Wine Spritzers: The Making of Drift Line’s Debut Product
Learning from the Tasting Room
Years in the tasting room at our family’s winery, Seven Hawks Vineyards, taught us something important: many people enjoy wine but feel intimidated by it. The unspoken rules around flavor notes and terminology left some feeling excluded.
We saw an opportunity to lower those barriers. We first explored sparkling wines, thinking bubbles might make wine more approachable. While the wines were well-received, people still felt they were meant for a special occasion. We realized we had to go further.
Drift Line was our way of creating wine in a format that was mobile, social, and unpretentious—something that fit in a cooler or backpack. This balance of refinement and approachability is part of who we are as Minnesotans. We value creativity without pretense, and are just as comfortable enjoying fine dining as we are fishing off the dock in a favorite pair of old blue jeans. That mix became the foundation for Driftline’s first products, a line of flavorful wine spritzers.
Discovering the Power of Spritzers
Spritzers changed everything. Mixing wine with soda or tonic water created something light, refreshing, and fun. Guests loved them. For us, this was the breakthrough. Spritzers had portability, lifestyle appeal, and a casual-yet-refined balance—wine without intimidation.
From Idea to Execution
Once the spritzer concept clicked, we sourced wines from Washington state with the right flavor profile for our proprietary recipes. Because making our spritzers easy to take anywhere was essential, we explored building a canning line but instead decided to partner locally with Sociable Cider Werks in Minneapolis. With those items in place we were ready to bring Drift Line’s first products to market.
Crafting the Flavors
- Elderflower Grapefruit White Wine Spritzer
Inspired by a favorite cocktail recipe featuring gin, St. Germain, and grapefruit sparkling water, this flavor became Driftline’s anchor. Balancing the delicate, perfumed notes of elderflower with the sharpness of grapefruit, we played with sweetness levels, acidity and carbonation to create the perfect combination that’s crisp, fragrant, and refreshing—the essence of Driftline. - Peach Ginger White Wine Spritzer
For years, many of our best white wines carried natural peach notes, so we knew that was a great starting point, for a smooth flavor people love. Adding ginger brought warmth and a zesty finish, transforming it from just “peach,” to peach with personality. The balance of freshness and spice made it approachable yet creative. - Cherry Blossom Yuzu Rosé Spritzer
For our first rosé spritzer, we wanted something floral and different. We experimented with several types of berries, until something special captured our imagination — cherry blossom. We leaned into cherry blossom’s Japanese heritage and paired it with yuzu, a bright, aromatic citrus that’s trending, but still fresh to many people. Together, they created a flavor that’s elevated yet playful. - Lingonberry Rosé Spritzer
Lingonberry is a staple in Scandinavian cultures, so this flavor is a nod to our Minnesota and Wisconsin roots. Having worked with cranberry before in winemaking, we knew that tart red fruits are a great fit with wine, and the lingonberry provides tartness with a smooth edge. Bold, refreshing, and regionally authentic, it connects Driftline to our heritage while introducing something new to others.
Looking Ahead
Drift Line is just beginning. These four spritzers—two white wine, two rosé—form Driftline’s debut release. We’ll keep experimenting, testing seasonal releases, and letting our community help shape what comes next. Because at its core, Drift Line isn’t just about spritzers. It’s about creating a beverage company people feel connected to — elevated but approachable beverages, ready for any fridge, cooler, or cupholder.
Sip with Us Now & Stay Tuned for What’s Ahead
Drift Line Wine Spritzers are currently sold exclusively at the Seven Hawks Vineyard Tasting Room, with distribution throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin coming soon. Sign up for our newsletter to get updates on distribution, and follow along on Instagram @driftlinebeverage for new flavors, events, and lake day energy all year long.