washington wine so unique, and what you can expect from our Cab Blend collab.

Oak barrels holding Chardonnay.

Wine School

Oaked vs. Unoaked Chardonnay - Let's Talk Buttery Chard

New Chard, who's this? We break down the difference between oaked and unoaked Chardonnay, and give a sneak peek of what to expect from Maker's new (nice and balanced) Chard.

Tara and Mireia of Camins 2 Dreams holding the Maker Albarino for the first time!

Meet the Maker

Tara Gomez and Mireia TaribĂł: Crafting Natural Wines from Catalonia to California

Meet Tara and Mireia, the wife and wife winemaking duo of Camins 2 Dreams bringing the first natty wine to the Maker fam.

Charlie and Gloria Gilbert

Meet the Maker

Gilbert Cellars: Putting Yakima Valley Pride on the Map with Cabernet Blend

Meet the Gilberts. Farming and exploring Washington for over 100 years, they put Yakima Valley on the map. Now, they’re putting it in a glass.

Canned wine and Bottled Wine go head to head.

Wine School

Sustainability Smackdown: Is Canned Wine or Bottled Wine Better for the Environment?

Lighter in your hand and on the planet, aluminum wins any way you pour it.

Proxy Molly Lippit in Tank

Meet the Maker

Molly Lippitt: The Scientist Doing Big Things For Small Batch Wines

Winemaker by day…winemaker by night? Molly Lippitt is a Grenache Blanc connoisseur committed to the fact that wine is a joy — not a job.

Gianna Fugazi on canning day with Verdelho

Meet the Maker

Gianna Fugazi: Crafting Worldly Wines for the Wandering Soul

Exotic grapes. Tiny vineyards. Big Ideas. Gianna of Wander-Must Wines is a lifelong explorer with a passion for experimental wines that connect people with the world.

Maker cans traveling across the United States!

Start-up Life

Premium Canned Wine, Nationwide

We're announcing our nationwide launch! Shout it from the rooftops — Maker is now shipping premium canned wine from coast-to-coast.

Sensorio Paso Robles

Wine Guides

Guide: The Best Paso Robles Wineries and Restaurants to Visit Now

Tractor-lined roads, world-class Zinfandel, and some not-to-miss dives? Sold. Here’s your Paso Robles wineries guide to make the best of a weekend in this charming town.

Janell Dusi, founder and winemaker at J Dusi, with her signature blue truck.

Meet the Maker

Janell Dusi: Small Town Farmer's Daughter Turned World Class Paso Robles Winemaker

Grapevines were Janell’s playground as a child — now, she’s bringing a new perspective to the family farming tradition by putting Paso Robles Zinfandel in a can.

Drive from SF to Sonoma

Wine Guides

Marin County Guide: An Epic Day Trip to Sausalito and Mill Valley

The ultimate guide to things to do, restaurants, and the best places to visit in Sausalito and Mill Valley, just north of San Francisco.

Tasting reds at Ser Winery in Aptos Village

Wine Guides

The Urban Walking Guide to Santa Cruz Wineries

The Santa Cruz Wine Guide: A day trip itinerary to sip and see the sights in our favorite seaside city.

Alyssa At-Home Virtual Wine Tasting

Wine Guides

Your Wine Tasting At Home Guide

Sit back, relax, and crack a can with your crew. Alyssa, a sommelier for Maker, will take you through a virtual at-home wine tasting.

Ian Devereux White playing guitar

Meet the Maker

Ian Devereux: The Rock & Roll Winemaker That'll Change Your Mind About Merlot

Musician turned journalist turned winemaker – Ian Devereux White is the contrarian vintner behind Maker's first Merlot.

Maker founders Sarah and Kendra tasting wines

Start-up Life

How We Pick Our Wines

A behind-the-scenes look at how we go about choosing which wines to can at Maker (spoiler: it’s not just countless hours of wine tasting).

Anderson Valley Wine Guide: A Weekend in Mendocino’s Wine Country feat. Handey Cellars

Wine Guides

Anderson Valley Wineries: A Weekend Guide to Mendocino Wine Country

Redwoods to gawk at, world class Pinot Noir to sip; a getaway to visit Anderson Valley wineries in Mendocino is the perfect weekend trip.

Maker canned wine for the holidays

Wine Guides

Holiday Guide: The 20 Best Gifts For Winos in 2020

Joy to the world, your wino gift guide is here! Pour some wine, throw on the Michael Bublé Christmas album, and get shopping.

Your Winter Wine Pairing Guide

Wine School

Your Winter Wine Pairing Guide

With winter around the corner, it’s time to start making your own fun. Here’s a guide to a cozy soiree, complete with tasting notes and food pairings.

Talk-the-talk: A Wine Glossary for Beginners

Wine School

Talk-the-talk: A Wine Glossary for Beginners

The vino lingo you need to walk-the-walk and talk-the-talk while wine tasting or cracking a can with friends.

5 Steps to Throwing a Fabulous Virtual Happy Hour

Wine School

5 Steps to Throwing a Fabulous Virtual Happy Hour

Virtual offsites and corporate happy hours shouldn’t feel like just another meeting. Here’s a fresh take on how to spice them up.

Milla Handley of Handley Cellars

Meet the Maker

Handley Cellars: Viva La Matriarchy

Meet Lulu and Randy, the duo working together to craft premium Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris and carry on Milla Handley’s legacy in Anderson Valley.

A cover image for "Dropping Data on Canned Wine, a Consumer Behavior Report 2020 by The Wine Nerd and Maker Wine"

Wine School

The 2020 Canned Wine Report

The Wine Nerd and Maker teamed up to drop some data on canned wine.

Alice Sutro sitting with a bottle of wine in her vineyard

Meet the Maker

Creating Canbernet: The Sutro Story

Meet Alice Sutro, a free thinker, free spirit, and freehand artist, who also produces award-winning wines.

Women Owned Wineries Post: Ser Tasting Room Photo

Wine School

Wine Certification Guide: So You Want to be a Somm

Certified Sommelier and Stanford Wine Circle prez Emma Wood spills how to pick the right wine certification program for you.

Wine presents under the tree.

Wine Guides

Holiday Gift Guide: The 10 Best Gifts for Wine Lovers

Pour yourself a glass and let's get shopping - it's the ultimate wine gift guide.

Colleen Sullivan pouring wine from her barrel

Meet the Maker

Winery Spotlight: Revolution Wines

Colleen Sullivan is a spunky, 20-something winemaker on a mission to put Clarksburg Chenin Blanc on the map.

Campovida Wines and Maker Founders Cheers in Hopland

Meet the Maker

Winery Spotlight: Campovida Wines

Anna and Gary kicked their corporate jobs, cashed in their 401ks, and took a chance on 50 acres of wild vines.

5 cans of wine with a glass of white wine

Wine School

Canned Wine FAQs

Everything you’ve always wanted to ask about wine in a can.

Sarah and Kendra canning chenin

Start-up Life

The Making of Maker: Yes, We Canned

The story of why we became obsessed with building a canned wine company that would support premium wine from independent producers — sans the snobbery.